Abbott and the Abbott Fund partners with Science Centre Singapore to launch science education programmes for Singapore youths

Abbott and its philanthropic foundation, the Abbott Fund, have partnered with the Science Centre Singapore (SCS) to launch creative education programmes designed to spark an interest in science among the youth of Singapore in March 2010.

The two programmes, Family Science and Operation Discovery, actively engaged young people in learning about science and innovation through hands-on experiments and activities led by Abbott scientists.

Developed in partnership with leading educational organisations in the U.S., both programmes are a part of Abbott's global science education outreach efforts. Singapore is the first Asian country where they were introduced, following successful launches in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Ireland.

"Science and engineering are of strategic importance to our society. They are key drivers of tomorrow's economy. Science Centre aims to develop youths' interest in science early and enhance their capabilities in science through various platforms. We are very pleased to be working with Abbott to enhance science learning and groom future student scientists," said A/Prof Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive, Science Centre Singapore.

"Today's science and engineering students will grow up to become the inventors and innovators of tomorrow's life-saving medicines and medical devices," said Hui Hwa Koh-Minjoot, General Manager, Abbott in Singapore. "Our programmes are designed to foster a better appreciation of science, and by nurturing the spirit of discovery, Abbott hopes to help inspire the next generation of scientists who may want to consider science as a career."

"We have been working with the Ministry of Education and the SCS to develop a programme specifically designed to complement the science curriculum taught in Singapore," said Dr. Steven A. Nowak, Site Head, Analytical R&D, Abbott in Singapore. Our programmes are designed to be hands-on because young people learn best through interactive learning. This also helps them to understand that science is a part of their everyday lives."

Family Science took place at Science Centre Singapore on 13 and 15 March. The programme reached out to families with younger children to provide them with an opportunity to learn about the wonders of science together. Family Science brought kids, parents, teachers and scientists together for an exciting, hands-on experience focused on basic science skills such as observation and problem-solving teamwork, as well as building confidence as science learners. More than 250 participants experienced for themselves how they are surrounded by science and discoveries, and learn to turn everyday items into tools for experiments.

Operation Discovery was held on 12 March 2010 at the Abbott Manufacturing Singapore facility, which was opened in 2009. This programme provided local youth from 3 secondary schools with hands-on opportunities to experience science, and also served as a forum for teachers to explore trends and best practices in middle school science education.

Experiments were led by Abbott scientists, working side-by-side with more than 50 young people exploring science in three areas – drug discovery through plants, separation chromatography and DNA extraction. Students also are introduced to some of the tools and procedures that Abbott employees use every day in their work.

The initial run of the Abbott science programmes in Singapore reached out to more than 300 participants. Abbott is targeting to run its science programmes twice annually in Singapore.

 

 

 

 

 

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