www.mti.gov.sg/NewsRoom/Pages/Mr-S-Iswar...Convention-2014.aspx
Mr S Iswaran at the Global Space and Technology Convention (GSTC) 2014
Introduction
It is my pleasure to join all of you at this year?s Global Space Technology Convention (GSTC), which is now into its sixth successful run. I am heartened to see such a good turnout from the space community this morning.
Good progress made in developing Singapore?s space industry
At last year?s convention, I had shared with you the establishment of the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn), to drive and promote the growth of Singapore?s space industry. This was in recognition of the industry?s growth potential, and its ability to create attractive jobs for our increasingly educated workforce.
In support of efforts to develop and grow Singapore?s space industry, the Government had also announced the establishment of a $90 million Satellite Industry Development Fund at Budget 2013. This fund supports industry development efforts, and public-private partnerships in R& D, to build up our satellite capabilities.
Since then, we have witnessed encouraging progress in Singapore?s space industry. 2013 saw Singapore becoming a partner for companies to grow their satellite businesses, develop technologies, and export new solutions to the world.
In particular, I am heartened by the progress of Singapore companies, in adjacent sectors such as precision engineering, electronics and info communications, who have begun to leverage on their existing capabilities to develop innovative space-based solutions.
Addvalue Technologies, a local medium-sized enterprise, is one good example. With OSTIn?s support, it is building on its expertise in radio-frequency technologies to develop a satellite-based terminal that enables data transfer between satellites in the low earth (LEO) and geo-stationary (GEO) orbits. This innovation could allow for a more efficient use of ground networks, and enable timely access to a greater amount of data. Building on such exciting projects, OSTIn will continue to work with our local industry players to enhance their expertise and capabilities to deliver satellite technologies.