New chief executive to helm Science Centre Board
SINGAPORE – A long-term Ministry of Education (MOE) staff member will become chief executive of the Science Centre Board on July 1 , a step up from her current role as the board's deputy CEO .
In a statement on June 2 , Science Centre Singapore said Ms Tham Mun See, 55, succeeds Dr Lim Tit Meng, who will step down on June 30 'to pursue other interests'.
Dr Lim has helmed the Science Centre Board since 2010. Under his stewardship, the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) was made accessible to all ages, the statement said.
During his tenure, Science Centre Singapore rolled out a variety of initiatives, including the Centre of Research and Applied Learning in Science , which mentored students conducting science and engineering research projects.
The 65-year-old also kick-started a partnership with SG Enabl e, making it easier for people with disabilities to access various exhibits at the Science Centre.
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, he led the Science Centre's pivot to live-streaming videos of science demonstrations, which reached about 170,000 students from more than 300 schools.
The statement added that Dr Lim had overseen the development of the new Science Centre, which will be located in the Jurong Lake District , and is expected to open by the end of 2027 .
Expressing his appreciation, Education Minister Desmond Lee said: 'Dr Lim Tit Meng has played a key role in making Science Centre Singapore an important hub for science education in Singapore.
'Through various initiatives, he has brought Stem learning out of classrooms, and inspired students to apply scientific solutions to real-world problems.'
Besides his achievements as CEO, the associate professor at the National University of Singapore's Department of Biological Sciences also held leadership roles in various scientific organisations.
He was president of the Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science from 2011 to 2025 , the Singapore National Academy of Science from 2019 to 2025 , and the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres from 2016 to 2024.
Dr Lim also sat on the board of the US Association of Science and Technology Centres from 2013 to 2018 , and expanded the scope of the Science Centre's business arm, which has secured international collaborations with Sarawak in Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
His successor, Ms Tham, has held multiple leadership roles at MOE.
These include executive director of the Academy of Singapore Teachers , as well as principal of Raffles Girls' School and Anderson Secondary School .
On her appointment, Mr Lee said: 'I look forward to working with Ms Tham Mun See on the development of the new Science Centre, to continue to spark curiosity and nurture creativity through Stem education, and inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.'
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Paper
15 hours ago
- New Paper
Pet owners, vets must work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases
The Covid-19 pandemic and mpox and Ebola outbreaks globally serve as stark reminders of how diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans with severe consequences. These high-profile outbreaks have raised public awareness about zoonotic diseases - those that spread between animals and humans. Yet, these headline-making diseases are just the tip of the iceberg. Infectious animal diseases take various forms, such as newly discovered contagious diseases, familiar pathogens which appear in new areas and even common bacteria that develop resistance to the usual treatments. It is particularly concerning that 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Why pet owners should be concerned Urbanisation is increasing interactions between wildlife, pets and humans; climate change is allowing disease-carrying insects to survive in new areas; and global connectivity means diseases can spread faster. These increase the risk of pets being exposed to pathogens. In addition, evolving pet-care practices, such as feeding raw meat diets and the closer sharing of living spaces between pets and owners, are creating conditions that encourage the spread of zoonotic diseases. The good news is that veterinarians are at the front line of detecting and preventing these zoonotic disease threats. They are part of an early warning system that helps identify potential infectious disease risks before they become major outbreaks. When veterinarians notice unusual health or behavioural patterns in their pet patients, it can signal broader health concerns that might affect the community. This reflects Singapore's One Health approach, which recognises that the health of humans, animals and the environment are closely interlinked, with government agencies, academia and the private sector working closely together on transdisciplinary issues. Zoonotic diseases to watch for For pet owners, the challenges of infectious animal diseases might seem daunting, but by working together, veterinarians and pet owners can create strong defences to keep both animals and humans healthy. There is plenty of information on how Singapore works to prevent incursions of major zoonotic diseases, such as high pathogenicity avian influenza and rabies. Here are some examples of under-discussed zoonotic diseases that are more commonly found in pets and what people can do to minimise these risks. 1. Toxoplasmosis This is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. It is caused by a parasite and infects most warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans. Most cats that are infected do not show signs of disease, but some may develop fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. To protect cats from toxoplasmosis, owners should avoid feeding them raw meat. Another measure to protect cats is keeping them indoors to prevent them from hunting rodents. Under the new cat licensing requirements that started in September 2024, cat owners must ensure that their cats do not freely roam outdoors. Humans may be infected by the parasite that is shed in the faeces of infected cats. Reduce the risk of infection by removing faeces from the litter box at least once a day and wash your hands after handling the litter box. 2. Salmonellosis Raw meat is also a risk for another zoonotic bacteria that causes salmonellosis, which may cause severe gastrointestinal signs in pets and humans. Avoid feeding of raw meat to protect your pets and people from multiple zoonotic disease risks. 3. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that occurs worldwide, including in Singapore, and can affect both dogs and humans. It is common in urban areas where there are rat populations capable of spreading the bacteria and stagnant puddles of water from heavy rainfall. Dogs can get an annual vaccine that protects them from leptospirosis. The vaccine reduces the severity of disease and decreases shedding of bacteria, which provides protection to other animals and people who handle them. As transmission to humans can occur through contact with the urine and body fluids of infected animals, pet owners should practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water after handling the urine of their pets. Proper food waste disposal and responsible feeding of community animals can help reduce rat populations and hence reduce the likelihood of pets encountering infected rodents or contaminated environments. Tips on protecting your pets 1. Schedule yearly health check-ups with your veterinarian. For older pets, more frequent visits are recommended, typically every six months. 2. Vaccinate your pets and keep them up to date with boosters. 3. Feed nutritionally balanced, age-appropriate commercial pet food (such as kibbles or canned food) or consult your veterinarian on appropriate home-cooked diets. 4. If your pet is unwell, seek veterinary advice promptly. How to protect yourself and household members 1. Practise good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling pets and keeping your pet's living area clean. 2. If you are unwell, seek medical attention promptly and let your doctor know if you came into contact with animals. 3. Take extra precautions when high-risk groups are interacting with pets, including pregnant women, elderly individuals or people with compromised immune systems. By staying vigilant and working together, we can better protect both our pets and our communities from zoonotic health threats, and that is the essence of One Health.
Straits Times
17 hours ago
- Straits Times
Vet Talk: Pet owners and vets need to work together to prevent infectious zoonotic diseases
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Pet owners can protect their pets and themselves through regular vet check-ups, good hygiene, and informing doctors about animal contact if unwell. SINGAPORE – The Covid-19 pandemic and mpox and Ebola outbreaks globally serve as stark reminders of how diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans with severe consequences. These high-profile outbreaks have raised public awareness about zoonotic diseases – those that spread between animals and humans . Yet, these headline-making diseases are just the tip of the iceberg. Infectious animal diseases take various forms, such as newly discovered contagious diseases, familiar pathogens which appear in new areas and even common bacteria that develop resistance to the usual treatments. It is particularly concerning that 75 per cent of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate in animals, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Why pet owners should be concerned Urbanisation is increasing interactions between wildlife, pets and humans; climate change is allowing disease-carrying insects to survive in new areas; and global connectivity means diseases can spread faster. These increase the risk of pets being exposed to pathogens. In addition, evolving pet-care practices, such as feeding raw meat diets and the closer sharing of living spaces between pets and owners, are creating conditions that encourage the spread of zoonotic diseases. The good news is that veterinarians are at the front line of detecting and preventing these zoonotic disease threats. They are part of an early warning system that helps identify potential infectious disease risks before they become major outbreaks. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong Road South closed for repairs after car fell into sinkhole Asia Trump says Thailand and Cambodia agree to hold immediate ceasefire talks Singapore Mum at 15: More teens in Singapore gave birth in 2024 Singapore HSA will not trace vape users who throw away e-vaporisers in disposal bins at 23 CCs World Israel resumes airdrop aid to Gaza, military says World Turkey marks 50.5 deg C heat record in south-east Business Already owning 5 properties, woman wanted elderly dad's 4 homes Opinion Metallurgy degree for IT job in Singapore? Why not, says Tata Consultancy's growth markets chief When veterinarians notice unusual health or behavioural patterns in their pet patients, it can signal broader health concerns that might affect the community. This reflects Singapore's One Health approach, which recognises that the health of humans , animals and the environment are closely interlinked, with government agencies, academia and the private sector working closely together on transdisciplinary issues. Zoonotic diseases to watch for For pet owners, the challenges of infectious animal diseases might seem daunting, but by working together, veterinarians and pet owners can create strong defences to keep both animals and humans healthy. There is plenty of information on how Singapore works to prevent incursions of major zoonotic diseases, such as high pathogenicity avian influenza and rabies. Here are some examples of under-discussed zoonotic diseases that are more commonly found in pets and what people can do to minimise these risks. 1. Toxoplasmosis This is a zoonotic disease that occurs worldwide. It is caused by a parasite and infects most warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans . Most cats that are infected do not show signs of disease, but some may develop fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. To protect cats from toxoplasmosis, owners should avoid feeding them raw meat. Another measure to protect cats is keeping them indoors to prevent them from hunting rodents. Under the new cat licensing requirements that started in September 2024, cat owners must ensure that their cats do not freely roam outdoors. Humans may be infected by the parasite that is shed in the faeces of infected cats. Reduce the risk of infection by removing faeces from the litter box at least once a day and wash your hands after handling the litter box. 2. Salmonellosis Raw meat is also a risk for another zoonotic bacteria that causes salmonellosis, which may cause severe gastrointestinal signs in pets and humans . Avoid feeding of raw meat to protect your pets and people from multiple zoonotic disease risks. 3. Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that occurs worldwide, including in Singapore, and can affect both dogs and humans . It is common in urban areas where there are rat populations capable of spreading the bacteria and stagnant puddles of water from heavy rainfall. Dogs can get an annual vaccine that protects them from leptospirosis. The vaccine reduces the severity of disease and decreases shedding of bacteria, which provides protection to other animals and people who handle them. As transmission to humans can occur through contact with the urine and body fluids of infected animals, pet owners should practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water after handling the urine of their pets. Proper food waste disposal and responsible feeding of community animals can help reduce rat populations and hence reduce the likelihood of pets encountering infected rodents or contaminated environments. Tips on protecting your pets 1. Schedule yearly health check-ups with your veterinarian. For older pets, more frequent visits are recommended, typically every six months. 2. Vaccinate your pets and keep them up to date with boosters. 3. Feed nutritionally balanced, age-appropriate commercial pet food (such as kibbles or canned food) or consult your veterinarian on appropriate home-cooked diets. 4. If your pet is unwell, seek veterinary advice promptly. How to protect yourself and household members 1. Practise good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling pets and keeping your pet's living area clean. 2. If you are unwell, seek medical attention promptly and let your doctor know if you came into contact with animals. 3. Take extra precautions when high-risk groups are interacting with pets, including pregnant women, elderly individuals or people with compromised immune systems. By staying vigilant and working together, we can better protect both our pets and our communities from zoonotic health threats, and that is the essence of One Health.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business Times
Sanofi to buy Vicebio for up to US$1.6 billion in vaccine push
[PARIS] Sanofi agreed to buy UK biotech Vicebio for as much as US$1.6 billion, gaining experimental vaccines and a technology to streamline their development. The French drugmaker will pay US$1.15 billion upfront with a commitment for potential milestones worth as much as US$450 million, it said in a statement on Tuesday (Jul 22). Chief executive officer Paul Hudson is looking for innovation that fits with Sanofi's existing offerings, and Vicebio's experimental shots are intended to prevent several respiratory illnesses including RSV, the target of its new therapy Beyfortus. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter, and won't have a significant impact on Sanofi's financial guidance for the year, the company said. The transaction helps Sanofi get closer to making next-generation vaccines that offer protection against multiple respiratory viruses in a single shot that isn't mRNA – the technology behind the blockbuster Covid-19 immunisations. Vicebio's technology allows quicker development of liquid combination vaccines that can be stored at fridge temperatures, simplifying manufacturing and distribution by eliminating the need for freezing. The company is working on a single shot against RSV and human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, which is in an exploratory early-stage study. Like several rivals, Sanofi is focusing on cutting-edge therapies while divesting older medicines and its consumer-health division. BLOOMBERG
