Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, at the Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition 2021 Award Presentation Ceremony

Mr Joseph Leong, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), MINDEF,

Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, CE of Science Centre Singapore,

Mr Cheong Chee Hoo, CEO of DSO National Laboratories,

Partners,

Friends,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Participants,

Introduction

A very good afternoon to all of you. This is my second time attending the Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition (SAFMC), and I am deeply impressed and inspired by the passion and imagination of our young innovators. Thank you for this privilege to join you. This year's SAFMC is a very unique one with both virtual and physical events. Despite the cancellation of last year's SAFMC due to COVID-19, I am very happy to know that there are more than 1,300 participants this year pushing the boundaries of science and technology in imagining the future of flight.

Overcoming our Challenges with Science and Technology

The relevance of science and technology to our lives has been magnified in recent times in Singapore's fight against COVID-19. Thanks to our scientists and engineers, we were able to develop innovative solutions quickly to stabilise the situation and keep our community safe.

I would give you an example. One good example was the RESOLUTE test kit jointly developed by DSO National Laboratories and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The first of its kind in Singapore, the test kit was created in just three months after COVID-19 reached our shores. Before the development of the RESOLUTE test kit, test samples must first be processed before analysis, which entails several rounds of mixing the sample with reagents, taking up to maybe three hours. The RESOLUTE test kit eliminates the need for sample processing with its specially formulated pre-mixed solution. Besides cutting down the time required for test results to be available from three hours in conventional testing to between 60 to 90 minutes, this also simplifies the laboratory set-up and manpower required, and removes the need for many processing materials that were very limited in global supply back then. The kit is now being used widely to diagnose COVID-19 cases in Singapore.

Beyond COVID-19, the challenges and threats that Singapore faces did not subside or go away just because we were busy fighting the pandemic. Science and technology will continue to play a key role in overcoming these challenges.

One of the biggest challenges is climate change. In joining the global fight against climate change, Singapore will work towards net-zero emissions beyond the year 2050. This is a very ambitious target that will require both smart and bold technological innovations to achieve this. Islandwide, we have already started to use sensors and data analytic tools to monitor and optimise energy use. This is not limited to one building but across an entire estate. To further achieve greater energy efficiency, Singapore researchers are working on special coatings to reduce urban heat, smart glass that can reduce heat indoors and other sustainable tools make our buildings and urban landscape consume less energy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also thrown a spotlight on food sustainability. Singapore currently imports most of its food, maybe 90%, with the remaining 10% coming from domestic production. This makes us very reliant on our global supply chains and the agricultural output of other countries, and thus we have set a goal of achieving 30% domestic food production by 2030. Science and technology will play a critical role in helping us reach this target. From using artificial intelligence to monitor crop growth, to leveraging automation to reduce manpower needs in local farms, Singapore is taking bold steps towards building innovative urban farming systems to achieve higher food yield to meet our needs.

People as a Key Enabler for Innovation

At the heart of any innovation lies an innovator with the enthusiasm for learning and a positive attitude towards tackling challenges. This is why SAFMC is designed to be more than just a competition. It is a learning journey where you can stretch your imagination, challenge the limits of your knowledge and express your creativity. You are encouraged to be curious and even fearless in what you dream and do for your flying machines. For some of you, SAFMC might just be your first step into the new world of science and technology. For others, you have constantly been challenging the limits of your knowledge and creativity. Regardless, I hope all of you emerged with a renewed calling and inspiration to take your skills, knowledge, imagination and passion to greater heights.

As aspiring innovators, each and every one of you can play an essential role in helping our nation overcome the challenges we face. So instead of viewing these challenges as stumbling blocks, I urge and invite you to take a different perspective; see them as opportunities that you can seize and develop unique solutions to strengthen Singapore. I hope you will continue in this journey of discovery, and be the next generation of engineers and scientists that Singapore needs to make our lives better and more secure.

Finally, I would like to thank the teachers for your patience, and for the guidance given to the participants every step of the way. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the SAFMC committee for their relentless effort in making SAFMC fire up the passion of our young talents, and inspire them to reach for the skies, both figuratively and literally. To all the participants and winners: my heartiest congratulations and I look forward to seeing the world you will build. Thank you.