A new permanent showcase titled “New Science Centre: Wonderfully Yours” was officially unveiled by Guest of Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Education and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration at the Science Centre Singapore (SCS) as part of its SG60 STEM Fiesta.
Shaped by ideas and aspirations gathered through a year-long outreach that engaged over 10,000 people, the showcase offers a first look at the evolving vision for the Centre’s next chapter. Located in the Jurong Lake District, the new Science Centre will offer expanded indoor and outdoor spaces that connect science with everyday life through immersive exhibits, nature trails, and community-driven experiences. The Centre will continue to welcome public feedback and explore opportunities to co-create, inviting guests to help shape the future of science education in Singapore.
“It has been deeply inspiring to hear from so many members of our community as we look ahead to the new Science Centre and the next chapter for STEM learning in Singapore. The “New Science Centre: Wonderfully Yours” showcase is a testament to the power of co creation and collaboration, and a reflection of what we can achieve when people from all walks of life come together to imagine and shape the future. That is why we remain committed to making science exciting, meaningful and accessible to all,” said Ms Tham Mun See, Chief Executive of the Science Centre Board.
A Showcase by the Community, for the Community
Located at the main entrance of SCS, guests can view an architectural scale model of the new Science Centre, highlighting how its design optimises its waterfront location at Jurong Lake District. The new Science Centre will feature five interlocking rectangular blocks, with large glass windows at the ends of some blocks that act as ‘monocles’ offering panoramic views of Jurong Lake and Chinese Garden. These blocks will house exhibition galleries, laboratories,
and event spaces. Surrounding gardens and courtyards will create new opportunities for more outdoor experiences such as nature encounters, festivals, and stargazing.
Guests can immerse themselves in a mirrored ceiling installation, simulating the dramatic reflective surface of the building that will be found at the Activity Plaza, a key placemaking element of the new Science Centre. The Activity Plaza will host a range of new community initiatives open to members of the public.
Also on display will be a whimsical art piece designed by local design firm 8EyedSpud featuring familiar Science Centre and Jurong Lake District icons.
A vibrant panel in the showcase features public feedback and ideas, capturing the community’s shared aspirations for future experiences — from guided nature walks in the new Science Centre’s lush landscape to sci-fi zones, smart labs, robotics and technology showcases, outdoor bazaars, open-air film screenings, and more.
Prototyping the Future with Community Events
The showcase is a result of ongoing public engagement including roving exhibitions, community workshops, and design challenges. A strong focus was placed on ground-up innovation by involving community groups and youth, recognising their vital role in shaping the next generation of innovators and thinkers. SCS supported various initiatives, including the National AI Student Challenge 2025 (NAISC), where teams in the Science Centre track had the chance to harness Artificial Intelligence in designing and expressing their proposals for new science-learning experiences as well as for a new children’s mascot.
“I enjoyed ideating exciting new exhibits for the new Science Centre,” said Aiden Chong, 14, a Zhenghua Secondary School student who was part of the winning team for NAISC, Science Centre track. “I hope to see more immersive experiences such as a virtual reality lab, where guests can participate in and carry out science experiments. It’s a great way to engage people of all ages through learning that feels interesting and adventurous, and I hope that the Science Centre will consider our ideas.”
Close to 100 students contributed ideas through special programmes such as DesignSingapore Council’s Real World Co-Design Platform 2024 and live-client projects for Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Bachelor of Arts Design Practice programme, to develop fresh ideas for elevating visitor experience at the new Centre around youth interests and everyday science. Their creative suggestions included interactive displays about sports science, exhibits linking cultural festivals to astronomy, and opportunities to participate in citizen science.
In anticipation of the new Centre, SCS has also begun real-world testing of public-submitted ideas in its existing space, including more community events. One example is its participation in PARK(ing) Day Singapore 2024, a global annual event where communities transform parking lots into community spaces. Together with Bold At Work – a platform that prepares young people for the future of work, carparks at SCS were reimagined as interactive science zones, offering a range of activities exploring ideas around well-being, sustainability, and playful learning – from sensory installations to escape room puzzles. The activation drew over 500 members of the public, with many expressing their enjoyment and strong interest in seeing similar initiatives integrated into the new Centre’s programming.
Another prototype in progress is STEM Fiesta’s “Kampung Lab”, a community-run maker market showcasing youth innovation. It features over 18 young makers from NUS Makers’ Alley, and hands-on booths offering STEM-inspired handicrafts ranging from astronomy themed accessories and botanical trinkets to upcycled 3D-printed creations that reflect the voices of Gen Z. In the coming years, guests can look forward to similar initiatives that will offer a glimpse into how community-led events can activate future public spaces in the new Science Centre.
“New Science Centre: Wonderfully Yours” is now open for public viewing at SCS and will remain accessible until the new Centre opens. All guests are invited to explore the showcase and contribute their ideas towards building the future of science education in Singapore.
Tickets/Bookings for STEM Fiesta are still available. More information can be found here.
