Embargoed until 14 March 2007, 1500hrs
Date: 14 March 2007
FACTSHEET
Contact:
Ms Cheryl Chong
Corporate Communications
Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)
Office No:
6879 5093
Mobile No:
9618 6306
Email:
cheryl_chong@dsta.gov.sg
The Young Defence Scientists Programme
The Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP) is initiated by the Defence
Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories (DSO) to
spur a greater interest in defence science and technology amongst students in
secondary schools and junior colleges. Established since 1992, the YDSP aims to
provide students first-rate exposure to research and project work which leverage
modern technology. The programme enhances students’ learning curve and provides
insight into the fascinating careers which await them in the defence technology
community.
DSTA and DSO are committed to nurture talent who have the potential to contribute
to defence science and technology. By engaging our local talent at a young age, we
hope to build up of a steady pool of defence scientists and technologists inspired to
contribute and work towards maintaining Singapore’s technological edge in defence
and homeland security.
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The YDSP offers awards and covers a wide spectrum of activities including
customised programmes, camps and research attachments:
YDSP Scholarship
The newly launched YDSP Scholarship aims to promote academic excellence
in science and technology among the youth.
The YDSP Scholarship is opened to Integrated Programme (IP) Year 3 and
Year 4 in the science stream.
All applicants must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, with good
records of academic results and co-curricular activities.
The total value of each scholarship is $1,000 and is tenable for two years.
Each scholar will receive $500 in IP Year 3. They will receive another $500 in
subsequent year only if they continue to perform well academically.
Recipients are not required to enter into a bond with DSTA or DSO upon
completion of studies in their school. They can be concurrent recipients of
other bursaries and scholarships.
Thirty IP Year 3 students will receive the YDSP Scholarship this year.
YDSP Academic Awards
The YDSP Academic Awards are presented to students in IP Year 3 to Year
6, who had attained exceptional results in Physics and Mathematics.
Forty-five students will receive the YDSP Academic Awards, which include a
$200 book voucher and a certificate.
Research@YDSP
This is a three-month research programme, where students learn from
scientists and engineers in DSTA, DSO and other local research
establishments to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory environment.
It is open to IP Year 3 to Year 5 students. The students must demonstrate a
keen interest in science and technology.
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Over the past year, 84 students from 11 schools participated in 44 projects
under the Research@YDSP.
The following two projects among many will be presented at the YDSP
Congress:
Project:
An Investigation on the Conductivity of Electrochromic
Material Pedot
Project Team:
Foo Ming Qing (Raffles Junior College)
Liew Mei Hui (Hwa Chong Institution)
Abstract:
The research studied the change of colours of electrochromic material when a brief current of electricity is
applied on them. In enabling a soldier’s uniform to change
colour when he moves from one place to another, the
research findings could potentially increase a soldier’s
survivability if the results are incorporated into the design of
a soldier’s camouflage uniform.
Project:
Electromagnetic Linear Accelerator (Rail Gun)
Project Team:
Chan Jing Xiong (Raffles Institution)
Go Liying Sandra (Raffles Girls’ Secondary School)
Hon Bo Xuan (Hwa Chong Institution)
Huang Pei (Hwa Chong Institution)
Levin Tan Chun Kiat (Anglo-Chinese School, Independent)
Abstract:
The study explored way to improve the efficiency of the rail
gun. It aims to enable projectiles such as artillery shells and
satellites to be launched at significantly higher speeds, and
at a greater distance, with much higher accuracy. This
application has immense potential for use in both military
and non-military contexts.
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YDSP Science & Technology Camp
YDSP camps introduce students to various intriguing topics in defence
science, by engaging them in hands-on activities such as making of aeromodels and programming of Robots.
A five-day camp, themed IT-Quest 2006, was held in December 2006. During
the camp, a competition to create the best animation was organised.
Through the workshop and the “Future of IT in Defence” competition, the
students gained practical knowledge of IT in defence applications and learnt
how to create animations.
The winning team in the competition, comprising members Ho Yee Keong Ian,
Chiang Yuan Bo, Ling Zhi Lei Debby and Ang Yang Ting Cynthia from Victoria
Junior College, will present their animation clip at the event.
World of Science
An informative series of lecture and laboratory sessions that expose students
to advanced science and technology such as aerodynamics, photonics and
information technology. Last year, 27 students attended the lecture series on
photonics and gained a better understanding of lasers and optic fibres.
Selected participants - Ong Shun You Joshua and Lai Zhiyang Desmond,
previously from Raffles Institution - will be sharing their experience at the
YDSP Congress.
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