Speech by President Tony Tan at the Closing Ceremony of GYSS@one-north

Eminent Speakers

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon

        It gives me great pleasure to join you at the close of the inaugural Global Young Scientists Summit@one-north (GYSS@one-north).

        In July last year, at the Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting in Germany, I announced that Singapore would be hosting the inaugural Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) in January this year. I am heartened that the GYSS has since attracted the interest of top scientific leaders and participation of future thought leaders from different parts of the world. I hope that besides scientific debates and discussions over the last five days, you have also had the opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Singapore’s Science and Technology sector and the unique blend of diverse cultures in our country.

        Singapore has found success in today’s inter-connected world as a global hub in many sectors such as transportation, commerce and finance. Our progress in technological and scientific endeavours similarly depends to an ever greater extent on being open and connected to the world. Through sustained investments in R&D over the last twenty years, Singapore has built up a strong base of local capabilities housed in several world-class research universities, leading edge research centres, institutes and corporate labs. These have established extensive collaborations with their counterparts and other research entities around the world. The scientific community in Singapore comprises Singaporeans as well as international faculty and researchers. Our ability to develop, attract and retain top scientific and creative minds, and our readiness to collaborate in multi-disciplinary cross border research will be key to our success in Research, Innovation and Enterprise.

        The GYSS is part of Singapore’s larger efforts to promote and cultivate international collaborations in science and technology. This forum has brought together here in Singapore, young researchers from around the world - the East and the West - to learn about the latest developments in science and technology to address global challenges. In line with the objective of the GYSS to excite, engage and enable the scientific talents of tomorrow, participants had valuable opportunities to learn from eminent scientific leaders at lectures and interact with them informally over coffee and meals. The dialogue that took place across generations, disciplines and cultures was certainly inspirational for the young researchers and, I believe, possibly also for the eminent scientists themselves.

        The Singapore Challenge on the theme “Innovations for Future Cities”, provided a platform for local and international young researchers to apply their research knowledge and creativity towards solutions that will not only solve Singapore’s challenges and make life better for Singaporeans, but which are also applicable and useful to other countries. More than 70 proposals addressing various issues relating to urbanization and sustainability were received for the Singapore Challenge. I was very impressed by the quality of ideas submitted from around the world. The Singapore Challenge exemplifies how scientific communities can partner governments and industries across countries to make an impact on society. I would like to congratulate Lynette Cheah on winning the inaugural Singapore Challenge award.

        Finally, I would like to urge you to maintain the links that you have established over the last five days and keep up the dialogue and exchanges beyond the GYSS. It is good for science and good for society when researchers build networks and collaborate openly to translate research outcomes to build a better world. When you make a research breakthrough as scientist, or set up a high-tech or science-based start-up not too long in the future, I hope you will look back to the GYSS@one-north experience as the inspiration for your achievements.

        I wish you all the best in your exciting journey ahead.

        With this, I declare the inaugural GYSS@one-north closed. I think everyone here agrees that this event has been a great success. I look forward to hosting you to the second GYSS@one-north.