Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, highlights critical role that Singapore's youth will play in the clean energy transition.
In a packed gathering of students from polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) colleges, Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, not only addressed the audience, but also painted a broader picture Singaporeā€™s evolving energy sector. Youth@SIEW, which took place on 27 October, served as a platform for discussing the potential of the younger generation in steering the nation towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Ms Low opened with an observation: "When Youth@SIEW started 10 years ago, our energy goals back then really centred primarily around natural gas. Fast forward to now, and we see a remarkable energy landscape shift."
Youth@SIEW also leveraged Kahoot quizzes and roll calls to engage the audience, underlining the excitement and promise that the clean energy sector holds for Singapore's youth. It is not just a promising field, but one that's set to define Singapore's energy landscape.
Exploring the 4 Supply Switches
Ms Low went on to provide a comprehensive overview of the 4 Switches that underpin Singapore's energy transition. These Switches provide a sneak preview of the job opportunities that await the youth:
- Solar energy: Singapore has already surpassed 1 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar deployment. It is well within sight of achieving its 2GWp goal by 2030. Beyond solarising roof space, solar will also be deployed on water bodies to overcome land constraints.
- Clean electricity imports: Singapore is targeting 4GW of clean electricity imports by 2035, accounting for half of the country's energy demand.
- Low carbon alternatives: Singapore continues to explore innovative low carbon options such as geothermal energy.
- Natural gas: This will remain essential as a bridging fuel to the energy transition, and will be a vital source of electricity generation for Singapore. Plans are underway to introduce hydrogen-ready power plants to reduce carbon emissions.
She encouraged the students, saying: " I want you to really continue to stay attuned to all the exciting developments in this space and be open-minded about the job possibilities".
The surge of clean energy jobs
Ms Low further emphasised: "Singaporeā€™s clean energy sector was indeed projected to rise by 80 percent by year 2032. We expect significant growth in clean energy jobs. There are good career prospects for youth like you that you can look forward to."
She highlighted emerging job opportunities in the green economy, such as software experts, Edge solution developers, Edge connectivity engineers, and professionals at the forefront of battery and smart grid technologies.
Moreover, technology and digitalisation will be the cornerstone of many of these jobs. For example, data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) modelling tools will be used to optimise grid performance. Meanwhile, drones will be leveraged for solar panel maintenance.
"The possibilities are really endless,' she stated.
Youth as the pioneers of change
Ms Low also celebrated the achievements of the rising young talents in the energy sector. She acknowledged the recipients of the 2023 Energy-Industry Scholarship (EIS) and the second batch of energy ambassadors, recognising their vital role in driving the industry forward.
Under EIS, the four recipients will receive financial support for their studies and the opportunity to work in a company upon graduation. The team of seven Energy Ambassadors served as inspiring models for youth. Over the past two years, they developed their energy knowledge and shared what they learned at career fairs, schools, and on social media.
Ms Low also lauded initiatives like the Singapore Energy Grand Challenge and Youth Energy Showcase. She shared that these two programmes underscore the innovative spirit of Singapore's youth in leading the charge towards a net zero future.
A fresh perspective on the energy transition
Ms Lowā€™s Opening Remarks offered a fresh perspective on the energy transition for Singapore's youth. It not only highlighted the changing landscape of the country's energy transition, but also emphasised the pivotal role of young talents in shaping a sustainable energy future.
In a call out, she wholeheartedly encouraged: "To our youth, I really want to encourage you to be catalysts of change, to spark and build a more sustainable Singapore. Together, we can truly accelerate our energy transition, and make net zero a reality here in Singapore."