AsianScientist (Apr. 29, 2014) – Singapore’s youth are finding innovative ways to solve scientific, mathematical and engineering challenges.
The 2014 Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) and A*STAR Talent Search (A*TS) concluded on a high note on April 23. The A*TS top prize went to Way Tan from NUS High School of Mathematics and Science (NUSH), who investigated the properties of “polygon duals” produced by multiple iterations, which have applications in “compass and straightedge” approximations of trigonometric functions.
The other top winners of A*TS included Ong Jun Yi from NUSH, who worked on a genetic polymorphism screening project for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder; and Eliot Lim from NUSH, who contributed to a novel design and implementation of a solid state fan with potentially lower power supply requirements than incumbent technology.
Five other individuals were also awarded Commendation Prizes for their projects, which spanned multiple areas including muscular dystrophy research and environmentally friendly systems that convert waste heat energy into electrical energy.
The judging committee of A*TS was a team of Singaporean and international scientists led by 2009 Chemistry Nobel Laureate Ada Yonath.
“The caliber of the A*TS finalists, as seen in the quality of their work, is remarkable. I am impressed by the level of innovation and scientific knowledge that they display, despite their young age,” says Prof. Yonath.
SSEF is an annual competition for secondary schools and junior colleges – equivalent to high schools in the US – that selects students to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). A*TS is a national award identifying “top young scientific talents” from SSEF participants.
According to competition co-organizers Science Center Singapore and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, nine students have been selected among SSEF and A*TS participants to represent Singapore at Intel ISEF held in Los Angeles, California.
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Source: Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Science Center Singapore.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
