On 9 February 2022, Dr Philippe Baptiste, Chairman and CEO of the France National Space Agengy (CNES), co-chaired with the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) Executive Director David Tan, the 3rd CNES-OSTIn Workshop, during which both sides exchanged views on space developments and discussed areas of cooperation.
The meeting was the occasion for the Singapore and French sides to each present their priorities in the domain of space (Earth observation, air and maritime traffic management, disruptive technologies, governance of space, development of a New Space ecosystem, etc.). Following these presentations, the two countries discussed their visions and actions, and how areas of collaboration can concretely be put in place in the near future.
This was also the occasion for CNES and OSTIn to also renew their MOU on cooperative activities in space which was first signed in March 2017.
During his visit to Singapore, Dr Philippe Baptiste also gave a keynote address at the 2022 edition of the Global Space and Technology Convention (GSTC), the annual event dedicated to space activities held in Singapore. His address, titled “How Earth Observation from Space is Key for Science and Society in the Context of Climate Change?”, was the occasion for him to present the role of Earth observation from space regarding climate change, namely to create available and reliable metrics, monitor and study the planet and assess the impact of climate change to help policymakers.
He also presented how the Space Climate Observatory (SCO), an initiative launched by the French President Emmanuel Macron in December 2017 and joined by Singapore in April 2021, is an essential tool for decision-makers to catalyze action through projects, allowing to use of science for concrete operational tools for decisions makers.