Speech by SMS David Neo at School of Science and Technology, Singapore's Space Technology Centre Launch

Advancing STEM Education Through Space Technology

Prof Lim Seh Chun, Chairman of SST Board of Directors,
Mr Nick Chan, Principal of SST,
Distinguished guests,
Parents,
Students,

Introduction

1. A very good afternoon to all of you.

2. It is my pleasure to be here today at the School of Science and Technology for the launch of the Space Technology Centre.

3. Well over the past 16 years, SST has inspired students through innovative applied learning, strong industry partnerships, and a future-ready curriculum.

1. SST offers students learning experiences typically found in universities. It is one of only two secondary schools in Singapore with an observatory, and the only one with a dedicated amateur radio station for space or terrestrial communication .
2. This new Space Technology Centre reinforces SST's hands-on approach. It bridges classroom knowledge with real-world application and it will nurture talents to strengthen Singapore's position as an innovation and research hub.

The Importance of Space Technology

4. As a former board member of the Office of Space Technology and Industry – which was the precursor of the National Space Agency of Singapore – I am very glad to witness how the industry has grown over the years.

5. The very first satellite ground station on Sentosa was installed in 1971, and some of you might have seen recent news about the removal of the satellite earth stations from Bukit Timah, which goes to show how long they have come in their own journey. And our first communications satellite was launched in 1998. OSTIn was set up in 2013 to drive the development of small satellite capabilities, and its mandate was expanded in 2020 to develop Singapore's Space industry.

6. Through the years, we have nurtured deep tech companies, and it may be a little-known fact that one of them is called Aliena. It was founded by NTU graduate Dr Mark Lim in 2018. Aliena is an innovative space technology company that builds miniaturized Hall-effect thrusters for small satellites.

7. In the business of space, small satellites are very much preferred to big satellites, because they are faster to build, cheaper, and easier to launch. Its low cost also means we can launch a lot more of them into space for better performance and redundancy.

8. But small satellites also have problems, because they lack space, no pun intended, and power. And this is where Aliena's innovation pays off – by using electric and magnetic fields to accelerate ions and produce thrust. As there are very few mechanical parts, the company can produce tiny thrusters that require less than 10W to operate, which is less power than a fluorescent light bulb would consume. This is ideal for small satellites. Space is also a very, very harsh environment, so very few mechanical parts also mean less things to corrode, leading to longer life and better reliability.

9. With rapid development of space technologies through companies like Aliena and decreased launch costs, space has become an accessible frontier for nations and businesses worldwide.

1. The global space economy reached US$630 billion in 2023 and is projected to soar more than three times to US$1.8 trillion by 2035.
2. Singapore is well-placed to take advantage of the global momentum due to our investments over the years – a little-known fact is that we have successfully launched and operated more than 30 satellites over the years – and our strong STEM foundations. Which is why space technologies has been identified as an emerging tech area under the Government's ongoing Economic Strategy Review.

10. And we will invest in this emerging tech area through supporting Singapore companies like Aliena, and nurturing talent, like all our young students here, by giving students early exposure to space science and technology through authentic learning environments.

Space Technology Centre Fosters Integrated STEM Learning

11. Facilities like the Space Technology Centre allow students to use professional-grade equipment, explore STEM concepts through experimentation, and discover how engineering and technological advances can solve real-world problems.

1. Take for example Gavriel Chia, President of the school's Astronomy Club. He has been monitoring solar radio flux since receiving his radio licences in 2023 and 2024. With a permanent radio room in the new Space Technology Centre, Gavriel can now conduct sustained observations and deeper research.

12. The Space Technology Centre also connects with SST's specialised laboratories for AI, cybersecurity, applied research and engineering to form a comprehensive STEM engineering and learning ecosystem.

1. The Robotics, Automation and Engineering Laboratory, for example, benefits students like Aegon Cheung by allowing him to pursue his passion in electronics, engineering and robotics, where he can design and refine prototypes for self-initiated projects, including collaborations with overseas partners.

STEM Expertise and Future-Ready Competencies to Initiate Positive Change

13. Beyond mastering technical know-how, the facilities will also allow us to develop our students' 21st Century Competencies such as critical, adaptive and inventive thinking that will enable them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

1. To tackle pressing global issues, from food security to energy sustainability to pandemics, students will have to think across disciplines and apply knowledge creatively.
2. Or they could turn out to be like another Dr Mark Lim, and apply very innovative solutions like the Hall-effect to solve the problem of a lack of space and power on small satellites.
3. When students are given the platform and opportunities to inquire, to experiment and to test their ideas, they can come up with novel solutions to challenging problems.

14. This is especially vital as Singapore continuously expands into STEM sectors to remain globally competitive. I am confident that SST will continue to develop individuals who possess both deep STEM expertise and future-ready qualities that can create positive societal impact through science and technology.

Closing

15. In closing, I would like to thank and commend the SST leadership, educators and partners whose vision and dedication are nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. And certainly, all our parents for your nurturing efforts, love and care for our students as well.

16. I am very much looking forward to all the good work SST will continue to do with the launch of the Space Technology Centre. Thank you very much.