
The Space Pioneer Lynette Tan
Lynette Tan is a veteran leader in Singapore's space industry, with decades of experience shaping its growth. Driven by a mission to demystify space—and a belief in its potential as a platform for education, empowerment and transformation—Tan has been a pivotal figure in raising awareness of the realm of space through various initiatives.
In 2021, she launched Space Faculty, which focuses on educational and leadership courses for a new generation. Her most recent venture, Expand Space, is a platform designed to cultivate aspiration and serve as a cornerstone for collaboration among a new league of bright minds. AS A CHANGEMAKER, WHAT DRIVES YOU AT YOUR CORE?
What drives me is the vision of a world where space is not distant but deeply integrated into our lives, and where people, regardless of background, feel empowered to reach for it. Curiosity has driven me throughout my life, but while it's one thing to be curious, it is quite another to nurture that passion and forge new pathways which create a lasting impact. What's the one achievement you're most proud of so far and why?
In 2024, I was humbled to receive the Best Business Event Champion award from the Singapore Tourism Board. It was a proud moment for the entire Space Faculty team as it affirmed our mission to grow Asia's space and deep-tech ecosystem. This wasn't just a win for us—it was a signal to the region that Singapore is ready to lead in space innovation, education and entrepreneurship. Mentorship has also been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey, whether through Women in Aviation, the US Embassy or the Singapore Business Federation. To walk alongside young people as they find their way in space and STEM, and to witness their transformation into confident, capable innovators—that's the achievement I am most proud of. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced and how have you overcome it?
Starting a space-focused venture in Singapore wasn't just a business risk, it was a cultural challenge. When Space Faculty first began, space was something that many saw as distant and perhaps even outside our reach. The idea of building a business around it seemed almost audacious. But that challenge became both a motivation and an opportunity to carve out a place in Singapore where innovation could thrive. I leaned into partnerships, education and community-building to reshape perceptions and build momentum. What do you believe is the true power of space technology?
Space technology is not about spectacle; it is about substance. It has the power to improve lives and safeguard our future. From GPS navigation and climate monitoring to clean energy through solar advancements and artificial intelligence used in satellite data, it is already embedded in our everyday lives. Its greatest strength lies in its adaptability. As our world changes, space technologies continually evolve—providing new tools to tackle pressing challenges such as climate resilience, global connectivity and humanitarian coordination. Why are you passionate about demystifying space tech for a wider audience?
I believe the vastness of space ignites profound curiosity about our world. My passion lies in transforming this once-intimidating sector into an inclusive, relatable domain—one where individuals feel a sense of possibility and excitement. In the early years of my career, space was perceived as remote, elite and unreachable. At Space Faculty, we focus on demystifying space through experiential education, accessible programming and international collaboration. Initiatives such as the International Space Challenge—the world's longest-running space competition outside the US—and the GNSS Innovation Quest in partnership with the Singapore Land Authority empower students to think critically, solve real-world problems and see themselves as part of the global space conversation. And with Expand Space, our deep-tech playground, we are helping attendees explore the incredible and ever-evolving world of STEM and space innovation right here in Singapore, while bringing in global space players to share insights and foster connections.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
12 hours ago
- Business Times
Singapore needs to embrace Bitcoin to maintain status as financial hub: Jeremy Tan
[SINGAPORE] Singapore needs to welcome Bitcoin-related businesses to maintain its status as a global financial hub, said retired businessman Jeremy Tan at an event on Wednesday (Jun 11). The 34-year-old rose to prominence last month during the general election as one of just two independent candidates, pulling in 36.16 per cent of the votes in Mountbatten SMC. He lost to the People's Action Party's Gho Sze Kee. During the nine-day campaign and on his election website, Tan promoted Bitcoin as an inflation-proof asset that Singaporeans should have. He also proposed several policies, including the creation of a Singapore dollar-denominated Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). At a fireside chat hosted by cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, Tan said that he believes Singapore will have an advantage in the global economy if the government creates Bitcoin-related laws. 'We need to recognise Bitcoin as a separate entity from other forms of cryptocurrencies,' he told an audience of some 200 people, mostly males in their late teens and early 20s. 'The difference between the previous Bitcoin cycle and the current Bitcoin cycle is that the bad actors are no longer in the market.' BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up He referred to former crypto billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried as one of the se 'bad actors'. The American's crypto exchange, FTX, collapsed in 2022, and he is now serving a 25-year sentence for committing fraud; he stole US$8 billion from customers. Saad Ahmed, Asia-Pacific head at Gemini and the host of the fireside chat, pointed out the increasing institutionalisation of cryptocurrency. He said one of the key catalysts of this is the approval of Bitcoin ETFs. As at Thursday, the largest such ETF by market cap, iShares Bitcoin Trust, had a 16.57 per cent year-to-date return. Its market cap stands at US$72.6 billion. Tan said that companies trading Bitcoin earn from the cryptocurrency's volatility, adding that that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should consider investing their reserves in Bitcoin. 'If we can change the way SMEs think about Bitcoin as a treasury, then we can change the way SMEs become more productive going forward.' He also said that there is a growing market for advisory services for SMEs which wish to invest in the cryptocurrency. 'There are many companies here that want to store (their treasury) in Bitcoin, but they do not know how to structure their business to do so,' he said. He added that unless the Singapore government starts to reform its Bitcoin laws, the advisory services industry will not be able to grow.

Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Singapore, Chongqing continue work on trade and financial connectivity
Mr Tan Kiat How, senior minister of state for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Health, speaking at a trade and financial conference on June 11. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH SINGAPORE - A 10-year-old initiative to strengthen transport links between Chongqing and Singapore will produce new opportunities over the next 10 years for Western China and Asean to work together in areas like green finance and digital connectivity. For a sustainable, low carbon future, both Asean and China will require a vast amount of green financing and investments, said Mr Leong Sing Chiong, deputy managing director for marketing and development at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He was speaking at a trade and financial conference on the China-Singapore (Chongqing) New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC). The conference was held on June 11 at Conrad Singapore Orchard. The CCI-ILSTC is a rail-sea multimodal transportation route for goods linking Chongqing in Western China to Singapore . The conference marked the 10th anniversary of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) connectivity initiative and explored opportunities in trade and digital and sustainable financing for the region offered by the CCI-ILSTC. The CCI-ILSTC has proven itself an efficient and viable trade route linking Western China, South-east Asia, and beyond, said Mr Tan Kiat How, senior minister of state for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and the Ministry of Health. 'Container volumes have grown nearly tenfold since the CCI-ILSTC facilitates the flow of a wide range of goods, including automotive components, electronics, and chemical products between Western China and South-east Asia through Singapore,' he said. 'Beyond just moving goods, the CCI-ILSTC represents a deeper transformation by reflecting how our region is responding to forces reshaping global trade,' said Mr Tan. 'Supply chains are being reconfigured for resilience; digital technologies are redefining connectivity; and sustainability has become central, not optional, to how we grow and partner responsibly.' Singapore's financial institutions have also been active in supporting Chongqing's decarbonisation. For example, DBS Bank provided a green loan to Singapore Power Group in 2025, to support the district cooling and heating system project at Raffles City Chongqing. The system, to centralise heating and cooling for the whole development , will reduce its carbon footprint by about 30 per cent. Chongqing has long stood out as a gateway to Western China, said Mr Tan during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Chongqing Week, on June 11 at Ngee Ann City. 'From its vibrant consumer market and thriving innovation ecosystem to its logistics strengths and deep industrial base, Chongqing presents compelling opportunities for Singapore companies,' said Mr Tan. The Chongqing Week event, which runs until June 13 , presents the megacity's cultural heritage through traditional handicrafts such as the Jiulongpo paper-cutting art and delicacies like the Rongchang braised goose. The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI) is the third government-to-government project between Singapore and China, following the Suzhou Industrial Park and the Tianjin Eco-City. Launched in November 2015, the CCI serves as a key priority demonstration project for China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Western Region development, and the Yangtze River Economic Belt Strategy. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.


AsiaOne
a day ago
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance Pack review — and other top stories today, World News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance Pack review: Sporty electric SUV that's big in performance and price Polestar is a brand that likes to do things a bit differently it seems. It first debuted in Singapore in late 2021 with the Polestar 2, a Tesla Model 3 rival but with a raised ride height that made it look like a strange mixed breed between sedan and SUV. It then took over two years before it released its next new model. That was the Polestar 4, a sleek crossover that came with no rear windscreen. It's supposedly meant to be a sporty coupe-SUV, but its bold design choice seemingly defies definition... » READ MORE 2. Jetstar Asia ceasing operations: Passengers scramble to seek refunds, travel plans up in limbo The travel plans of some Jetstar Asia passengers are now up in limbo after the budget carrier announced on Wednesday (June 11) morning it is winding up operations. Among them are university undergraduate Tan and her friends. They had booked round-trip tickets to Bali just days before, but now find themselves in an awkward predicament... » READ MORE 3. Durians for $1.95 at FairPrice annual fair this June Durian lovers have every reason to celebrate with durian season making its return. FairPrice's Annual Durian Fair is back and will be running across two weekends, from June 13 to 15 and June 20 to 22... » READ MORE 4. More seniors to benefit as 3 local banks recognise CPF Life payouts as income proof for credit card applications More seniors aged 65 and above will be able to apply for credit cards as DBS, UOB and OCBC will recognise CPF Life payouts as income proof. According to a statement on Tuesday (June 10), DBS said that the policy kicks in from June 11 (Wednesday)... » READ MORE editor@