In our war for talent to cultivate brilliant minds for the continued growth of defence science and technology, DSO and DSTA have been organising the Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP) since 1992.
These consist of a slew of programmes ranging from lecture series (World of Science), real-life research project experience and the opportunity to work in a laboratory (Research@YDSP), to educational camps (Science & Technology Camp). Via these platforms, the aim is interactive engagement to seed the interest of the youth in a career in defence science and technology.
In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, who graced the YDSP Congress on 8 April '10 as guest-of-honour, highlighted the objectives of YDSP for its participants: "At YDSP, we encourage you to push the boundaries of your creativity and imagination, for your dreams and ideas are seeds for the technologies of tomorrow".
DPM Teo Chee Hean (centre) arriving in high spirits. Behind him are (from left): CEO DSO Mr Quek Gim Pew, PS(DD) Dr Tan Kim Siew and DSTA CE Mr Soh Kong Pheng
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student, Ng Qin Xiang, sharing his experience as a World of Science Participant
The annual YDSP Congress celebrates the fruits of the student participants' labour and their learning journey in the year-long YDSP programme. This year, two teams from NUS High were chosen to present their project participation in Research@YDSP.
Lim Gan Shun and Ng Yuting exceeded their DSO mentor, Dr Lim Han Chuen's (Senior Member of Technical Staff, Emerging Systems Division) expectations by developing an algorithm for true random number generation that had some interesting properties beyond what is currently in use. Their work has the potential to be used in encryption applications and quantum cryptography, a new generation of encryption technology that could make electronic communications such as emails and SMSes virtually hack-proof.
Ng Yuting (middle) explaining to DPM Teo the science behind their True Random Number Generator, together with teammate Lim Gan Shun
Said Han Chuen, "I find that the two students are very quick at grasping technical concepts. They are self-motivated, and able to think and solve problems independently. They are also not afraid to admit that they don't understand something, and asked for further elaborations and clarifications. I think their personality makes them suitable for R&D."
And what do the students have to say about their mentor?
"Awesome!", was the first word that they echoed. Yuting elaborated, "He provides just the right amount of guidance. On one hand, he does not issue us a topic and lets us 'swim'. On the other hand, he does not spoon feed us with every single bit of information. Instead, he gives us what is necessary and lets us find out the rest".
On their takeaway from Research@YDSP, Yuting was quick to point out two factors: to respect and learn from others; and to be thorough, rigorous and meticulous in research.
The project went on to receive a merit award at the A*STAR Talent Search and the Singapore Science & Engineering Fair 2010. Last year's YDSP student participants of Gu Tianyu (River Valley High) and Tan Ding Jie (Hwa Chong Institution) also clinched a bronze award at the event with their project on developing superhydrophobic materials capable of repelling water, while absorbing organic solvents such as toxic oils.
DPM Teo having a feel of the difference between a dimpled and smooth projectile in another group of NUS High students' Research@YDSP project on using dimples to reduce aerodynamic drag
Mr Teo presented the YDSP scholarship to 30 students for their academic excellence, as well as the YDSP Academic Awards to 57 students who attained exceptional performance in physics and mathematics.
He also extended an invitation to the students to take up a rewarding career in defence science and technology: "Our defence engineering and research community requires talented individuals like you who have the intellect, dedication and passion to pursue possibilities and break new ground. If you are excited by what you have seen, and are looking for a challenging career, I hope that one day, you will join us and contribute to the defence and security of Singapore".
Media Release and Fact Sheets:
Media Coverage:
- Tapping the Minds of Young Brainiacs, The Straits Times IN, 26 April 2010, Page 4-5
- 应用高球小凹洞原理可提升战机导弹战力, Lianhe Zaobao, 15 April 2010, Page 19
- Coverage from MediaCorp TV News (Transcript), Channel News Asia, 10 April 2010, 6.57am
- Grooming Online Troopers Key to Winning Wars of the Future, Today, 9 April 2010, Page 16
- Defence Agencies Court Young Minds, The Straits Times, 9 April 2010, Page C9
- Defence Research Breakthroughs from Bright Young Minds, Cyberpioneer, 8 April 2010
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