International Science Youth Forum 2024

The 16th International Science Youth Forum (ISYF 2024), organised by Hwa Chong Institution with support from Singapore’s Ministry of Education, welcomed top Science students from local and international schools to a global platform where they could share their passion for Science and research while building lasting friendships. Delegates and educators engaged with Nobel Laureates and esteemed scientists, collaborated on projects, embarked on learning journeys, and presented their research findings.

[L-R] Kristin Ting Kai Xin (S4-09), Aidan Ruben Mohan (S4-05), and Isaac Teo Ler Xin (S4-08) presented their research project to fellow delegates at the poster exhibition showcase.

Learning journey to National University of Singapore where our students learned many fundamental principles and core concepts of physics through a lecture by Professor Sow Chorng Haur.

It was a great honour for Isaac Teo Ler Xin (S4-08) [R] to stand beside Nobel Laureate Professor Takaaki Kajita after the masterclass session, where he gained significant insights into Professor Kajita's journey as a scientist and his groundbreaking discoveries.

[L-R] Aidan Ruben Mohan (S4-05), Isaac Teo Ler Xin (S4-08), and Kristin Ting Kai Xin (S4-09) are looking great, all dressed up for the formal lunch at Conrad Centennial Singapore.

“We gained valuable insights, learned from like-minded individuals, and built meaningful friendships. The forum’s highlights deepened our understanding of STEM research and Science as a whole. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we are incredibly grateful for this international opportunity.” - Aidan Ruben Mohan, Isaac Teo, and Kristin Ting

Japan Super Science Fair 2024

Felix Forbes Dimjati (S4-03), Song Jun Hao Jarell (S4-03), and Ng Kian Ping proudly represented SST at the Japan Super Science Fair (1-7 Nov 2024). They showcased their research projects among like-minded young scientists at the project presentation showcase and poster exhibition, gaining valuable insights and feedback. Through engaging Science talks and STEM activities, they deepened their scientific knowledge and broadened their perspectives. Beyond the academic experience, they connected with international peers through cultural presentations and bonding activities, and immersed themselves in Japanese culture with a memorable visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.

[Back row, L-R] Ng Kian Ping (S4-04), Ms. Lim Chuay Sia, Mr. Nick Chan;
[Front row, L-R] Felix Forbes Dimjati (S4-03), Song Jun Hao Jarell (S4-03), Haruka Oikawa, Ms. Loh Yue Yan Amelia, and Kaisei Ikezumi share smiles at a heart-shaped structure at Ritsumeikan University, Osaka Ibaraki Campus (OIC).

[L-R] Ng Kian Ping (S4-04), Felix Forbes Dimjati (S4-03), and Song Jun Hao Jarell (S4-03) present their project, “Evaluation of Straightforward Deployment of Machine Learning Algorithms for Cancer Detection,” sharing insights into their research and its potential impact.

Song Jun Hao Jarell (S4-03) [R] presenting his poster “Building Antennas for Communication” to interested students.

Felix Forbes Dimjati (S4-03) [L] and Song Jun Hao Jarell (S4-03), with Ng Kian Ping (S4-04) [not pictured], engaging fellow participants in a lively cultural skit on Singlish, sharing a unique aspect of Singaporean culture through humour and language.

Song Jun Hao Jarell (S4-03) [2nd row, L] exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine with his buddies.

“JSSF was an eye-opening experience that enabled me to connect with different minds from different cultures through Science” remarked Ng Kian Ping (S4-04). 

School hosting of Busan Science High School 2024

 In 2023, ten SST students visited Busan Science High School (BSS) for a Science exchange programme, where they experienced student life in South Korea. This year, eight BSS students visited SST over two days, reconnecting with their buddies through activities such as attending a Radio Communication workshop and visiting  Sky Greens Urban Farm. They also collaborated on a sustainability project and joined their buddies at various SST Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs). 

The homestay in Singapore, from 12 to 14 January, further exposed BSS students to the country’s culture, history, and local food, enriching their cultural exchange experience. They thoroughly enjoyed expanding their learning networks while deepening their relationships.

A the Radio Communications Workshop organised by Mr Tan Hoe Teck, Lead Specialist (Applied Research), SST students Koh Yang Bing (S4-09) [L] and Hariharan Ramachandran (Alumnus Class of 2023, S4-05) [R] assisted BSS student, Lee Sook Jun, to test the antenna.

Students were also exposed to Robotics, Show Choir (Street Dance), Basketball and Guitar Ensemble CCAs.

A group photo taken after the sharing of the SST-BSS collaborative Ocean ICT Project with the S3 Science Talent Development Programme students.

SST and BSS students enjoying Korean Bingsu dessert with Mr Nick Chan (Principal) [R].

SST and BSS buddies having fun during their homestay outing to the National Museum of Singapore. They also visited the National Gallery, Chinatown,  Little India and enjoyed hawker food at Maxwell Market. 

“Hosting the BSS students made me feel the interconnection between students from different countries and schools. This exposure allowed me to form unforgettable memories and forge long-lasting bonds with the new friends I have made beyond Singapore.” - Paris Teh Shu Wen (S3-08) [L] 

Illustratum: A Hallway Physics Competition (July 2024)

Three SST teams participated in Illustratum, a physics communication competition organised by the National University of Singapore (NUS). Each team selected a physics concept to explain in 10 minutes and determined their approach to the explanation. Each team received two coaching sessions, during which NUS staff guided them in improving their presentations. Additionally, optional talks and workshops were available to help participants hone their science communication skills. All three SST teams received Merit Awards. Bravo for their effort! 

Team Beta: Lee Hau Yee (S3-05), Fayona Binte Sirajudeen (S3-05), Gandepalli Sanjana (S3-06)

Team Gamma: Fu Cai Gui (S3-09), Li Jiayou (S3-05)

Team Delta: Dylan Nguyen Dang Khoa (S2-09), Ayden Seah (S2-09), Annamalai Palaniappan (S2-09)

24th Singapore Science and Engineering Fair 2024

The Singapore Science and Engineering Fair is an annual prestigious national competition that aims to inspire young minds to explore and excel in the fields of STEM. Through hands-on research, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while addressing real-world challenges. We celebrate the achievements of our talented students who have demonstrated creativity, resilience, innovation, and excellence in their research projects. 

1. Silver (Main Category)
SUTD Research & Innovation Sustainability Award
L’Oréal Special Award for Innovation in Sustainability
A*STAR SIMTech & ARTC Science and Engineering Excellence Award
SAAS Poster Award for Science Communication
Aidan Ruben Mohan (S4-05), Kristin Ting Kai Xin (S4-09), Wong Jia Le (S4-09) 

2. Silver (Main Category)
Tan Yu Ning (S3-07), Chua Zi En (S4-06), Isaac Teo Ler Xin (S4-08)

SSTudents posing for a group photo before the commencement of the 24th Singapore Science & Engineering Fair at Science Centre Singapore.

The team [L-R] comprising Isaac Teo Ler Xin (S4-08), Tan Yu Ning (S3-07) and Chua Zi En (S4-06), showcased their project “Converting Food Waste into Wood Paste for Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing” and are proudly displaying their hard-earned Silver award in the Main Category.

A big shout-out to [L-R] Kristin Ting Kai Xin (S4-09), Wong Jia Le (S4-09) and Aidan Ruben Mohan (S4-05) for clinching the Silver award in the Main Category and 4 special awards for their project “Upcycling of Soiled Diapers by Zophobas Morio (Superworms) into Ammonia and Fertilizer Products”!
“This year-long research journey has been challenging but truly enriching and fulfilling. I am deeply grateful to SST for providing this learning opportunity, to my teacher mentor for her invaluable guidance, to the science laboratory staff for their constant assistance, and to my family and friends for their unwavering support.” - Aidan Ruben Mohan (S4-05)

  

Finalists Paris Teh Shu Wen (S4-08) [L] and Chan Yi Qian (S4-02) with their project on the “Investigation of the fundamental frequency of the speaking voices of Singaporean adolescents”. 

[L-R] Finalists Faith Chong Rui En (S4-08), Erica Seah Jue Jia (S4-02) and Warisa Uranpanichayabhol (S4-02) showcasing their project “Investigation of how sodium concentration in salts affects umami flavours produced in Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) during fermentation”.

The Space Camp, Alabama, USA

 A team of four SST students represented Singapore as Endeavour Scholars at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama! During their time there, they took part in many challenges and had a lot of hands-on opportunities to try out experiments, including rocket launching, heat shields, and even “alien toothpaste”! They also had the chance to scuba dive, simulating the low-gravity environment in which astronauts work, and have a go at working together under the stressful conditions of a real space mission. Through this experience, they met like-minded people from other countries through the Endeavour Scholarship, forging lifelong friendships. Let’s keep shooting for the stars - ad astra!

The SST team comprised Natalie Chen Hui Regina Ruzsicska (S4-04), Emily Chang Ren Minh (S4-04), Qeshm Singh Saandhu (S3-02), and Kam Yau Shing (S3-02). They were accompanied by their teachers, Mr Seth Tan and Ms Deana Syazwani.

Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship Challenge 2024: Kam Yau Shing (S3-02), Qeshm Singh Saandhu (S3-02), Natalie Chen Hui Regina Ruzsicska (S4-04), Emily Chang Ren Minh (S4-04)

Space Camp Expedition 42 @ U.S. Space and Rocket Center: Luminous Leader Award: Emily Chang Ren Minh (S4-04)

Team SST with Mr Tom Kallman (President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide) [2nd row, 2nd from L], and astronauts Charlie Duke (Apollo 16) [2nd row, Centre], and Michael Bloomfield (STS-110, STS-86, STS-97) [2nd row, 2nd from R].

Emily Chang Ren Minh (S4-04) was awarded the Luminous Leader Award during the Graduation Ceremony.

Our SST team [L-R]: Ms Deana Syazwani, Kam Yau Shing (S3-02), Qeshm Singh Saandhu (S3-02), Natalie Chen Hui Regina Ruzsicska (S4-04), Emily Chang Ren Minh (S4-04), and Mr Seth Tan presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide [3rd from L], at Space Camp 2024.

Visit to UAE Embassy in Washington D.C., and a meeting with Yousef Al Otaiba [Centre, clad in a black suit], the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the United States and Minister of state.

Enlightening trip to the Airbus Experience Center in Washington, D.C.

“Participating in the Extra Vehicular Activity was a lot of fun. We got strapped in and lifted up to complete some tasks in ‘space’, and it was a very unique experience.” - Natalie Chen (S4-04)

NJC-STaR Quizzing and Symposium (30-31 Jan 2024)

The National Junior College Science Training And Research Quizzing and Symposium NJC-STAR Q&S was organsed between 30-31 Jan 2024. 

Chan Yi Qian’s (S4-02) and Paris Teh Shu Wen’s (S4-08) project was titled ‘Investigation of the fundamental frequency of the speaking voices of Singaporean adolescents’. 

Physiological and psychological changes to the human body during puberty is an area of concern for adolescents, parents and teachers. Investigating the change in the fundamental frequency of the speaking voices of Singaporean adolescents during puberty contributes to a greater understanding of changes during this period of development. Singapore students between the ages of 13 and 16 participated in our study. The participants read an excerpt and submit their voice recordings, which were analysed using the Praat software to determine the mean fundamental frequency, f0. Whilst the main limitation of this research is the limited sample size as well as the time constraints, we found that f0 decreased by 2.03Hz/month in males and 0.54 Hz/month in females by plotting a best-fit line. 

Chen Linyi Adele (S4-02) and Bagavathula Sai Neha (S4-09) worked on their project titled ‘Investigation of the diversity and distribution of dragonflies in Clementi Forest.’ 

 

The other participants included Zavier Ong Yong Zhi (S3-03), Ho Yuan Zhi Jayden (S3-06) and Goh Zong Da Bryan (S3-04), and Yeoh Tian Huai (S3-04) and Justin Ang Wen Jie (S3-04). 

   

Our students confidently showcased their well-honed research and science communication skills during the event.