17TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE YOUTH FORUM (ISYF) 2025

1. Overview

From 6 to 10 January 2025, three student delegates from the School of Science and Technology, Singapore (SST) participated in the 17th International Science Youth Forum (ISYF). Hosted by Hwa Chong Institution, the forum serves as a premier international platform for high-ability science students to engage with world-class scientists and Nobel Laureates.

This year’s theme, "Innovation Unified: Towards a Better Future," emphasized the power of global collaboration and the role of curiosity in driving breakthroughs that address humanity’s most pressing challenges.

2. The SST Delegation

Representing SST were three Secondary 4 students from class S4-09:

• Ng Wai Yan Nadja

• Layla Khairyn Putri Imanurdin

• Anders Charles Lee Ekberg

Our students joined a global cohort of 128 students and 45 educators from 15 different countries, fostering cross-cultural ties and scientific dialogue.

3. Highlights of the Forum

The five-day programme provided an immersive environment for delegates to delve into cutting-edge research and the ethics of scientific innovation.

• Interaction with Nobel Laureates: A cornerstone of ISYF 2025 was the opportunity to learn from and interact with eminent scientists. Highlights included:

  • Masterclasses: Students engaged in intimate sessions with Sir Tim Hunt (2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine) and Professor Takaaki Kajita (2015 Nobel Prize in Physics).

  • Keynote Lectures: Delegates attended a keynote by Professor Hartmut Michel (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry) and an interactive session with Professor Yael Tauman Kalai, who shared insights into Zero-Knowledge Proofs and cryptography.

• Scientific Immersion: The forum included visits to various research laboratories and universities, allowing students to observe real-world applications of theoretical concepts.

• Cultural Exchange & Team Building: Beyond the labs, delegates explored the local landscape through the Singapore Discovery Trail. These activities encouraged students to build lasting friendships with international peers while gaining a deeper understanding of Singapore’s heritage and sustainable infrastructure.

4. Impact and Learning Outcomes

For the SST delegates, ISYF 2025 was a transformative experience. By presenting their own scientific perspectives and listening to the life journeys of Nobel Laureates, the students gained a broader outlook on the scientific world. The forum reinforced SST’s commitment to nurturing students who are not only scientifically literate but also globally minded and collaborative.