Written reply to PQ on Making National Earth Observation Data from Singapore’s Satellites Accessible to Singapore-based Researcher

Question

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Government will consider making national Earth-observation data from Singapore's satellites readily accessible to Singapore-based researchers, similar to the 2008 Landsat free-data policy and the European Copernicus Programme; and (b) if not, why not.

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

1. Earth-observation data from satellites jointly owned by the Singapore Government and ST Engineering can be obtained through commercial arrangements with ST Engineering. Singapore-based researchers can apply for research grants from Government agencies that will cover payments for access to Earth-observation data. This approach strikes a balance between data access and commercial discipline.