EVERY year, many students receive undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to study life sciences at overseas universities.
It makes me wonder whether we are spending too much on life-science research. We have imported many renowned scientists in this field, and have excellent research facilities.
Hence, perhaps more of our scholarship holders should do their studies locally instead, bringing about considerable cost savings for the country.
Also, life-science research takes years to bear fruit. During this incubation period, it contributes nothing to our flagging manufacturing sector.
Besides, the indefinite extension of lifespans without the corresponding increase in working capacity can have detrimental effects on our economy.
I am in favour of channelling more funds and students to research materials science and design, and in enhancing the collaboration between the fields.
Materials science is a challenging interdisciplinary subject that weaves the principles of physics, chemistry, engineering, and even biology, together to produce new or better products.
Small, incremental improvements in materials science and design can translate into more competitive products by our manufacturing sector, and spur exports.
Customer surveys to see how existing products can be improved upon will result in more directed research and development. Take foldable, lightweight umbrellas. I have often wished that all the folds would just fall into place after I close such an umbrella, so that I can quickly stash it in my bag.
Perhaps some researcher or designer could come up with the materials and design for this.
As Singapore has no raw materials to export, we must add value to our manufactured products.
By continually improving on materials and design, we can produce world beaters.
Anne Chong Su Yan (Dr)
It makes me wonder whether we are spending too much on life-science research. We have imported many renowned scientists in this field, and have excellent research facilities.
Hence, perhaps more of our scholarship holders should do their studies locally instead, bringing about considerable cost savings for the country.
Also, life-science research takes years to bear fruit. During this incubation period, it contributes nothing to our flagging manufacturing sector.
Besides, the indefinite extension of lifespans without the corresponding increase in working capacity can have detrimental effects on our economy.
I am in favour of channelling more funds and students to research materials science and design, and in enhancing the collaboration between the fields.
Materials science is a challenging interdisciplinary subject that weaves the principles of physics, chemistry, engineering, and even biology, together to produce new or better products.
Small, incremental improvements in materials science and design can translate into more competitive products by our manufacturing sector, and spur exports.
Customer surveys to see how existing products can be improved upon will result in more directed research and development. Take foldable, lightweight umbrellas. I have often wished that all the folds would just fall into place after I close such an umbrella, so that I can quickly stash it in my bag.
Perhaps some researcher or designer could come up with the materials and design for this.
As Singapore has no raw materials to export, we must add value to our manufactured products.
By continually improving on materials and design, we can produce world beaters.
Anne Chong Su Yan (Dr)
