I’m delighted that mechanicians now have this platform to discuss our work as well as share ideas and perspectives. While we advance knowledge in our field and come up with innovative solutions for engineering and materials problems, I believe that we also have a responsibility to speak on issues of global significance, especially where the power of science and technology can be harnessed to address challenges and issues impacting the world.

It is in this spirit that I’d like to share some perspectives from Singapore – “a tiny red dot” at the intersection of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea – on higher education in a world at a crossroad.

The technology revolution is flattening and shrinking the world, intensifying congestion, competition and conflict. At the same time, the evolution of our social and cultural DNA has not kept pace with the realities of accelerating technological change.

These reflections on the need for education to innovate and integrate a socio-cultural dimension were delivered in a speech at the Public Services Summit@Nobel Week hosted by Cisco Systems and the City of Stockholm in December 2006.

• Read full speech online
• Download pdf (1.6 mb)