New Science Centre to be the 'biggest applied learning classroom': Ong Ye Kung

SINGAPORE — More than just a family destination for the weekends, Singapore’s new Science Centre will be “the biggest applied learning classroom” for students of all ages, Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Friday (May 24).

Slated to open around 2025 next to Chinese Garden MRT station, the new Science Centre will have exhibition galleries, laboratories and workshop spaces integrated into one, he said.

“As we wind down the focus on examinations in schools, we are ramping up inquiry-based and applied learning in schools,” Mr Ong said. “The New Science Centre will be the biggest applied learning classroom for all our students. And we have worked this into the conceptual design of the new centre.”

Students can conduct DNA analysis, programme a drone or build solar panels in the new Science Centre, and monitor its progress while back in school through the Internet.

For science enthusiasts, for example, there will be a “Maker-Tinkerer space” that is open to the public, Mr Ong said.

“Say, you have a ‘garage project’ that requires a 3D printer. You can come to the maker space and use the Science Centre’s tools and materials. You can also attend workshops by experts and, in time, join the community of ‘makers’ and contribute to the growth of the community,” he said.

“So, whether you are a hospital looking to improve public health, a technology company looking to create or test prototypes, a community group trying to cut down waste or promote clean energy, there will be more opportunities for you to co-create programmes.”

The design team bringing this grand concept to reality is Architects 61, in collaboration with architecture firm Zaha Hadid Limited, which has been awarded the tender for the design of the new Science Centre.

Architects 61 was chosen from five teams who were shortlisted from the initial 24 that responded to the expression of interest exercise put up by the Science Centre in September last year.  

Mr Ong revealed this while speaking at the launch of DinoQuest exhibition, which will open at the current Science Centre from June 1.

The design of the new Science Centre came about after the team visited other science centres around the world, including the Exploratorium in San Francisco, United States and Miraikan in Tokyo, Japan.

The design of the new centre will capitalise on the waterfront and garden setting of the Jurong Lake District, the Ministry of Education and Science Centre said in a separate statement.

A “detailed design” is expected to be ready by next year.

Schools, community and industry partners will also be consulted for their views for potential exhibitions and programmes.

“This includes exploring partnerships with home-grown and international companies to develop exhibitions that showcase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) applications in different fields both locally and globally, and provide more mentorship and research opportunities,” the statement said.