SPEECH BY GUEST-OF-HONOUR MS LOW YEN LING, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AT THE SINGAPORE SPACE CHALLENGE 2017/18 AWARDS CEREMONY, ON 2 FEBRUARY 2018, 3.30PM, AT SHERATON TOWERS

Professor Lui Pao Chuen, Chairman, Singapore Space & Technology Association Advisory Board

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Students and Mentors,

Good afternoon.

Introduction

1.            I am very happy to join all of you here today, as we recognise innovative proposals from students at the awards ceremony for the 10th Singapore Space Challenge (SSC).  A big thank-you also to the Singapore Space & Technology Association (SSTA) and mentors who have helped to inspire and guide the students in this journey of innovation.

Preparing our younger generation for the future space industry

2.            In the past, the concept of outer space to most people tended to be an abstract one – like something beyond the sky, sight or reach. This however has changed with breakthroughs in the miniaturisation of electronic components and developments in advanced robotics systems.  These technological advancements have made small satellites much more accessible to companies, education and research institutes seeking to venture into the space sector.  Moving forward, the potential for tapping on space technology applications to improve the way we live, work, and play is enormous.

3.            It is therefore important for our youths to cultivate an inquisitive mind and keep abreast of technology changes, so that they will be ready for new opportunities taking shape in the space industry in the near future.  The SSC is an excellent platform for young people to learn about new technologies in the space sector, and to understand how these technological breakthroughs can be innovatively applied to our lives in this digital age.

4.            Over the past decade, SSTA has helped to stretch the imagination of students and seed their interest in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Activities and programmes like novel engineering challenges, overseas and local mentorships with space sector experts, industry visits and workshops – all these create interesting opportunities for our youths to experience the space sector.  I hope that through SSC’s efforts, young Singaporeans will be motivated to pursue careers that will take them to the frontier of innovation, in the space industry and beyond. 

Working with international partners to expand opportunities for Singapore youths

5.            I am happy to learn that the SSTA has been partnering international organisations to bring exciting programmes in space technology and innovation to Singapore and to our students.  As a part of the “Asian Try Zero-G” programme in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, a group of Singapore students will have the opportunity to visit the Tsukuba Space Centre in Japan later this month. The space experiment that they have designed will be carried out on-board the International Space Station (ISS).

6.            Opportunities to work with real-life applications are extremely valuable to students.  I am delighted to hear that SSTA has partnered Airbus to design the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Challenge. Participants of the Challenge had the opportunity to develop an innovative smart application to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of HADR operations tapping on satellite capabilities in real time.  Through the experience, participants not only learnt to appreciate the potential of satellite applications, but were inspired to take with them the spirit of innovation beyond the HADR Challenge into their everyday life.

Conclusion

7.            The space sector is still in its nascent stage, with many more exciting developments to look forward to.  I thank SSTA once again for your continual contribution to the advancement of Singapore’s space industry.

8.            To all participants, congratulations on a job well done, and I hope that you continue to carry this passion and dedication as you take on more challenges.  Remember, the sky is no longer the limit.  Wishing everyone an enjoyable time this afternoon.  Thank you.