Singapore to establish national space agency NSAS under MTI

[SINGAPORE] The Republic will set up the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) from Apr 1.The move was announced by Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng at the inaugural Space Summit on Monday (Feb 2). The agency will front national space ambitions to be a leader in space technologies and a credible contributor to the global space ecosystem. It will be headed by Ngiam Le Na, who has been appointed as chief executive (designate) from Monday, and will become NSAS’ chief executive from Apr 1, 2026. Ngiam has 25 years of experience in the public service. She was the former deputy chief executive officer at DSO National Laboratories, as well as deputy chief executive of the Defence Science and Technology Agency. NSAS will provide “decisive leadership for Singapore to seize opportunities in the expanding space economy and the new possibilities posed by democratised access to outer space”, said Dr Tan, who is also minister for manpower. It will take over from the current Office of Space Technology & Industry, Singapore, and build upon its functions. NSAS will focus on five key areas: strengthening research and development, developing the space industry, advancing international partnerships, developing and operating national space capabilities, and creating legislation for space safety and sustainability.More space Singapore’s space industry has around 70 space companies that employ 2,000 people. Space technologies and capabilities are a critical enabler for Singapore’s economy, said Dr Tan, as they underpin essential functions such as digital connectivity, navigation, maritime monitoring and climate resilience. Singapore’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, micro-electronics, precision engineering and artificial intelligence make it well placed to capture new opportunities in the sector, he added. According to Boston Consulting Group, the global space economy will grow to more than US$1 trillion by 2040 from US$400 billion today, thanks to a reduction in launch costs, the proliferation of satellites amid growing demand and the expected commercialisation of space launches by the private sector. The Space Summit 2026 is held at Marina Bay Sands Singapore from Feb 2 to 3, and is a leadership forum that sees policymakers, space agencies and industry figures discussing infrastructure, sustainability and investments. Organised by Experia Events – which also organises the Singapore Airshow – the summit is endorsed by Singapore’s space agency, the Office for Space Technology & Industry, which is part of the Singapore Economic Development Board.