Singapore, 27 October 2015 –National Geographic Channel (NGC) and Singtel TV today introduced Project Breakthrough, a new learning initiative that aims to spark interest and passion in modern science and technology among Singaporean children aged 9 to 11 years old.
“Singtel TV is delighted to be part of Project Breakthrough with NGC. Together, we can go beyond empowering children with knowledge through entertainment and give them first-‐hand experience of the exciting world of science and technology. We hope this learning initiative will encourage them to seek answers through innovation, one of Singtel’s core values and the cornerstone of Singapore’s success”, said Mr Goh Seow Eng, MD, Home, Consumer Singapore, Singtel.
Developed in line with the nation’s call for self-‐directed learners, Project Breakthrough is supported by Science Centre Singapore (SCS), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and the A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R). These learning institutions will host various educational sessions and facility visits, allowing participants to delve into the world of innovation and engage with scientists and experts on hot topics such as alternative energy and assistive robotics.
Future innovators who present the best five ideas in various fields will be offered an opportunity to further their interest through attachments at local research institutions.
Project Breakthrough was inspired by NGC’s latest production– Breakthrough, a revolutionary six-part series about scientific explorers from leading universities and institutions, and how their cutting-edge innovations and advancements will change our lives in extraordinary ways.
Presented by National Geographic and GE, brands well-‐known for their dedication to innovation, science and technology, the series will premiere on NGC (Singtel TV Ch 201) on Saturday, 7 November. Each hour-‐long episode is directed by Hollywood visionaries – Ron Howard, Brett Ratner, Peter Berg, Angela Bassett, Akiva Goldsman and Paul Giamatti.
“NGC has a reputation for high-‐quality programming that consistently resonates with audiences across the world and we aim to inspire viewers through premium programming. This initiative provides the perfect platform for us to identify and connect with the best in the field of innovation in Singapore, thus providing a strong co-‐relation between the content and knowledge we share on-‐air and the real life experiences of our young scientists-‐to-‐be” says Sun Young Moon, Vice President, Programming, National Geographic Channel.
“SCS is happy to partner with NGC to work on Project Breakthrough, targeting our efforts specifically on an impressionable age group of 9 to 11. At this age, kids are brimming with curiosity and are not afraid to observe and ask questions. These are the precursor attributes of becoming a scientist. We hope our tinkering and educational sessions paired with the airing of the Breakthrough series will spur further interest in science,” says Associate Professor, Lim Tit Meng, Chief Executive, Science Centre Singapore
Young scientists-‐in-‐training can sign up for the Project Breakthrough sessions by registering online at www.singteltv.com.sg/ngcbreakthrough from 28 October 2015.
Breakthrough will air on National Geographic Channel Singtel TV Ch 201 from Saturday 7 November 2015 at 10pm.