'Some literacy in science and mathematics is fundamental so that, at the broadest level, people understand what's going on if scientific discovery continues to accelerate.

But a good 21st century education needs to include other priorities. We're in a globalised environment where cultural intelligence and the ability to operate effectively across social and cultural boundaries are more important than ever.

Design and performing arts are also very important and, I think, part of basic literacy in terms of what it means to be a well-educated citizen.

So then the question is, how do you create experiences for the young to learn across traditional disciplines and boundaries?'

Global trends to exploit

'I think there's little doubt that big things are happening in alternative energy and environmental sustainability.

(I expect) increasing sophistication in dealing with the well-being of the elderly, which I think Singapore would have a leg up on...because of the whole ethos of taking care of the elderly and the commitment to life sciences and design.

The fact that talent is going to be flowing around more freely means Singapore can capture talent (and circumvent) its relatively small size in certain key areas. Also, its ability to bridge cultures...can be a source of knowledge and insight in places like the US and Europe.'

China's fast-paced innovation

'China is moving so fast that any snapshot you take today would be outdated tomorrow.

I understand that a very large percentage of the Politburo members have advanced degrees in science and engineering, and many of these are from international institutions. So they're a very cosmopolitan bunch who understand deeply the importance of science and technology.

There are some problems too. My understanding is that there is a management system put on academics, almost like an industrial system of counting patents and papers published which, to my mind, bears almost no linear relationship to the quality of innovation.

But 20 or 30 years from now, I think a very significant percentage of the world's science and IT will be generated in China because the amount of money being spent on new universities and on large-scale innovation projects is substantial by anybody's measure.

Also, the other thing to remember is China has been a powerhouse in innovation for millennia. You go to bookstores (in China), there are a lot of books on the history of Chinese science. All of these ideas are coming back.'