Written reply to PQ on building ecosystem-level awareness and capability pathways for SMEs to join space and quantum sectors

Question:

Mr Mark Lee: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in view that the Government has signalled frontier areas such as space and quantum as part of Singapore’s next growth phase, how does the Government plans to build ecosystem-level awareness and capability pathways for SMEs to participate given the high entry barriers and scale advantages typically associated with these sectors. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The frontier areas that we are pursuing build on our existing strengths in adjacent sectors such as aerospace, microelectronics and telecommunications. They can thus present opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in these existing industries. For example, Nandina REM, which specialises in aerospace-grade carbon fibre, has started to supply to the space industry. The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) has also established the Singapore Space Community to connect aerospace companies, space industry startups, and government agencies to foster collaborations. 

2.                  As for quantum technologies, which remain nascent, the Government is promoting awareness and undertaking education efforts such as the National Quantum Computing Hub’s Quantum Talent (QuTalent) online learning platform. 

3.                  The Government has a suite of initiatives to help SMEs pursue opportunities in frontier areas and technologies. For example, A*STAR’s Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) programme supported Transcelestial, a company which develops inter-satellite laser communications, to develop precision optics test stations for the testing and optimisation of components in its space system. The Space Technology Development Programme (STDP), which is currently administered by the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn), also funded industry R&D projects which benefited companies such as SpeQtral in their development of satellite-based quantum key distribution technology. The STDP will be overseen by the National Space Agency of Singapore when it is set up from 1 April 2026.