Public’s ideas will be sought on redeveloping Science Centre

SINGAPORE — The move to redevelop the Science Centre as the “jewel” in Jurong is starting to take shape, with a 13-member steering committee, chaired by well-known corporate figure Koh Boon Hwee, holding its first meeting today (Nov 12).

The members, noted for their passion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), include Dr Juliana Chan, editor-in-chief of Asian Scientist Magazine; Mr Vikram Channa, vice-president of production and development at Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific; Mr Kenneth Er, CEO of the National Parks Board; Mr Lam Yi Young, Deputy Secretary (Policy) of the Ministry of Education; Mr Lim Eng Hwee, chief planner and deputy CEO at the Urban Redevelopment Authority; and Ms Liyana Sulaiman, chief marketing officer of technology start-up Gimmie.

The Science Centre Steering Committee will oversee three key areas of work: Programming, exhibitions and infrastructural development of the new Science Centre. It will work closely with other government agencies.

The plan to relocate and redevelop the Science Centre was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally in August. The redeveloped centre, expected to be ready by 2020, will be moved from its current location east of the Japanese Garden to the new Jurong Lake Gardens, next to Chinese Garden MRT station.

Mr Koh, who is chairman of equity firm Credence Partners, today said the redeveloped centre must continue to inspire a passion in STEM. “The new Science Centre gives us an opportunity to do even more — to help our young learn through play and fun, to inculcate a love and wonder for science and technology among Singaporeans and to kindle a passion for lifelong learning and inquiry,” he added.

The committee hopes to finalise its recommendations by the second half of next year and will be reaching out to the public for ideas and suggestions on what they want in the new Science Centre.

Committee member Juliana Chan said: “We must break the misperception of science as an esoteric, ivory-tower discipline ... The new Science Centre has an important role in bringing science to all Singaporeans.”

The public can submit their ideas to MOE_NewSCS [at] moe.gov.sg.