By Jermyn Chow

TWO Singaporean teenagers have designed a 'sponge' that can possibly mop up massive oil leaks at sea.

Hwa Chong Institution student Tan Ding Jie and River Valley High School's Gu Tianyu, both 17, spent their year-end school holidays last year experimenting with a 'superhydrophobic membrane' that repels water, like a lotus leaf, while absorbing organic solvents such as oil.

Their project was one of 59 developed last year under the Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP), a joint effort between the Defence Science and Technology Agency and DSO National Laboratories.

The annual programme, begun in 1992, helps students venture beyond textbook theories by working with defence technology professionals.

Instead of enjoying time off during the holidays, Ding Jie and Tianyu holed themselves up in the laboratories of the National University of Singapore (NUS) to find the most cost-effective material that can absorb grease or oil leaks.

They were mentored by scientists from NUS and DSO.

After three months, the pair came up with a recyclable 'sponge' that can also be used to absorb oil leaks in vehicle engines, and keep soldiers as well as vehicles clean in muddy terrain.

Said Tianyu: 'I feel I have achieved so much more in the past few months learning from the best brains.'

Ding Jie added: 'Its great to know that our research is meaningful and can make a difference to daily life.'

Yesterday, the duo were joined by 108 budding scientists from 12 schools showcasing their works at the YDSP Congress at Orchard Hotel.

Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean credited Singapore's 5,000 defence scientists and engineers for putting locally developed technologies on the world map.

These include the Singapore-made All Terrain Tracked Carriers - better known as the Broncos. More than 100 were purchased by the British military last December and will be deployed in Afghanistan this year.

Mr Teo said the key advantage is the ability of Singapore's defence scientists and engineers to customise technology for the Singapore Armed Force's operations.

'Our equipment may look the same as others, but our engineers and scientists allow us to give them that something special, that little extra, that gives them the edge - often a decisive one.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.