Most Singaporeans visit the Singapore Science Centre when they’re in school thanks to school field trips. After graduation, many of us never visit the centre because it’s either too far or because we think it’s a complete waste of time.

Let’s imagine a different scenario (unless you already fit the description). You’re all grown up and a proud parent to a couple of delightful kids. It’s the Jun holidays and you’ve decided to bring them to the Singapore Science Centre as a reward because one of them has done exceptionally well for her mid-year examinations.

So when it’s your turn to purchase tickets at the counter, you’re informed that you’re the 16th millionth visitor to the 30-year-old centre and get led to a tremendous reception involving the press and a lion dance performance, all in your honour.

Sound surreal? It actually did happen to Ms Jasmin Chong, 35, a financial advisor who had gone with her husband and 2 children to the Singapore Science Centre on Jun 6, as,received a rousing reception.

Expressing her surprise at winning the title, Ms Chong said, “What a pleasant surprise! We read about the Singapore Science Centre’s latest exhibition, China: 7,000 Years of Innovation, and we thought it would be interesting for the children to learn about the country’s history. We never expected to be the 16 millionth visitor!”

Another reason why the family decided to visit the centre was to reward their elder daughter (the other is 5-year-old Jeneive), Chloe, 8, who had scored 88 marks during her mid-year examination, for her mathematics paper, one of her weaker subjects.

As the 16th millionth visitor, Ms Chong won an exclusive 10-year membership to the centre, $500, a goodie bag and a chance to invite an unlimited number of her friends and family to the Singapore Science Centre on a day of her choosing. They will then have all access to the facility.

For the Jurong West resident and her husband, Mr Christopher Chong, 39, a director in SRS Communications, the Science Centre holds nostalgic memories for both them.

While admitting that they do visit the science centre on a number of occasions because they stay fairly close to the centre, the couple recalled their student days when ticket prices were much cheaper, costing between “$1 to $2”. They also added that the Science Centre had played a role in their marriage, as they visited the centre along with other famous Singaporean landmarks during their courtship.

Mr Chong himself has fond memories of first visit to the centre back when it was in its infancy in 1978, when “there was this bicycle-powered turbine” that people used to show how electricity was generated.

Ms Chong added that the Science Centre would prove especially useful for their daughters development, especially with Chloe set to begin learning Science next year when she’s Primary 3.

According to Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Chief Executive of the Singapore Science Centre, “It is truly an honour to have welcomed Mrs Chong and her family to the Singapore Science Centre as our 16 millionth visitor. It is a significant milestone for us especially as we celebrate our 30th birthday later in the year,”

As for what they intend to do with the unlimited visitors opportunity, Mr Chong revealed that they will be using it to throw a birthday bash for their daughter and “invite all her friends and maybe a few business associates” to the event.