Monica Kotwani Channel NewsAsia 30 Aug 13;
SINGAPORE: The government's move to redevelop the entire eastern part of the country will provide today's young -- the nation's future builders and designers -- tremendous opportunities in Singapore's development in the next 30 to 40 years. That is according to Acting Minister for Social and Family Development, Chan Chun Sing.
He was speaking to some 200 students who took part in this year's Singapore Amazing Machine Competition.
The budding scientists and technologists, who worked in teams, had to incorporate as many scientific concepts into their contraptions.
Mr Chan, who is also Senior Minister of State for Defence, said that as a small country, Singapore faces many constraints -- but that can also be turned into opportunities.
He cited the example of the plan to move Paya Lebar Airport to Changi. Having taller buildings in the Paya Lebar area could present opportunities to break new ground in building technology.
Mr Chan said: "There cannot be a strong Singapore, with a strong economy or a strong defence system, without a strong core of scientists and technologists amongst us.
"It is that important role that you have the opportunities to fulfil in the coming years, and the government will make sure we continue to invest in our science and tech education to ensure that Singapore continues to maintain a core group of people in Singapore with a depth of expertise."
Mr Chan also highlighted healthcare as another area of putting science and technology to good use.
He added: "In 2030, we may have almost a million people over 65 years old. For the pessimists amongst us, that might spell tremendous challenges, but for optimists and scientists and technologists amongst you, that spells tremendous opportunities for us to have a new generation of medical equipment and monitoring devices."
- CNA/ac
