New exhibition at Science Centre to help demystify quantum science
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Follow topic:
SINGAPORE – A model of an atomic clock is among the highlights of a new exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore, which aims to bring quantum science to the masses by making the field tangible and more relatable.
Unlike ordinary clocks, atomic clocks keep time better by tracking oscillations between the nucleus of an atom and the surrounding electrons.
Atomic clocks are key to Global Positioning System navigation and the synchronisation of the internet, and are earmarked to contribute to quantum science developments in Singapore.
National Research Foundation (NRF) chairman Heng Swee Keat said quantum technologies such as atomic clocks hold the key to future advances in computing and communications.
“Recognising this potential, it is important for Singapore to position itself at the forefront of this revolution,” said Mr Heng on Sept 30 at the opening of the new Quanta School exhibition.
The exhibition, which seeks to demystify quantum concepts and highlight their relevance to daily life, was put together as 2025 was declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by the United Nations.
The NRF, together with the National Quantum Office, A*Star and the National University of Singapore, among others, contributed to the exhibits.
Visitors at the new Quanta School exhibition at the Science Centre on Sept 30.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
“Now, with this Quanta School exhibition, younger students will get a chance to start their quantum education early, and families can also better understand why this is an important area of science and technology for Singapore,” Mr Heng said.
Since 2002, Singapore has committed a total of $700 million to deepen national capabilities in quantum research, and talent development and industry collaboration in this area.
Mr Heng added that the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), which has been pivotal in advancing quantum science since 2007, worked with the Science Centre to design the exhibits in an engaging and accessible way.
“Through outreach and support for young researchers, CQT is inspiring the next generation to see quantum not just as a subject, but as a career path – strengthening Singapore’s position as a global hub for quantum innovation.”
During a tour of the exhibition, Mr Heng and other attendees also viewed displays that help to explain concepts such as quantum superposition, which refers to how quantum objects like electrons can exist in multiple states at once.
While traditional computers can store information only as either 0s or 1s, quantum computers use superposition to represent and store information in a complex mix of both simultaneously – thereby giving it the ability to solve problems much faster.
Ms Jenny Hogan, chair of the Singapore International Year of Quantum Workgroup, explaining to NRF chairman Heng Swee Keat about quantum key distribution and the atomic clock displays at the Quanta School exhibition.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
The exhibition will run for a year, and access to it is included in the price of a regular ticket to the centre.
Though quantum experts will be the ones to deliver the technology to the masses, everyone will have to live with it and its impact, said the centre’s director of exhibitions Eugene Wambeck.
“Not all of us will become quantum experts, but I think it’s necessary for people to get a sense of where things are heading and the excitement in the field,” said Mr Wambeck.
“Ultimately, when the public has information, they can understand certain developments made by the nation, why policies are made, and the usefulness of the technologies in our daily lives.”
