President's Message

SNAS President Welcome Speech 

Since its founding in 1967, the Singapore National Academy of Science (SNAS) has stood as an independent champion for science, promoting knowledge and celebrating discovery and technological progress in Singapore. For more than five decades, we have been guided by a simple but powerful idea: science matters, and its contributions should be recognised, understood, and shared with society. 

I have made it clear that I would serve as President for only one term of three years, and I reaffirm that commitment. At the end of my tenure, I will hand over the leadership of SNAS to Professor Sow Chorng Haur. I am deeply grateful to Professor Ng Huck Hui for stepping forward as our 2nd Vice President. Together, the three of us will work as a united team to ensure a clear and stable leadership transition plan that will guide SNAS for the next decade. 

Over the next three years, my focus will be on strengthening the bonds within our community. SNAS aims to bring together three key stakeholders: our office bearers, our constituent societies, and our Fellows. SNAS will work more closely with our constituent societies to deliver more services to our community. I also believe that we will be stronger when our Fellows are more engaged with the constituent societies, and when our societies have a greater voice in the election of Fellows. Collaboration and shared ownership will be at the heart of this effort. 

I am also determined to address one of our pressing challenges: financial sustainability. Our current level of funding is inadequate; yet, if SNAS is to chart its own course with independence and ambition, we must begin serious and sustained fund-raising. Financial stability will allow us to plan boldly, act decisively, and better serve our community and our country. 

Next year will mark a significant milestone, which is the 50th anniversary of SNAS. This is not only a moment to reflect on our history and honour those who built the Academy, but also an opportunity to look ahead and renew our purpose. The Council will share our anniversary plans in due course, and I hope the celebrations will inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. 

Our mission is to showcase the achievements of scientists working in Singapore, to lead in public engagement and science communication, and to be a trusted, non-partisan voice in support of national initiatives. Our vision is to serve as a national beacon for scientific awareness, inspiring discovery, innovation, and a society that values and celebrates science. 

It is an honour to serve as President of SNAS. I look forward to working with everyone in our community to ensure that SNAS remains a vibrant, respected, and impactful institution for many years to come. Together, we will continue to build a future where science thrives for the benefit of Singapore and the world. 

Yours faithfully,

Prof Tan Choon Hong

5 August 2025