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Synopsis :

This forum examines the link between science and social progress.

The speakers are Physicist and winner of Nobel prize in Physics, Professor Yang Chen Ning (杨振宁); Physics Professor, Drexel University, Professor Feng Da Hsuan (冯达旋); Senior Physicist, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Professor Chau Ling-Lie (乔玲丽); and Provost, University of California, Professor Woo Chia Wei (吴家玮). The forum is hosted by Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, Professor Phua Kok Khoo (潘国驹)

Areas of discussion include:

1. Science is a tool for social progress that can be stimulated with adequate investment from companies and the government.  The long-term needs of society must be anticipated and plans must be made ahead of time. Investment is crucial for scientific advancement and social progress.

2. Society as a stimulus for scientific advancement. A high standard of living would provide enough education and resources for research. A stable society will find itself pushing forward to advance even further.

3. Comparison between Singaporean and American culture. The innate inhibition of Singaporeans to express their opinions freely is considered to be the main difference. Open and free discussion is said to be valuable for scientific and social advancement.