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During her address at a special awards presentation ceremony, State Minister Gan Siow Huang underlined the value of students having resilience, adaptability, creativity, and empathy. She also emphasised the essential role that digital innovation plays in education and its profound impact on society.
The Minister claims that Singapore has become a centre of innovation and technology on a worldwide scale. Promoting student digital creativity has become not only a priority but also a requirement in this ever-changing environment.
Singapore’s educational establishments have realised how critical it is to give children the tools and perspective they need to succeed in an increasingly digital society. This article examines the ways in which Singapore is fostering digital innovation among its students to equip them to lead innovation in the future.
With a significant emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics, Singapore’s educational system has continuously been rated among the best in the world. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and abilities in a variety of subjects, including digital innovation, as part of this early commitment to greatness.
The cornerstone for encouraging creativity in pupils is digital literacy. Early exposure to digital tools and technologies helps Singaporean kids acquire the fundamentals of computer science, data analysis, and coding. Programmes such as Code for Fun and the integration of computational thinking into elementary education establish the foundation for increasingly sophisticated digital abilities in subsequent educational phases.
An important focus of Singapore’s educational system is critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is encouraged for students to think outside the boundaries of textbooks and classes. Innovative curricula that give students practical experience in a variety of subjects, including digital innovation, including the Applied Learning Programme (ALP) and Learning for Life Programme (LLP).
“Our students will also need to be creative and empathetic so that they can think of new solutions that make a positive difference in society,” said Minister Gan.
She cited students who were then inspired to help carers and the elderly by developing a technology that would be useful. In collaboration with the National Healthcare Group Pharmacy, which had launched Singapore’s first multi-dose drug management service, four young men set out to use their coding skills to develop an integrated Home Automation SmartCare device that will revolutionise the way medications are managed.
The team also ensured that the device’s design was visually appealing and easy to use for the elderly. This endeavour was about more than just making a device; it was also about giving back to the community and helping Singapore’s elderly population.
Code for Fun, which introduces kids to coding fundamentals through dynamic and engaging activities, exemplifies the government’s drive for coding and robotics education. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has also collaborated with schools to incorporate robots into the curriculum, allowing pupils to gain coding skills as well as hands-on problem-solving ability.
Besides, universities and higher education institutions in Singapore play an important role in fostering digital innovation. Technology and innovation courses and programmes are available at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU). These universities cooperate with industry partners to give students hands-on experience and opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects.
The Minister cited that collaborations with industry players are critical in encouraging student digital innovation. Internships, research opportunities, and real-world projects are frequently provided by Singaporean universities and polytechnics in collaboration with tech corporations and startups. These agreements bridge the gap between academics and industry, ensuring that students acquire practical experience while staying current with industry developments.
