TF INTL – NUS STEP TECHNOLOGY CAMP 2018

The TF INTL – NUS STEP Technology Camp 2018 was organized by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE@NUS) with funding support and in partnership with Temasek Foundation International (TF INTL). The objective of the camp is to expose secondary school students to different technologies that are key in our nation’s drive and also that of other ASEAN countries towards a Smart Nation. Secondary school students from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand participated in the camp and had the opportunity to interact with each other, attend workshops and do presentations together, discuss about the Arduino car projects and learn more about each other’s culture.

The camp consists of 2 parts: A half-day pre-camp to get the students familiarize with the necessary background knowledge and assignments for students to work on prior to the actual one-week camp. For the overseas students, Arduino sets were sent to them and instructions were also given to prepare them for the camp. The main focus of the pre-camp is to teach the students about embedded system and programming using the Arduino platform. For the main camp, the students learnt how electrical & computer engineers can play a key role in this initiative. The students were exposed to basic programming skills, embedded systems and designed their own autonomous/remoted-controlled vehicle. They also spent time at the Satellite Technology and Research Centre (STAR) to understand the building and launch of nano satellites. They also attended a workshop on innovation and entrepreneurship, with hands on experimentation in innovation and technology focused product design, closely linked to the Smart Nation theme. The camp also provide an insight into what future study or a career in Engineering might be like. There were also a number of talks/lectures: Mr Chua Kuan Seah, Senior Director from DSO National Laboratories gave a talk on the journey, issue and challenges related to computer security. Prof Nigel Novell from the University of New South Wales, Australia shared with the students on application of engineering in the area of health to benefit humanity. Finally the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team from T-Lab taught the students about the key components of UAVs as well as a demonstration of how autonomous UAVs work. In addition, there was a Cultural Night where students from the different countries shared their respective unique cultures through performances. The group projects also expose the students to key abilities for future success, including leadership, teamwork and presentation skills.