Speech by Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, at the National Education Robotics Competition, on Thursday, 17 November 2005, at 10.00am, at Singapore Polytechnic, T1A

Speech by Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, at the National Education Robotics Competition, on Thursday, 17 November 2005, at 10.00am, at Singapore Polytechnic, T1A – CONCOURSE A & B

Principal of Singapore Polytechnic, Mr Low Wong Fook

Distinguished Guests

Students

Good morning

Introduction

1. I am pleased to be here today to officiate at the opening of the National Education Robotics Competition (NERC) 2005. This competition has been made possible by the collaboration between Trinity College USA Connecticut, Creative Robotics and the Harriet Educational Group.

Seize the opportunities of the Robotics Age

2. Robotics technology has taken a quantum leap, with advancements in microelectronics, micro-mechanics and software technology. The lowering of both hardware and software costs has made the use of robots more attractive and widespread in the various industries. This is the right timing for all our young enthusiasts here to tap into the learning and application of robotics technology. Our young must be encouraged to harness the power of technology and channel their creative energies for the pursuit of their interests, as well as the betterment of society. In an environment of friendly competition, we hope to leverage on each other’s strengths and to share in the collective learning journey.

3. The use of robotics exemplifies the Singapore Story well. The ingredients which spur the industry also drive Singapore forwards. Inventiveness, far-sightedness, the ability to overcome adversity by seizing opportunity, along with the tireless quest for excellence. These are qualities that we want to imbue in our young as they strive to make the best of the talents they have. The technological revolution of the knowledge-based economy has shown that we are only bound by the limits of our human imagination. Our students must learn to master this new world before them, and to exploit the many niches in order to stay ahead.

springboard for ideas

4. Today marks the launch of the very first NERC event. Talented and aspiring robotics innovators are gathered to showcase the fruits of their creative efforts, as well as to learn from the trial-and-error process of their counterparts. This event not only serves as a recognition of the labour and ingenuity of its participants, but also acts as a springboard for the cross-pollination of ideas.

Making National Education fun and accessible

5. NERC 2005 serves to increase the profile of robotics learning, as well as render National Education (NE) more accessible and fun for all participants. With the support of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Fire Prevention Council, the message of NE is presented in an interesting and engaging manner to students. The challenge these days is to relay NE lessons to our young in a way that they can easily relate to; one that is powerfully relevant to them. By tying up the pragmatics of robotics with the philosophy of National Education, the organisers aim to make this twin learning experience a more tangible and fruitful one for our students.

6. By advancing robotics technology, we also strive to increase the social awareness and responsibility of our young. Innovations are inspired by the desire to better living standards, to correct existing problems and to aid others. This is illustrated in the practical attempts of NERC 2005 to create a smart fire detector. We are all well-aware of the destructive capacity of fire. In order to avert its tragic occurrence, we must all play our part by keeping vigilant, as well as by keeping abreast of fire-prevention technologies. The technology you see today in the smart fire detector could well be in your home in a few years.

Conclusion

7. I would like to commend the organisers for making this event possible and giving our young robotics inventors and enthusiasts an opportunity to appreciate robotics learning in a fun and challenging way.

8. My thanks also to Singapore Polytechnic and its principal Mr Low, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Fire Prevention Council and Singapore Press Holdings for lending your support to make NERC 2005 a success.

9. Finally, I would like to congratulate all of the participants for the great effort that you have put in. Your hard work has paid off generously. Each of you is a winner in your own right. The experience, knowledge and technical expertise that you have acquired in preparation for the competition are valuable learning points that will continue to pay off as you build on what you have gained today.

10. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

11. Thank you.