Science & Technology: Summary Sheets Broad Categories Areas of Concern 1.

Communications Computers, Entertainment, Information Technology, Surveillance/Security, Information Revolution 2. Medicine Drugs, Pandemic Research, Surgery, Medical Facilities & Equipment, Alternative Medicine 3. Biotechnology Genetics & Gene Therapy, Stem Cell Research, GM Food 4. Energy Alternative Sources, Green Technology 5. Science & Society Science and Humanity, Euthanasia, Crime & Forensics, Personal Technology, Surrogacy 6. Business Development Business intelligence, Silicon Valley, Research & Investment 7. Innovation & Exploration Space Exploration, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Transportation Communications: Computers Computers are decreasing rapidly in size, but increasingly rapidly in their storage capacity. Intel's co-founder Gordon Moore predicted in 1965 that computing technology would increase in value, at the same time, it would decrease in cost through innovations in technology. Now, a new NASA-developed computing device allows machines to work much like the brain. This technology may allow fast-thinking machines to make decisions based on what they see. Networks of these brain cells, called neurons, allow humans to make instant decisions based on an observed image or scene. The new processor captures the same capability to process images in real time. Singapore: In general, most businesses in Singapore have computerised systems to facilitate transactions. The larger the firm in general, the more sophisticated the equipment (eg. Citibank, BHP-Biliton). Of course, there are still a number of traditional businesses like provision shops and small bakeries which see no need to use computers. Schools have also jumped on the bandwagon with IT labs and computers and Internet access made available to students. This is under the IT Master Plan instituted by MOE. Communications: Entertainment Electronic paper now exists in the form of portable wireless devices that allow you to download and read a newspaper or book. When not being used, large displays may roll-up or be neatly folded away. The creation of a virtual world is the next big thing in entertainment. It is an interactive simulated environment accessed by multiple users through an online interface. Virtual worlds have shared space, immediacy, interactivity, persistence (the world's existence continues regardless of whether individual users are logged in) and encourage socialisation. They are used often in commercial gaming which is increasingly becoming a social activity among friends and family. Virtual worlds can also serve to educate and facilitate political expression. Singapore: Online gaming has taken off in Singapore, especially with Internet cafes sprouting up all over the island and free broad-band access in many places. IDA (Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore) has been supporting the annual World Cyber Games since it first started in Singapore in 2001. Another esports tournament, the Asia-Pacific REPLAY 2010 Dawn of War II Tournament was held in Singapore in Jan 2010. It featured competitors from Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Blogging is also part of the online entertainment scene. Singaporeans tend to blog about food and everyday life. Noteworthy and/or well-known Singaporean bloggers include Xia Xue aka Wendy Koh (a frank and sometimes offensive but often humorous take on life in Singapore) and Wang of Mr Wang Says So fame (social, political and economic issues).

Communications: Information Technology Communications in the future could be quite different from what it is today. Recent advancements in 3D imaging and scanning technologies are making ones "virtual presence" a real possibility. In the future, communications could include projecting yourself to another location, and methods of reassembling ones virtual 3D self will likely take the form of 3D holographic displays or shape-shifting nanobots. Singapore: Video-conferencing and Skype are regularly used in business communications or even on a personal level. Most households have access to a personal computer, which facilitate these.