Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive, Science Centre Board,
Mr Takakiyo Fujita, Managing Director, Sony Electronics (Singapore),
Distinguished guests,
Introduction
1. Good morning. I am happy to see our students, parents, teachers, partners, our friends and colleagues from MOE and Science Centre all gathered here today to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our budding scientists and students who have created interesting toys.
The Power of Play in Learning
2. The Sony Creative Science Award, or SCSA, encourages our students to be imaginative as they create toys that demonstrate their understanding of science concepts. We saw in the video earlier how the students, with a sparkle in their eyes, were expressing their thoughts and thinking behind the toys that they created. Who knows, some of these ideas could spark innovations in the future that can impact lives and make the world a better one.
3. Some of our primary schools have embarked on "play-based learning", where teachers incorporate elements of play into lessons. This provides opportunities for our students to work with their peers and talk to each other about their learning. They also experience ways to self-regulate their learning in a fun and engaging environment. At MOE, we have been evolving our methods of teaching to make teaching and learning a joy for both our teachers and students.
4. At Science Centre Singapore, through learning and playing, we can make the understanding of science and the concept of life a lot more interesting. Science Centre's newly launched "Some Call It Science" exhibition celebrates the power of curiosity and investigative play, where visitors can participate in scientific battles in the Science Kombat arcade game. Indeed, play is for all ages, not just for children, but for young adults and seniors too.
5. The SCSA is an excellent example of starting students young. It is a platform for our students to explore science beyond classrooms, celebrating their curiosity, creativity, and interest in STEM. By combining play and imagination through opportunities to create, the SCSA offers students an engaging way to explore and understand STEM concepts.
6. Through the creation of toys which demonstrate scientific concepts, students can bring their knowledge to life. The hands-on approach goes beyond reinforcing learning – it nurtures problem-solving skills and fosters inventive and adaptive thinking. Adding to Prof Lim's point, it brings out the resilience in our children. Resilience because it is through experiments and failures that we become stronger and better, and have a better understanding of things around us.
7. Let me share some examples:
- Lee Yee Jaii and Teh Haw Cher, Primary 4 students from Kheng Cheng School, created a "Kool Cinema System", a projector toy which cleverly uses light and shadow to create images on a mini cinema screen.
- Valerie Foong, a Primary 5 student from Nan Hua Primary School, designed "Science Mission", a Snakes and Ladders-inspired board game which challenges players on multiple scientific concepts such as gravity, magnetism, electricity, and light.
- Well done to all students!
The Crucial Role of Parents and Teachers
8. Behind every young inventor stands a supportive network of parents and teachers, some of whom are here today. Your unwavering encouragement, patience and guidance are the focus and propelling forces for our students.
9. To the parents, by engaging your children in science-related discussions over dinner, or embarking on weekend science experiments, even a trip to the Science Centre – you are laying the foundation for innovative thinking.
10. To our dedicated educators and teachers, thank you for going above and beyond what we do in school and in classrooms, and sparking the joy and passion for STEM in our students.
11. The Blue Ribbon and Diamond Awards recognise these unsung heroes who inspire, challenge, and empower our students to push boundaries and dream big. I understand that some of our teachers are very involved too, not just in encouraging our students to take part in this competition, but also in supporting the judging panel in selecting and identifying good quality, interesting projects for the final round of selection. Your role in nurturing young minds is invaluable.
Conclusion
12. At this point, I would also like to thank the organisers – Science Centre Singapore and the Sony Group of Companies in Singapore. Thank you for partnering us in this initiative and journey. For 28 years, you have sowed many seeds and we have started harvesting the fruits that you sowed.
13. To all schools, teachers, and parents – thank you for your participation and support and believing in our students. Without you, this competition would not have grown from strength to strength.
14. Finally, to all participants, winners and students here, school holidays are coming! Do remember to play, have fun, learn and keep growing. All the best to you!
15. Thank you.