More than one year into the pandemic, the power of science has brought hope to Singapore and the world, and trust in science has grown since 2018, the 2021 3M State of Science Index (SOSI) revealed. Despite these positive findings, more needs to be done to ensure this appreciation for science lasts.
First started in 2018, SOSI is an annual, third-party, independently researched study commissioned by global science company 3M to track attitudes towards science. Fielded from February to March this year, the 2021 edition includes 17 countries, up from 14 in its previous editions – making it the largest data pool to date. It involved about 1,000 respondents in each country, including Singapore.
The theme of hope rings clear in this year’s findings. Singaporeans are counting on science to restore and rejuvenate their lives and enable the road to recovery. A large majority agreed that science gives them hope for the future (92% vs. 89% globally) and are hopeful that 2021 will be a better year than 2020 because of science (92% vs. 87% globally).
More Singaporeans also trust science today. Those who trust science has grown significantly since SOSI began in 2018 (92%, up seven percentage points from 2018) while 84% also agreed that the pandemic has made them more environmentally conscious (vs. 77% globally), and 93% believe that people should follow the science to make the world more sustainable (vs. 89% globally).
Still, more needs to be done. While a minority in Singapore are unsure or do not believe this appreciation for science will continue post-COVID (34% vs. 41% globally), most view scientific advancement as a shared responsibility that requires cross-border and cross-sector collaboration. A strong majority feel that countries should collaborate to create solutions based in science to address major challenges (95% vs. 91% globally), and that there should be more collaboration across public and private sectors to advance science (94% vs. 92% globally).
Nevertheless, most Singaporeans continue to value science. 84% agree there are negative consequences for society if people do not value science (on par with global), and 65% believe that during the pandemic, scientists and medical professionals are inspiring a new generation to pursue a science-based career in the future (vs. 62% globally).
Besides Hope and the Image of Science, the survey also revealed results within the themes of STEM Equity, Sustainability, and Shared Responsibility.
These findings are just the tip of the iceberg. Please refer to the factsheet for more results in Singapore.
Image source: 3M SOSI Virtual Panel 2021
Results Launched And Discussed In Virtual Panel
The results were launched and discussed in today’s 3M State of Science Virtual Panel Discussion 2021. Organized by 3M and Science Centre Singapore (SCS), and joined by more than 100 attendees, panelists were invited to share insights on bridging these gaps.
They included:
• Associate Prof. Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive, Science Centre Board
• Mr Kevin McGuigan, Vice President and Managing Director, 3M South East Asia Region and Country Leader, Singapore
• Dr Mark Chong, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore and Faculty Fellowship Head, Singapore Biodesign
• Dr Suhina Singh, COO / Investor at Macan Pte. Ltd.
• Dr Lee Song Choon, Director, KidsSTOPTM and Events and Engagement at Science Centre Singapore (Moderator)
Said Mr Kevin McGuigan of 3M: “We’re grateful to have Science Centre Singapore onboard to unveil how Singaporeans perceive science, how we can fill the gaps, and inspire others join us to make the world better through science. Despite this challenging time, science is having its ‘moment’. Let’s build on this exciting momentum to help drive a safer, more sustainable and equitable future for Singapore.”
“I’m a father of three children – two girls and a boy. Thus, what stood out to me was Singaporean’s renewed focus on STEM equity and diversity. Since my children were young, I’ve made it a point to cultivate a strong interest in STEM in all of them. They’re now 13, 11 and 4 years old respectively, and I continue to encourage my children to remain curious about the world around them. Children represent hope. As the next generation of leaders, thinkers and creators, they are key to building a safer, more sustainable, and equitable future for Singapore and the world, and I believe we parents need to help foster that,” adds Mr McGuigan.
Associate Prof. Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive, Science Centre Board said: “Our mandate has been to seed knowledge about the powerful potential of STEM and spark action amongst the public to wield its disciplines for a positive impact. The past year has undoubtedly supercharged our case for STEM, as evident in the 3M State of Science Index findings. We are very proud to partner 3M in galvanizing a robust dialogue around STEM and I am hopeful that these conversations will mobilize more Singaporeans to take a deeper interest in scientific advancements, and be inspired to bring about a positive change in their communities through STEM.”
3M Application Specialist Mr Larry Peter Lo said: “Looking at the survey results, I’m excited that the majority of Singaporeans, especially the youths, are more engaged and interested in science and science-related issues, and motivated to pursue a career in STEM. As a 3M Science Outreach volunteer and engineer, I strongly believe that STEM helps us develop a deeper appreciation for nature and the world we share. This is why I’m passionate about passing on the love for STEM to my three children and the younger generation. To me, volunteering with students is a great way of embracing knowledge of the past to define and build a better future.”
Dr Kiruthika Ramanathan, Deputy Director, Schools & Professional Development, Digital Experience & Data Analytics, Education Programmes said: “The pandemic has shown the transient nature of a lot of things we had previously taken for granted. It is all the more necessary for our children to grow up future-ready, for jobs that may not exist currently and even create their own jobs. The ability to think critically and innovate and fail fast is one of the most important values our kids need to develop. STEM offers us crucial building blocks to develop these skills.”
Mr Daniel Tan, Senior Director, Projects; Exhibitions, Science Centre Singapore said: “I’m happy to see the results of the survey in general. Coming from a very small city-state without any natural resources, we see the importance of churning out more talents in STEM in order to contribute to the growth of the country. Having more young people trusting in STEM is certainly a good thing, hopefully this will translate to more choosing STEM as a career. Being a parent, I would look at how companies and employers reward STEM talents. We see the value in STEM, are we rewarding STEM talent according to the value they bring?”
Image source: 3M SOSI Virtual Panel 2021
Bridging The Gaps: 3M
This year’s 3M State of Science Virtual Panel Discussion 2021 is one of the various programs under the partnership between 3M and Science Centre Singapore to advocate for science.
This includes the 3M Tinkering Headstart program, which organizes STEM workshops for underprivileged children from 7-12 years old. From June to end November, 3M and SCS will also be distributing Science at Home kits to children from underserved backgrounds, to spark curiosity, inspire them in science and promote family bonding at home.
Both Tinkering Headstart and Science at Home kits are made possible through 3M’s social investment arm 3Mgives, which supports initiatives that positively impact communities and provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
3M also partners non-profit organization United Women Singapore, the Ministry of Education, and the School of Science and Technology to advance access to quality STEM education in Singapore.
In addition, 3M is organizing The 3M Inspire Challenge, a regional case challenge that calls on undergraduate students across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to submit ideas in Technology, Sustainability and Innovation.
Image source: 3M SOSI Virtual Panel 2021
Bridging The Gaps: Science Centre Singapore
At Science Centre Singapore, a key ambition is to make STEM more accessible and attractive amongst people of all ages and from all walks of life. This means breaking down the barriers of this seemingly remote field, through interactive experiences while introducing the more approachable topics of arts and humanities into the mix.
Last year, the Centre held its inaugural suite of blended learning, digital-first events, known as UNTAME. This was an immersive, cross-platform series of initiatives for STEM exploration, targeted at children, families, educators and industry professionals.
Science Centre is also highly focused on cultivating new generations of critical and creative thinkers and tinkerers, which it exercises through a host of signature competitions held throughout the year.
Organized in collaboration with valued, long-time partners, these competitions cater to students as young as Primary One all the way to tertiary education leaders, and create opportunities to encounter a myriad of STEM-based topics, including sustainability, robotics and even toy-making.
Science Centre is also passionate about championing diversity through STEM, with ongoing efforts to close the industry gender gap through celebration of women in STEM, along with making infrastructural and programmatic changes at the Centre to foster total inclusivity in STEM learning for the differently-abled.