Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you for the 17th edition of the Global Space Technology Convention & Exhibition.
2. We are witnessing a revolution in the development of space. What was once the domain of a few nations and companies is now becoming a new frontier for many countries, businesses, organisations and even individuals.
a. Firstly, rapid technological advancements in manufacturing, propulsion and launch are accelerating the growth of the space industry, and in particular, satellite deployments.
i. Computer-aided design, 3D printing and other innovations have advanced the process of manufacturing rockets.
ii. The development of reusable rocket systems has significantly lowered the cost per launch.
iii. Based on a study by the World Economic Forum, launch costs have fallen 10-fold over the last two decades, and are expected to become even cheaper as the costs of both satellites and launchers continue to decline.
b. Secondly, the demand for greater connectivity and mobility will propel the growth of space-based applications.
i. The rise of information-based applications, coupled with data analytics and AI, will drive the need for greater network and broadband connectivity.
1. In particular, the proliferation of 5G networks will drive a concomitant demand for satellite telecommunications, especially to bridge connectivity gaps that terrestrial networks cannot fill.
2. Programmes such as SpaceX’s Starlink and Eutelsat’s OneWeb have also demonstrated how satellites can provide high-speed, low-latency Internet connectivity, especially to remote and underserved areas. This will allow people in these areas to be digitally connected and participate in the digital economy, such as e-commerce.
ii. At the same time, the demand for location-based activities, such as for positioning and navigation, will rise with the growth of the mobility sectors, such as ride-hailing, vehicle-sharing, and logistics and supply chain management.
c. Thirdly, the rise of AI and Machine Learning will unlock new possibilities, such as in enhancing space-based Earth observation, which will play an important role in our response to the impact of climate change.
d. These developments I have highlighted illustrate not only how space technologies have increasingly been democratised, but also their immense benefits across industry, economies and society.
i. In particular, it is projected that the global space economy will grow about threefold to US$1.8 trillion by 2035, up from US$630 billion in 2023.
3. It is therefore timely for Singapore to chart the development strategy for our space sector.
a. Our space journey started more than five decades ago with the installation of our first satellite ground station on Sentosa in 1971.
b. This was followed by the launch of our first communications satellite in 1998, namely the ST-1 by SingTel.
c. We launched the first satellite developed and built in Singapore called X-SAT in 2011.
d. In 2013, we set up the Office for Space Technology & Industry or OSTIn, to drive the development of small satellite capabilities. Then in 2020, we expanded the mandate of OSTIn to build up Singapore’s space ecosystem and develop our space industry.
e. Today, we have established a good base of companies, R&D capabilities and talent in our space sector.
i. We are home to about 70 space companies, including the regional headquarters of most of the world’s top 10 satellite service providers. These companies are engaged in a wide range of activities across the value chain, from designing and manufacturing space components to providing satellite-based services.
ii. We have a vibrant space research ecosystem, comprising research centres for satellite engineering and remote sensing.
iii. Last but not least, we have about 2,000 professionals within the sector across engineering, research and business roles.
Charting the next bound of development
4. In charting the next bound of development for our space sector, we will be guided by three key principles.
5. First, we will draw on our strengths across various ecosystems to further develop our space sector.
a. Over the decades, we have built a strong business ecosystem in Singapore, that allows Singapore to be an attractive location as a base for companies to explore new opportunities in our region.
i. One such company is UnseenLabs, a French leader in space-based radio frequency detection for maritime surveillance.
ii. UnseenLabs will be establishing a regional office in Singapore, its first outside France, to support its growth in the region.
iii. I encourage international companies to find out more from OSTIn on how we may support your growth through Singapore.
b. We have built up good industry ecosystems in sectors such as aerospace, micro-electronics and precision engineering. These capabilities will position us well to capture new opportunities in the space sector.
c. We also have a strong R&D and innovation ecosystem in Singapore that can support companies in the development of new products and services. In this regard, I am happy to share that we will enhance the Space Technology Development Programme (STDP).
i. We had launched the STDP back in 2022 to support projects in space technology. These include the development of Very Low Earth Orbit platforms; space-based robotic arms or manipulators; and precision agriculture technologies.
ii. I am happy to share that, with the support of the STDP, a total of 14 space-related technology patents have been filed to date by entities in Singapore.
iii. To further catalyse R&D in space technologies and support their subsequent translation, we will inject a further S$60 million into the STDP over the next two years, on top of the earlier S$150 million. We hope that this will also facilitate partnerships between our companies and research institutions, and further propel innovation within our space sector.
6. Second, we will focus on important use cases, especially those with strategic importance for Singapore.
a. One such area is sustainability-related use cases.
i. While we contribute less than 1% of global emissions, Singapore will inevitably be impacted by the effects of climate change globally, especially rising sea levels and temperatures. Therefore, we must do our part to facilitate the global transition to a low-carbon future.
ii. I am happy to note that Singapore will launch an Earth Observation Initiative (EOI) today.
1. Through the use of Earth observation data, the EOI will support the development of solutions to address sustainability and humanitarian-related challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. As part of the EOI, OSTIn will be signing an MOU with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to promote the use of space technology applications, such as sharing of satellite data and joint research projects.
3. Besides the UNOOSA, the EOI will also include other international partners such as the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, and the Mekong River Commission Secretariat.
b. Another area of strategic interest is in connectivity-related use cases.
i. As a hub economy, our physical and digital connectivity are key enablers to facilitate the safe, efficient and secure movement of people, goods and data.
ii. We want to harness space communications to strengthen our maritime and aviation connectivity.
1. For example, space-based communications can provide near real-time visibility of vessel movements. This will enable us to optimise our port operations for greater efficiency, and enhance our sense-making and response in the event of an incident, which may happen anytime, anywhere. This will also help ships to better plan their navigation paths, and therefore reduce carbon emissions.
2. On the other hand, space-based Very High Frequency voice communications can provide more comprehensive coverage for pilots and air traffic controllers over remote areas. This will enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic management.
7. Thirdly, we will strengthen our network of bilateral and multilateral partnerships to advance opportunities in space in safe, sustainable and mutually beneficial ways.
a. We have been a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space since 2019, as well as a signatory of the Artemis Accords since 2022. Through these platforms, we work with like-minded partners to shape the international framework on space activities. This will become even more critical as the number of space objects and activities grow exponentially in the years ahead.
b. We have also built up a good network of partners over the years, including France, Japan and India.
i. I am happy to share that OSTIn will be signing a Letter of Intent with the European Space Agency later today to explore new business opportunities for Singaporean and European companies in the global space industry.
ii. OSTIn is also in discussions with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) to formalise an engagement to expand cooperation in space technology and industry development.
8. To support our ambitions in space, we must grow our space talent pool.
a. First and foremost, we want to encourage more Singaporeans to discover and develop their interest in space. Raelee Toh and Natalie Ching are two such individuals.
i. Raelee, a SMU final year Law student, was part of the winning team at the 33rd Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot, the oldest student competition in the area of space law. She competed in the finals in front of three sitting International Court of Justice (ICJ) judges to bring home the trophy for Singapore. I’m glad to see Raelee and her team here today!
ii. Natalie, a River Valley High School student, was part of a team that developed a business concept for sustainable space mining. She and her team won the Distinction Award at the International Space Challenge in February last year. Well done, Natalie!
b. We also hope to create more avenues for Singaporeans to participate in the growth and development of our space sector.
i. Cheryl Tay, a PhD student at the Asian School of the Environment in Nanyang Technological University, is one such example.
ii. Cheryl works with Professor Sang-Ho Yun, the Director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore’s Remote Sensing Lab. With the help of satellite remote sensing technology, Cheryl analyses environmental changes and natural hazards in both built and natural environments.
iii. Her work can not only support climate change mitigation efforts, but also enhance transparency in carbon markets that will help these markets function more effectively and drive real climate impact.
9. As we look ahead to a new era of possibilities and opportunities in space, Singapore can be a key hub of ideas, innovation and impact for the global space industry, by drawing on our strengths across our business, industry and research ecosystems; focusing on relevant use cases of both economic and strategic value to Singapore; and strengthening our international partnerships.
10. Indeed, we might be a small island on Earth, but with a clear vision, a deep sense of mission, and strong determination, we can chart a bright path up in the skies and define our place among the stars.
11. Thank you.