Speech by Second Minister for Education Dr Maliki Osman at the STEM 2.0 Education Forum, at Sheraton Towers Singapore

Ms Lynette Tan, Managing Director, Space Faculty Pte Ltd

Mr Ronald Tong, Deputy Executive Director, Office for Space Technology and Industry

Teachers, students

Ladies and gentlemen

1. A very good afternoon. Happy to join you at the inaugural STEM 2.0 Education Forum.

2. 54 years ago, Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the moon. At that time, the world thought that space was the final frontier for exploration. Over five decades later, space has increasingly become the first stop for innovation.

1. Take for example how space technology has inspired everyday applications in our lives. With GPS, we can now precisely track our parcel deliveries and how soon our taxis or buses will reach us. Satellites can give us accurate updates about weather conditions around the world. What's more – innovations from space technology have given us more ways to preserve food better, create flame-resistant clothing for firefighters, and accelerate our Internet speeds.
2. Now, imagine what more space technology can do to help us solve the pressing problems of our times, such as the climate crisis, or how we can manage Earth's resources sustainably?

Building a Strong Foundation in Stem Learning

3. Let me first turn to education. Technological breakthroughs, from the past to those yet to come, share a common genesis: A strong foundation in STEM learning.

1. The STEM disciplines inculcate critical, inventive and analytical thinking, and it trains our students to think deeply, anticipate problems, experiment with ideas, and strive to produce innovative solutions to challenges.
2. This approach to problem solving has played a pivotal role in Singapore's development, because it required generations of bold and imaginative engineers to come with up ways to circumvent our resource and land constraints to become a thriving global city with world-class infrastructure.
3. This is why I believe it is crucial for our students to have a firm foundation in STEM knowledge and applications, and for them to exercise personal agency and pursue their passion to make a positive change in the community through STEM.
   1. Today, through experiential and hands-on activities in the curriculum, our schools reinforce STEM concepts and skills, and encourage students to think deeply and apply what they learn to solve problems in everyday life.
   2. For example, our schools have designed STEM applied learning programmes since 2014 to provide authentic learning experiences for their students, around themes such as Health Science, Sustainability and Emerging Technologies. These are supported by partners like Science Centre and the NUS Advanced Robotics Centre. Today, about half of all secondary schools, and more than one-third of primary schools offer STEM applied learning programmes.
   3. Students who display a keen interest and strength in STEM have opportunities to deepen their learning, which range from co-curricular activities like the Science Club, or enrichment activities like the Code for Fun programme for primary school students.
   4. I believe that if we start them from young, we can nurture our students to be Curious, to be Creative, and to be a positive Change.

4. Our school efforts are enriched by partners and organisations like Space Faculty, which has led programmes like the International Space Challenge to nurture students' interest in space technology.

1. Since its inception 16 years ago, the International Space Challenge has attracted keen interest and support from thousands of young minds from over 20 countries.
2. Here, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all student winners and participants of this year's International Space Challenge, held under the theme of climate change.
3. A special mention as well to the mentors who have guided all these students in their journey. I am certain the mentors have enjoyed reviewing the range of imaginative ideas and solutions to solve challenges arising from climate change.
4. I understand that the theme for next year's International Space Challenge will be "Space Mining".
   1. This is an emerging area of interest within the space industry, and I hope it will interest our young scientists and engineers to apply themselves to this issue, and come up with creative ways to make space and terrestrial mining more efficient and sustainable.

5. I am also glad to know there is another initiative to help students connect their classroom learning to professional pathways in the space industry.

1. The Economic Development Board's Office for Space Technology and Industry, or OSTin, has been working with Space Faculty to introduce a Space Internship Programme to ignite student interest in the space sector, and help open doors to the space industry in Singapore.
2. From this year to 2026, there will be 95 internship opportunities available for pre-tertiary and tertiary students under this programme. I met some of the companies at the exhibition outside, and I encouraged them to take in more interns. Interns will have the chance to work at companies in our space industry for stints ranging from between three to six months.
3. I hope our students will find their internship experiences meaningful and fulfilling. And in time to come, perhaps they will become a part of our growing space sector.
   1. Today, we have about 2,000 professionals and researchers working in the space sector, and more than 60 local and international space companies based in Singapore.
   2. Singapore recognises the great potential of space technology, including its strong economic potential in areas important to us. That is why EDB's OSTin and the National Research Foundation are investing in research and development to develop Singapore's space capabilities. They are putting in $150 million in a flagship Space Technology Programme to support areas of national priority, such as aviation, maritime and sustainability, as well as in emerging technologies like in-space manufacturing or enhancing communications in space. OSTin is also supporting efforts by local companies to translate their research into commercially viable solutions, and to help them compete internationally.
   3. Singapore has also joined hands with like-minded partners to build global norms on space exploration. For example, Singapore signed the US-led Artemis Accords last year to demonstrate our support for the peaceful exploration of space to benefit all mankind.
   4. All these efforts shine a spotlight on how vibrant our space sector will become, and the exciting opportunities it will offer for our students.

Conclusion

6. In closing, allow me to thank Space Faculty, the Office for Space Technology and Industry, DSO National Laboratories and industry partners for their contributions towards nurturing the next generation of innovators and explorers.

7. To all the young minds present today, I encourage you to shoot for the stars, literally. Push the boundaries of human knowledge and innovation, and advance humanity's understanding of space. We look forward to all your innovations.

8. Thank you. I wish everyone a pleasant and fruitful time today.