Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Director and Chief Executive

Singapore Science Centre

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and gentlemen

I am delighted to be here this evening for the launch of the NASA World Tour Exhibition.

For millennia, people could only gaze at the sky and observe the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars. Our universe, then, was a mystery. Now as the third millennium approaches, we find ourselves on the threshold of a new frontier - humans have been sent to the Moon, robots to Mars and spacecraft to the furthest reaches of our solar system. Space science has come a long way, but the prospects promise to be even more exciting.

Here on Earth, space science has in no small way contributed to a better quality of life. It has enhanced our knowledge about our environment, our solar system and the universe. It will continue to enhance lives in the areas of medicine, environment, entertainment, recreation as well as education.

New industries have been built on the technology that made space exploration possible. These include personal computers, advanced medical equipment, communication satellites, weather forecasting and natural resource mapping. Weather phenomena like El Nino and La Nina are tracked and predicted months in advance. Satellite images are also used to monitor the occurrence of forest fires and smoke haze. CityCab, a local taxi company, uses a S$20-million satellite-based taxi despatch system that enables the nearest available taxi to be sent to you within minutes. Global space communication has helped to create a global community and a better life.

Household smoke detectors, computer bar code in retail stores and quartz timing crystals were originally developed for the space programme. Fire-retarding materials used in astronaut space suits are now used to protect fire fighters on Earth. A special design for Moon walking has evolved into a new generation of shock-absorbing athletic shoes. Composite materials made of a mixture of fibres and resins and designed to provide strength yet remain lightweight, have advanced into materials for helmets, tennis rackets and other sporting goods. The list goes on.

I am therefore glad that the Singapore Science Centre has brought the NASA World Tour Exhibition to Singapore. This Exhibition aims to educate school children and adults about the subject of space exploration and its potential for the advancement of mankind in the 21^st century. Visitors will have a chance to touch, explore and discover the remarkable benefits of space science and technology.

Space has an unmatched ability to capture and stimulate young minds, encouraging children to learn mathematics, science and technology skills in an exciting and practical way. Bearing this in mind, the Science Centre, with the support of the Ministry of Education has put in place an outreach programme for schools. The education programme gives students a chance to participate in a series of workshops with a variety of space-related activities such as launching balloon rockets, creating and studying craters, and even going on a mission to Mars! These activities are all aimed at stimulating thinking and problem solving in a fun and experiential setting. This is yet another effort by the Singapore Science Centre to foster broad-based interest in science and technology amongst Singaporeans. Who knows, some day, Singapore may be actively engaged in her own space programme with Singaporean astronauts!

The NASA World Tour Exhibition promises adults and children alike glimpses of the past, and what the future might be. The whole exhibition is a learning experience beyond the confines of a classroom. It showcases a dream and the technology that makes the dream a reality. I congratulate the Singapore Science Centre for bringing this exhibition to Singapore and I wish the NASA World Tour Exhibition success in capitalising on its potential to excite the imagination, stimulate thinking and enrich learning for Singaporeans as we prepare to enter the next millennium. I wish everyone a pleasant evening.

It is my pleasure now to declare the NASA World Tour Exhibition open.