Singapore's commitment to innovation was showcased at the 2024 Public Service Science, Technology, and Engineering Conference (STEC), hosted on 28 August at The Theatre at Mediacorp. The event, organised by the Public Sector Science & Technology Policy & Plans Office (S&TPPO) under the Prime Minister's Office, convened over 850 experts from more than 50 government agencies to discuss this year's theme, “Transforming Singapore in a Changing World – STE Innovations for a Sustainable Future.”
Guest of honour addresses innovation
Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister-in-charge of the Public Service and Minister for Education, graced the event as the guest of honour. During his opening remarks, he inspired the audience by reflecting on Singapore's historical leadership and the imperative to continue innovating. “I give thanks for our forefathers' foresight, hard work and service that inspired our generation. It is now incumbent upon us to not rest on our laurels, look back at our past, and think that we have arrived. Instead, we have to set ourselves a new set of challenges, confront them and rise to the occasion,” Mr. Chan expressed.
Awards recognise exemplary collaborations
The awards segment highlighted seven projects that exemplify innovation and collaboration across various public service bodies. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore earned the Distinguished Award in the Public Service Science, Technology and Engineering Innovation Challenge (STE IC) for its pioneering ship-to-containership methanol bunkering operation in the Port of Singapore.
Additionally, the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) received a Merit Award for its innovative integration within the Whole of Government (WOG) video ecosystem. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) was also celebrated for its novel approach to MRT tunnel construction at Marina Bay Station.
Keynote and panel insights
A keynote presentation by Mr. John Churchill, Chief Technology Officer at Dyson, and a panel discussion titled “Driving Innovation in Engineering Organisations” enriched the conference. The panel featured industry leaders like Ms. Cindy Lim, CEO Infrastructure at Keppel, and Mr. Chintan Raveshia, Cities Business Leader for Southeast Asia at Arup, who discussed the vital role of engineering and technology in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainability.
Minister Chan's concluding thoughts
In his closing remarks, Minister Chan applauded the contributions of the conference attendees, saying, “I congratulate and thank all of you for your contribution to the Science, Technology and Engineering capabilities of our country. For me, you will always be the force multipliers of Singapore's capabilities. Without your contributions, we will just be a nation of four million people in 700 square kilometres. With your contributions, ideas, and passion, we can be a nation of four million people, powered by 40 million machines, with 400 million connections to impact a world of 4 billion people.” He highlighted the significant impact of their efforts on Singapore's status on the global stage.
