Good Evening Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen;

I am very glad to be here this evening to officiate at the opening of the Energy Exhibition.

We are living in a world where the availability of energy resources is of paramount significance in a nation’s economic progress.. The transformation of the economies of many countries in the 20^th century has been made possible in large measure by the harnessing of various fuel resources to provide for energy. Indeed, progress has been fuelled by energy!

In the relentless demands for energy for development, there is a tendency to overlook the flip side of the coin. For example, the fuel resources which have sustained the momentum of the industrial revolution in many countries are being depleted at alarming rates with scant regard for available reserves. If this trend is not checked and remedial strategies instituted, the possibility of an energy crisis looming in the horizon of the not too distant future cannot be discounted.

In Singapore, we are totally dependent on fuel imports to underwrite our economic development and lifestyle. These fuel imports have to be paid for in hard currency. We must learn to use energy judiciously as it will contribute towards improving our overall competitiveness.

It is quite right for our students to be taught aspects such as ways to reduce energy wastage in our science curriculum. Our students need to be aware of the roles that they can play in our efforts to better manage our energy consumption. Indeed the judicious use of energy is the civic responsibility of everyone.

In the industries, a number of measures are already in place to optimise the use of energy. Recycling of metals from garbage is now an established practice. This is an important move from the environmental standpoint as modern day development is rather resource intensive, with its attendant heavy energy usage. The energy from the incineration of wastes does not go to waste but is tapped to provide useful electricity. More recently, energy audits have been mooted for buildings.

Public education programmes can also help the Government in its efforts to manage energy consumption. The homeowner needs to understand that saving energy is not only good for the environment but will also save him money. Taking shorter showers and turning off appliances when they are not in use are simple measures which have a cumulative effect when practised by many households. Likewise, workplace initiatives on saving energy can help to decrease operational costs. Indeed, such actions are not only effective but also easy to implement.

About 4-5 years ago, I remember touring the energy section of the Science Centre with a very senior Shell Managing Director from Holland. I have to say that the exhibits looked rather worn out and tired then. To my surprise he was full of praise. Now, the Dutch are known for their forthrightness and I concluded that the praise was well deserved. If it was not the looks then it must have been the contents that were praised. I am very happy to see the Singapore Science Centre have completely renewed and enlarged the section into a permanent exhibition on energy.

However, to the average person, presentation is as important as content. A refreshed look and an updated content must be a winning combination to promote the public understanding of issues related to energy in a scientific setting. This exhibition will show visitors how they can be empowered to play an important role in saving energy. These are commendable initiatives deserving of strong support.

The range of exhibits in the Energy Exhibition will surely help to educate our students and the public on issues of topical interest. In particular, I notice that the Science Centre is devoting a section to the exploration of new technologies which allow savings in energy to be made. This is indeed a fitting role for the Science Centre, as the Centre is strategically positioned to influence public acceptance of new and appropriate technologies. This will also help to showcase the contribution of science and technology in our daily lives. The section can also serve as a platform to help boost business in new products as there is tremendous potential for growth in the sale of energy saving products.

I wish to commend Singapore Power Ltd and the Shell Companies in Singapore on their partnership with Singapore Science Centre in making the new Energy Exhibition a reality. All these organisations are in good company. I’m confident that the Energy Exhibition will continue to play a useful role in educating the public to use energy judiciously. On that note, it gives me great pleasure in declaring the exhibition open.