Urban farming, robots, AI exhibitions: Public invited to share ideas for new Science Centre
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Members of the public sharing ideas on what they would like to see in the new Science Centre, which is slated to open in 2027 in Jurong Lake District.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTINE TAN
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SINGAPORE – From agriculture labs showing the steps to grow food indoors, to interactions with robots, to more telescopes at the observatory to capture a star-studded night sky – these are ideas for the new Science Centre Singapore, which is still under construction,
The ideas came up after the centre engaged more than 10,000 members of the public, said Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee on Aug 9.
Mr Heng Wee Boo, 44, and his daughter Kimberly Heng, 18, were among the enthusiasts who contributed ideas. The father-and-daughter duo have been volunteering at the existing Science Centre’s observatory every week, helping members of the public identify stars.
The senior engineer, who has an interest in astronomy, said: “It brings fulfilment because I feel I have kick-started some interest.”
Slated to open in 2027, the 55,000 sq m building will be 25 per cent larger than the current Science Centre in Jurong East, which is still open to the public.
Speaking at a Stem Fiesta held at the original Science Centre, Mr Lee urged the public to contribute more ideas.
“What will make the new Science Centre special is that it will be a place built for the community, by the community,” said Mr Lee.
Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee speaking at the launch of the Stem Fiesta at the Science Centre on Aug 9.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTINE TAN
Ms Tham Mun See, chief executive of the Science Centre Board, said that among the ideas received are a virtual reality lab, an area to interact with robots and exhibitions on sustainability.
“They are aligned with what we envision the new Science Centre to be. Hearing from them gives us the confidence that it is really something that the public would like as well,” she added.
The public can submit ideas for what they wish to see in the new Science Centre at the Draft Master Plan Exhibition at URA Centre, at the existing Science Centre in Jurong East, as well as at roving exhibitions in Jurong Point and Lot One malls from October to November.
The authorities have been soliciting ideas since 2024.
Mr Heng Wee Boo (left) and his daughter Kimberly Heng are volunteers at the Science Centre’s observatory, and have contributed ideas for the new Science Centre.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTINE TAN
Singapore Chinese Girls’ School student B.K. Sreeya, 15, indicated that she would like to see exhibitions on artificial intelligence and urban farming.
A Science Centre exhibition about the human body during Sreeya’s childhood prompted an enduring interest in science. She now volunteers regularly there as a facilitator to teach children the same wonders she saw.
She hopes the new centre will have more interactive workshops on home-based urban farming.
“When we promote it to the general public, they’ll be more motivated to take it on,” she added.
Singapore Chinese Girls’ School student B. K. Sreeya volunteers at the Science Centre. She hopes the new centre will have more interactive workshops on home-based urban farming.
ST PHOTO: CHRISTINE TAN
The Science Centre’s Stem Fiesta is running from Aug 9 to 11 as part of SG60 National Day celebrations.
Mr Lee said Singapore has invested significantly in Stem education, research and capability building over the last 60 years. This has enabled the country to innovate and turn the challenges of its size and lack of natural resources into opportunities. Stem stands for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Calling the Science Centre an iconic institution which has been instrumental in bringing science closer to the community, Mr Lee added: “For generations, it has sparked curiosity, creativity and learning in many Singaporeans who have walked through its doors.”
Singaporeans and permanent residents can get free admission to the Science Centre and Omni-Theatre during the three days of the Stem Fiesta. The last time the Science Centre had a similar open house was a decade ago during SG50.
All visitors to the fiesta will also get discounts on various attractions such as children’s play centre KidsSTOP and Snow City.
Visitors can look forward to carnival games and science shows, along with hands-on Stem activities such as piloting a flight simulator, examining insects and DNA extraction experiments.
Attendees can also snag early-bird tickets and merchandise to the Science Centre’s upcoming year-end exhibition, developed in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian National History Museum, and themed around extinctions and dinosaurs.
