A very good morning to Mr Peter Ho, Chairman,
Ms Tham Mun See, Chief Executive, Science Centre Board
Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls
1. Good morning, and it is a delight to see the Science Centre teeming with families, all coming here to enjoy the nation's birthday by immersing themselves in STEM; in the wonders of science. And I'm really delighted to join you here for the launch of the Science Centre Singapore's SG60 STEM Fiesta.
2. It's also our 60th National Day, and as we gather here today, it is also fitting that we celebrate the role of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - or STEM - in our nation's remarkable journey.
Singapore's STEM Journey & Science Centre Singapore
3. Over the last sixty years, Singapore has invested significantly in STEM education, in research, and in capability building. All of these investments have enabled us to innovate and turn the challenges presented by our small size and lack of natural resources into opportunities. So, use STEM, use research, use innovation, to turn limitations into opportunities, therefore transforming Singapore into the endearing home and distinctive global city that you see around us, despite the significant odds stacked against us.
4. Now, if you look around you, the impact of STEM is evident all around, from the helpful gadgets that we use in our daily lives, including the ubiquitous smartphone, to remarkable engineering feats that have reshaped our cityscape. Our Science Centre, an iconic institution in Singapore's STEM ecosystem, has been instrumental in bringing science closer to our community. And for generations, it has sparked curiosity, creativity, and learning in many Singaporeans who have walked through its doors, and I'm one of the beneficiaries too. As a young child and growing up into my teenage years, and now bringing my own children, not just to KidsSTOP, but to the Science Centre exhibits as well, to marvel in science and in the wonders of the world.
New Science Centre: A Centre for Singaporeans of All Ages
5. In 2014, you will remember that our former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had announced plans to develop a new Science Centre within the Jurong Lake District where we are in today. The vision was "to build something which is fun, educational and spectacular, to celebrate the ethos of our society, and reflect our curiosity about the world, our spirit of scientific inquiry, our quest and our restlessness to innovate and to improve."
6. This vision of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is steadily taking shape. Construction commenced last year, and the building is slated to be completed in 2027. In two years' time, we look forward to that new milestone.
7. This new Science Centre will remain true to its core mission of making science learning fun, accessible, and captivating for Singaporeans of all ages.
8. And with its large outdoor spaces and proximity to the Jurong Lake Gardens, the new Science Centre will reimagine STEM learning through immersive experiences that blend the beauty of nature with innovative exhibitions and programmes. This unique environment will create moments of discovery that will transform how we experience science.
9. With thoughtful placemaking, the new Science Centre will host spaces where our communities can participate actively in STEM experiences, transforming the Science Centre into a vibrant focal point for citizen science and community engagement.
Engaging the Community to Co-Create the New Science Centre
10. What will make the new Science Centre special is that it will be a place built by the community, for the community.
11. Since 2024, we have actively sought Singaporeans' views and suggestions through a variety of touchpoints – from the Jurong Central Estate Roadshow to the URA's Recreation Master Plan Roving Exhibition at Westgate – it has engaged more than 10,000 people.
12. Take 15-year-old Ms B. K. Sreeya from the Singapore Chinese Girls' School, for example. Captivated by the new Centre's lush, green surroundings, she envisions nature trails that will help raise awareness about environmental protection.
13. Now not just our students, but also our parents have contributed meaningful suggestions. Mr Heng Wee Boo, for example; he is a father of a daughter; he looks forward to the new Observatory, where families can explore the wonders of astronomy together.
14. You can still share your suggestions with us. Plans for the new Centre are being showcased at the Draft Master Plan Exhibition at the URA Centre. And very soon, the Roving Exhibition will come from URA Centre to Jurong Point, as well as Lot One from October to November. So please go to the Roving Exhibition, go to the new Science Centre exhibition showcase, and give us your ideas too.
15. Alternatively, you can share your ideas and shape the new Science Centre right here today at our STEM Fiesta. Visit the new Science Centre showcase, and contribute your feedback and your ideas for what you would like the new Science Centre to have within its space.
Closing
16. Back in 1977, at the opening of this Science Centre, our former Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Toh Chin Chye said: "The Centre is not confined to those with a background training in science. Young and old can enjoy themselves by browsing around and satisfy their curiosity on how things work and why human beings are what we are. It is all very exciting."
17. After nearly five decades, these words by Dr Toh Chin Chye still resonate and ring true, and I am glad to see so many diverse groups here with us today, and the groups and families continue to stream in. So for everyone who is here with us today, young and young-at-heart, I wish you an exciting and memorable time at STEM Fiesta, and once again, Happy National Day, Happy SG60!