New chief executive to helm Science Centre Board
SINGAPORE – A long-term Ministry of Education (MOE) staff member will become chief executive of the Science Centre Board on July 1, a step up from her current role as the board's deputy CEO.
In a statement on June 2, Science Centre Singapore said Ms Tham Mun See, 55, succeeds Dr Lim Tit Meng, who will step down on June 30 'to pursue other interests'.
Dr Lim has helmed the Science Centre Board since 2010. Under his stewardship, the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) was made accessible to all ages, the statement said.
During his tenure, Science Centre Singapore rolled out a variety of initiatives, including the Centre of Research and Applied Learning in Science, which mentored students conducting science and engineering research projects.
The 65-year-old also kick-started a partnership with SG Enable, making it easier for people with disabilities to access various exhibits at the Science Centre.
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, he led the Science Centre's pivot to live-streaming videos of science demonstrations, which reached about 170,000 students from more than 300 schools.
The statement added that Dr Lim had overseen the development of the new Science Centre, which will be located in the Jurong Lake District, and is expected to open by the end of 2027.
Expressing his appreciation, Education Minister Desmond Lee said: 'Dr Lim Tit Meng has played a key role in making Science Centre Singapore an important hub for science education in Singapore.
'Through various initiatives, he has brought Stem learning out of classrooms, and inspired students to apply scientific solutions to real-world problems.'
Besides his achievements as CEO, the associate professor at the National University of Singapore's Department of Biological Sciences also held leadership roles in various scientific organisations.
He was president of the Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science from 2011 to 2025, the Singapore National Academy of Science from 2019 to 2025, and the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres from 2016 to 2024.
Dr Lim also sat on the board of the US Association of Science and Technology Centres from 2013 to 2018, and expanded the scope of the Science Centre's business arm, which has secured international collaborations with Sarawak in Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
His successor, Ms Tham, has held multiple leadership roles at MOE.
These include executive director of the Academy of Singapore Teachers, as well as principal of Raffles Girls' School and Anderson Secondary School.
On her appointment, Mr Lee said: 'I look forward to working with Ms Tham Mun See on the development of the new Science Centre, to continue to spark curiosity and nurture creativity through Stem education, and inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.'
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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