MoU for Australian and Singaporean science centres

Australia’s national science and technology centre, Questacon, has strengthened its relationship with the Science Centre Singapore following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will build the capacity of each centre and have flow-on benefits to the region.

The MoU was announced as part of a package by Prime Minister Tony Abbott during his recent visit to Singapore. It will see the two centres develop a 10-year work program as part of the Australian Government’s Singapore 2025 initiative.

Under the agreement, the two science centres will mutually enhance their capacity by sharing resources, expertise and best practice on developing learning programs and interactive exhibition design. They will also collaborate on other projects to build skills and capacity for other science centres in the region.

A centre for cooperative exchange will be created under the MoU involving key staff from each organisation, coordinating information exchange, joint project and asset management and research priorities. The MoU will also secure funds to support staff exchanges.

The MoU has been marked by the exchange of gifts, with Questacon presenting the Science Centre Singapore centre with an Emu illusion exhibit. In return, it has received a model of the Singaporean centre’s popular fire tornado exhibit and permission to recreate this exhibit.

“These are two leading science centres with over 60 years of combined expertise in engaging the public, especially young people, with the importance and wonder of science and technology and increasing scientific literacy in both nations,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Science Karen Andrews.

“I’m confident this agreement will strengthen the friendship between these two centres and will reap great benefits for science literacy in our countries.”