Office for Space Technology and Industry, Singapore - OSTIn

Seed-ing a sustainable future through space!

The harsh environment of outer space sparks new mutations in plant cells – a process called space mutagenesis – which can be leveraged to develop improved varieties of leafy greens suited for indoor urban farms in land-scarce Singapore. Supported by OSTIn and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) under the Space Technology Development Programme (STDP), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Genome Institute of Singapore, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED), Republic Polytechnic, and NUS are developing these improved vegetable varieties that will support Singapore’s goal of strengthening our food security.

Imagine the space industry as a garden.

That’s how Ms Jacinth Lau sees it — full of promise, growth, and the occasional need for weeding. “As Deputy Director (Industry) at OSTIn, I see my role a bit like being a gardener,” she says. “I help companies plant roots in Singapore, nurture their growth, and connect them to the right environments to thrive.”

That nurturing approach defines her work. From advising start-ups and connecting them with overseas opportunities, to translating policy into action and building global partnerships — Jacinth is cultivating an ecosystem where Singapore’s space industry can flourish sustainably. Sometimes, it’s about “repotting” early-stage companies into more fertile ground. Other times, it’s weeding out business barriers that might stifle innovation.

The broad scope of her work also finds Jacinth in varied situations. “One day I could be deep in conversation with a founder working on satellite hardware, the next I’m working on policy with colleagues, or prepping for an international space event. No two days are the same, and that’s what makes it exciting,” she shares.

Outside of work, Jacinth is a hands-on mum to two kids, aged four and six. Once an avid hiker and climber before becoming a parent, she now channels her love for the outdoors into gentler family adventures such as exploring nature trails and going on park walks.

Just as the outdoors holds endless paths to explore, Jacinth sees limitless potential in space – in how it’s a catalyst for new technologies, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world.

“Wait. This is a space job?”

When Clarisse Mak first came across the job listing for a role jointly developed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and OSTIn, it didn’t exactly scream “space.” With her engineering background, she had been searching for opportunities that blended technical work with communications and project management. Instead, she discovered something innovative — a cross-sectoral role uniting maritime operations and satellite technology.

“I thought I’d just be attached for a few meetings or projects here and there,” Clarisse recalls with a laugh. “It wasn’t until the interview that I realised this is actually a space position.”

Intrigued, she took the leap — stepping into a career she hadn’t expected but quickly grew to love. Today, Clarisse works on initiatives that analyse satellite imagery and space-based communications for maritime operations, improving ship-to-shore connectivity enhancing maritime safety.

When responding to the oil spill incidents in 2024, Clarisse supported the clean-up by analysing satellite images to pinpoint affected areas. “Satellite imagery and drones became our eyes,” she explains. “They helped us plan resource deployment for the oil spill clean-up.”

Despite having no prior experience in space tech, Clarisse credits her growth to the strong support she received from her supervisors at OSTIn and MPA. They sent her for courses, encouraged her to ask questions, and gave her space (pun intended) to learn.

Her advice for anyone venturing into unfamiliar territory?

“Keep an open mind, stay receptive to change — and make time to rest. That’s how you stay in it for the long haul.”

To Dr Shu Wei, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Zero-Error Systems (ZES), space once felt distant — the domain of large agencies and elite programmes, and an industry he never imagined himself working in.

But an unexpected opportunity 15 years ago to work on an R&D project changed everything. That project resulted in what is now his first and proudest product: the LDAP chip — a first-in-market solution designed to protect vulnerable components from latch-up currents caused by radiation.

“Using the LDAP chip is like signing up for insurance,” he explains. “You don’t always see the problem until it happens, and when it does, our technology keeps the mission going.”

While building cutting-edge hardware was challenging, the real test came after the development. “Convincing the industry to adopt something new wasn’t easy. People resist change. We spent years doing demos and sending out trial products to slowly build trust,” Shu Wei shares.

Today, ZES, a homegrown company specialising in radiation-hardened semiconductor solutions for satellites, holds six granted patents, serves returning customers around the world, and is steadily growing its presence in the global space ecosystem.

Beyond that, Shu Wei and the ZES team are driven by a mission to support more sustainable space operations — helping satellites extend their operational lifespans and reducing orbital debris.

Shu Wei reflects, “Space may have seemed distant to me 20 years ago, but now, it symbolises the boundless potential of humanity’s technological future.”

As satellite launches surge, a hidden challenge emerges: space infrastructure can’t be upgraded or repaired once deployed. Failed satellites become costly junk, and missions are limited by finite fuel and outdated tech. The solution? On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM).

By mastering OSAM, we unlock longer missions, reduce orbital debris, and maximize humanity's potential beyond Earth. Contributing to a safe and sustainable outer space for all.