SM Teo Chee Hean at the New Science Centre Groundbreaking Ceremony

Minister for Education, Mr. Chan Chun Sing,
Chairman of the Science Centre Board, Ms. Tan Yen Yen,
Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive, Science Centre Board,
Ladies and Gentlemen, and all those who have contributed to make today possible,

A very good afternoon to all of you. I am very happy to be here today for the groundbreaking of the new Science Centre. I actually have been waiting for this day for quite a long time.

Harnessing Science for the Good of Humanity

Science is the torch which illuminates the world. It reveals to us the nature of ourselves and our universe. And in that search for illumination, we have plumbed the depths of the oceans, journeyed to the corners of the earth, and reached for the stars.

Humanity’s unceasing pursuit of new scientific knowledge has brought great benefits. It has helped feed us, keep us healthy. It has enabled us to harness the potential of the world around us, from the forces found in the tiniest particles, to the power of the sun. Wherever in history we find a flourishing civilisation, we are also sure to find them expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

Indeed, our longstanding emphasis on education in science and technology in Singapore has been a great strength. It has helped us shape Modern Singapore – from industry, infrastructure, to healthcare and homes. And when faced with new discoveries in science, it has enabled us to respond with understanding and knowledge.

Science and technology has the power to change the way we live, and the environment we live in, for better or for worse. We have long understood this in the context of our own little island nation. We have nowhere else to go except this little island, and we must treasure what we have, carefully navigating the interplay between development, conservation, and sustainability. Today, we face this same challenge but on a global scale, collectively together with all countries in our ecosphere, our biosphere.

This then is the challenge of the Science Centre: to instil in us a passion for science and technology, so that we may harness its potential to do good for humanity, but also to recognise its pitfalls so that we apply it judiciously.

A Science Centre for All Ages in a New Age

Scientific knowledge is constantly evolving, as are the challenges that confront us, and so the Science Centre has had to evolve too. In his speech at the official opening of the Science Centre over forty years ago, then-Minister for Health Dr Toh Chin Chye said, “The centre cannot remain static. It must develop new ideas for exhibits in pace with advancements in science and progress in technology.”

When the Science Centre opened in 1977 it had four exhibition galleries – I remember them well – physical sciences, life sciences, special exhibits, and lobby galleries showcasing 322 exhibits. It has expanded significantly over the years and its contents have been refreshed many times since.

This next evolution of the Science Centre will provide us with more than just new exhibits or exhibition spaces. It will speak to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges, and be a symbol of science and humanity in balance with nature.

The Centre will make use of the latest technologies to provide immersive, first-in-class learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Our youngest visitors can look forward to a new children’s gallery – you can see an illustration of this on the screen – more than twice its current size.

The Centre will curate its programmes, workshops, and competitions to meet the learning needs and interests of today’s students. Exhibitions will feature modern themes like food security, and showcase sustainability-focused research and innovations by local institutions.

The Centre will also support a culture of experimentation and entrepreneurship by providing spaces for innovation, including specialised labs, like the Eco-Lab (image on screen), and indoor maker spaces.

But The Centre will not just be a destination; it will also serve as the heart of the community, integrated with the surrounding landscape, and with lush spaces for all to enjoy. A large activity plaza at the main entrance will offer opportunities for placemaking and community events (image on screen), and the community will be invited to partner the Centre to co-curate programmes.

Some of the Centre’s offerings will be best enjoyed after sunset (image on screen).

Closing

The Science Centre has done much over the past 46 years to nurture our love for science and technology. I am confident that the new Science Centre will continue that impressive legacy. It will occupy a special place in Singapore’s education, tourism, and development landscape, and in time to come, the hearts of Singaporeans.

I congratulate the Science Centre Board, all our partners, consultants, and the project management team on achieving this significant milestone. I look forward to seeing the new Science Centre inspire the next generation of science enthusiasts and STEM professionals, so that they have a passion for science, will harness its potential to build a better Singapore and a better world, and help us to avoid its pitfalls. Thank you very much.