"My children TJKidz joined the Tech Hackathon under the primary school category. They were very happy and surprised that they got 1st runner-up. The journey from ideation, presentation, prototyping and bringing the prototype - an eco-bike that generates free electricity for schools - to GreenFest has been a journey of learning and growth for them and the family. Through the Hackathon, my children learnt about dynamos, voltage, wattage, and how the connected system works. They also had to research electricity savings and usage in schools and prepare presentation slides. Such a journey of learning only happened because of this Hackathon.

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What really worked was the booth showcase – I was pleased to see my children going around on their own (without any prompting) to visit other booths, learn what others have done and ask questions. They can see (and learn) how this Hackathon covers mechanical, coding, robotics and fashion design. What worked equally well and even better were the other booths from other maker spaces, 3D printing companies, and eco start-ups. My children can experience the entire lifecycle – from budding innovator/creator (e.g. thru the Hackathons) to hacking/experimenting with ideas at maker spaces to starting your business/ideas with start-ups. We need more of these GreenFest-related platforms to encourage such interactions.

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It was also satisfying to see that the Hackathon participants were allowed to present their ideas to the public and fellow participants. They get to interact, discuss, share ideas and inspire each another. Such experiences can only be achieved from a physical Hackathon where participants have the platform to do so.

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I cite two incidents at GreenFest – two gentlemen separately visited TJ Kidz’s booth and asked a lot of questions, grilling and testing them on the mechanics of the prototype. I think they are the organisers or Taman Jurong senior volunteer/grassroots leaders – both were walking with the GOH group. The gentlemen were amazed and pleased that primary school kids could think of such an idea and asked the circumstances that led them to join the Hackathon. They were very curious to know why my children had signed up (cos they themselves wanted to) and how they knew of the Hackathon (1st thru Vivita @ the 1st Makeathon). Given that the school curriculum is so packed and structured, it leaves students little time and avenues to nurture and pursue STEM-related interests. Therefore, the gentlemen were encouraged to see primary school students and youths making time to join such Hackathons and commended that we were heading in the right direction. Both asked my children if they would like to consider a career in engineering. My children replied they were not sure but will think about it. That was when I felt a seed was planted through such convos – it got my children thinking. For the public – in this case, the 2 gentlemen – they learnt that primary school children could do Hackathons – nurture them young, see how they bloom and inspire fellow primary school students to embrace STEM and STEM interests.

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For the 2 ITE teams who won the Tech Hackathon, the students were so proud and happy. I can tell it means a lot to them as they beat other IHLs. This Hackathon is really meaningful as it gives youths an avenue to apply and showcase their technical skills and knowledge.

 

Lastly, fostering young makers, innovators and entrepreneurs in Singapore – we need more of them, and sometimes, all it takes is a small seed, such as this Hackathon, to begin the journey for youths. Provide an avenue to start them young and nurture them all the way."