MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Ministry will continue to emphasise in its programme of activities how science and technology coupled with work attitudes can stimulate economic growth.

Technician Training

The construction of the new $41 .8 million Polytechnic Campus at Dover Road will be completed by early 1978. About 4, 000 students are currently attending classes at the new Campus. The final move of the complete student population of 4, 800 full-time students and 3, 800 part-time students to the new campus will commence in December 1977 and the Polytechnic will be fully housed at the Dover Road Campus by June 1978.

The second phase of the $15 million expansion project of the Ngee Ann Technical College will be completed this year and the College will have modern up-to-date facilities for technician training in the relevant fields.

Science Council

The Science Council will expand its activities aimed at stimulating an awareness of the impact of science and technology on society. A competition for vocational institute students along the lines of its very popular Science and Industry Quiz will be initiated this year.

Science Centre

The Science Centre building was completed in October 1976 and efforts have been stepped up to have the exhibits construction programme completed for the opening of the Centre by the end of this year. The Centre will display exhibits on themes such as energy, communication, time, evolution genetics and ecology and will have adequate space set aside for young scientists to plan, construct and display their own exhibits.

Department of Scientific Services

The Department of Scientific Services will take over the functions of providing microbiological testing for pharmaceutical products for the Ministry of Health as well as the private sector under the new Medicines Act, The Department will expand its capabilities to provide fuller support to the Ministry of Home Affairs in its campaign to control drug abuse.

JEK YEUN THONG Minister for Science & Technology