Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, at the Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Awards Presentation Ceremony 2022

Mr Cheong Chee Hoo, CEO of DSO National Laboratories,

Dr Lim Tit Meng, CE of Science Centre Singapore,

Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Boys and Girls,

Introduction

Good afternoon. I am very happy to be back for the 13th edition of the Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition's Awards Ceremony. In fact, on the way in, the last physical event was in 2019. Last year, we did it virtually, but it was presented creatively and innovatively. I am very happy to be back in person to celebrate with everyone. It is always a fascinating experience to witness our young innovators in action as they share their exciting discoveries and big ideas. We are here today to celebrate their achievements.

This year's SAFMC is particularly special. In conjunction with DSO's 50th anniversary, enhanced categories were introduced to the competition. Participating teams had the exciting opportunity to push the boundaries, as Mr Cheong had described, by using wearable, collaborative, and swarming technologies for their flying machines.

It is very encouraging to hear that the enhancements were well-received by the participants with the various teams rising up to the new challenges. In fact, SAFMC recorded one of the highest participations rates with 1,522 participants this year. 

Importance of Science & Technology in Overcoming Challenges

SAFMC is a unique event to introduce and inspire our future generations in the incredible world of science and technology. This critical role of science and technology in solving difficult problems is reinforced in recent times as we witness an increasingly unpredictable and complex world. 

We mentioned that the pandemic of COVID-19 as a very good example. The pandemic revealed how quickly a situation and the world can change, and how it is very important to have capabilities in place to quickly react to unknown threats. Our scientists and engineers were able to develop our own solutions such as the RESOLUTE diagnostic kit and the MINDEF forward deployment lab to support Singapore's early efforts against COVID-19. 

We must also be prepared for the next pandemic. It is not a matter of "if" but "when". As a small country, Singapore must be able to handle a wider scope of biological threats and boost our preparedness for future pandemics. 

Viruses are classified into Risk Groups 1 to 4, according to how fast they transmit and how lethal they are. Risk Group 3 encompasses viruses like SARS and Covid-19. For Risk Group 4 highly infectious disease such as Ebola, we can only detect the presence of the virus but we do not yet have the end-to-end capability to fight it. And we will change that by 2025.

DSO is building and operating Singapore's first Maximum Containment Facility, more commonly known as the biosafety level 4 laboratory. It is the first of such facility in South-east Asia and one of the 59 other Maximum Containment Facility in the world. 

With this facility, Singapore will be able to gain direct access to specimens of Risk Group 4 viruses for further research and development. This will enable us to better understand how a particular virus impacts cells, how it is transmitted and how long it persists in the air. We can then come up with strategies to combat the virus before it hits our shore.

Most importantly, this is more than just a national science facility. It represents Singapore's deep belief in harnessing and building a strong R&D talent pool and expertise to solve real world problems here and in the rest of the globe. DSO is able to confidently build and operate a Maximum Containment Facility because we have the right people and capabilities to do so. This is not achieved overnight, and we must remain relentless in our efforts to strengthen our science and technology capabilities for the future. As we all know, that means talent, and it means building a talent pool pipeline and sustaining them.

Importance of Science & Technology in Improving our Lives

Science and technology provide exciting possibilities in transforming how we work, live and play. The Smart Nation initiative, announced in 2014 is transforming Singapore through technology.

Across the nation, individuals, families and companies will all benefit from tech driven solutions that will give us greater connectivity, convenience and a competitive edge. Many initiatives have been launched and we are looking forward to future initiatives that will further enhance the lives of all Singaporeans, and indeed all who live, work and play in Singapore. 

One close example is the National Digital Literacy Programme where many SAFMC participants will be part of. The aim is to equip all our students with the right skills and expertise to thrive in an increasingly digitalised society. At different stages of your education journey, you will be exposed to and acquire digital skills across four components – Find, Think, Apply and Create. This is a very meaningful programme where students can also broaden their perspectives, witness and experience tech driven possibilities to transform our nation.

Innovators are critical enablers to Singapore's continued growth

Indeed, science and technology allow us to dream and imagine bigger. But beyond the dreams and imaginations, we need innovators with the willingness to act and to have that can-do spirit which is key to achieving success. Granted that the path of innovation will not always be a smooth sailing one but it is from setbacks that we learn to improvise, to improve, and to work towards success. On top of that, our society's support for innovators need to be unwavering. 

It is in this light that SAFMC plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators. It is a learning journey that encourages the curious to let their imagination take flight, and see for themselves how their ideas today have the potential to be the solutions of tomorrow. 

Closing

So, to all participants, I hope that you will continue to hone your knowledge and abilities to meet the challenges of tomorrow. As the future of our nation, I am certain that you will make a real difference to Singapore as you continue in this path of learning and discovery. To the organisers, a big thank you for your hard work. SAFMC has truly become a premier competition in its own right and I applaud DSO and Science Centre Singapore for your efforts in constantly bringing SAFMC to greater heights.

And before I end, I also had the pleasure of meeting a team from Indonesia just now. I do note that as in past years, we also have participation from outside of Singapore. I warmly welcome our friends and participants from overseas as well. 

Thank you all.