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THE two-day Singapore Science and Engineering Fair has pulled in a record number of R&D projects from secondary schools and junior colleges.
An overwhelming 372 projects were submitted at the fair, hosted by the Science Centre, together with the Ministry of Education and the Agency for Science Technology & Research (A*STAR) on March 5 and and 6. This is 16 per cent more the previous year.
The number of entries has been increasing steadily over the years, with this year's turnout being the best showing.
'Spanning across a number of categories such as Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology and Engineering, SSEF gives these young, aspiring scientists a chance to apply their natural interest and curiosity about certain concepts and theories to real problems,' said Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Chief Executive of Science Centre Singapore.
Fourteen gold award winners emerged from this year's competition. Some of the interesting winning projects include Iron Catalyst of Polymeric Schiff bases for Ethylene Polymerisation, Nanofabrication with Focused Sunlight and Bacterial Resistance to Dettol.
Participants were required to conduct scientific research over 12 months before showcasing their results during the fair. The project entries were then graded by a panel of judges comprising of scientists, professors and lecturers from tertiary institutions and A*STAR research institutes.
Outstanding winning entries will represent Singapore in the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) to be held from May 11 to 16 at Atlanta, Georgia, in the US.
In 2007, the ISEF witnessed three homegrown talents from Raffles Junior College and National Junior College returning with awards for their exemplary projects in the fields of Medicine & Health and Cellular & Molecular Biology.
'Many of our nation's greatest prospects are rooted in advancing science and technology. The participants of the Singapore Science & Engineering Fair represent a bright future for Singapore?s innovation and contribution to the world,' added Dr Chew.
Winners of the SSEF will be eligible to participate in the A*STAR Talent Search, organised by the A*STAR Graduate Academy (A*GA) which scouts for emerging scientific talents in Singapore.
'The SSEF provides an excellent opportunity for youths passionate about R&D to showcase their innovative scientific research and projects. Through the A*Star Talent Search, we hope to give these students greater exposure and gear them up for an exciting career in R&D,' said Professor Miranda Yap, Executive Director, A*GA.
Added Madam Low Khah Gek, Deputy Director, Sciences, Curriculum Planning and Development Division, of the Education Ministry: 'The event provides the platform for students to move from conceptual understanding to application and inventive thinking. The event showcases the quality of experimentation, research and creativity amongst our secondary and JC students.'
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