‘Some friends ask if I’m speaking to aliens’: How young Singaporeans are gearing up for space careers
Singapore is opening new pathways for young people into the space industry, but questions remain over whether these will lead to viable careers.
Singapore is expanding opportunities for young individuals to pursue careers in the space industry, though the long-term viability of these pathways remains uncertain. Edmund Lim, a 14-year-old student, has built a homemade antenna using a mere S$20 in materials and a S$50 receiver to detect radio broadcasts originating from the United States.
His interest in satellite communications was sparked during a science class at the School of Science and Technology (SST), where he learned to capture radio signals and analyze their data.
Edmund is part of a rising cohort of Singaporean youth who are eager to enter the nascent space sector. With an estimated 2,000 professionals currently employed in the industry, the government is keen to cultivate a pipeline of local talent to meet the demand for engineers, researchers, and data specialists. The National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) highlights the need for professionals who can integrate space technologies into various sectors, including maritime and finance.
Facilities at SST have been instrumental in nurturing these interests. The school, which is one of only two secondary schools with an observatory and the only one with an amateur radio station, provides students access to resources such as satellites, radio users, and deep space photography equipment. This hands-on experience has fueled the ambitions of students like Gavriel Chia, who plans to pursue a career in astronomy research.
Meanwhile, Teoh Tian Huai, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) engineering science student, is drawn to the practical applications of space technology, such as remote sensing for monitoring environmental changes and disaster predictions. NP is set to introduce a new space technology specialisation for engineering students, allowing them to learn about satellite systems and engage in capstone projects to build satellite components.
As Singapore looks to expand its space industry, educators and students alike aim to build a strong foundation of expertise to support future growth.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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