PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT 2014

A GLOBALLY CONNECTED INSTITUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE

Prime Minister's Visit 2014

On 3rd April 2014, PM Lee Hsien Loong paid a visit to School of Science and Technology, Singapore (SST). Meredith Teo (S301), a student reporter accompanying the entourage, has captured the highlights of PM Lee’s two hour visit. Together with SST’s Media Club students, they have produced a digital scrapbook for PM Lee as a memento of his time in SST.

I’m Kuzhalini from S408 and my aspiration is to be a surgeon so that I can help people and save lives. For now, I am ready to do my part to contribute to society in any way I can.

I’m Meredith from S301 and my aspiration is to be a humanitarian worker for World Vision. My passion lies in serving the community and I hope to transform the lives of children in underprivileged communities by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

I'm Justin from S409 and my aspiration is to be a proud member of the United Nations. I wish to be an advocate for human rights and equality at an international level, and change the world for future generations.

PM Lee and Mrs Lee were given a warm welcome at the school foyer by our Board of Director Chairman, Professor Su Guaning and our Principal Mr Chua Chor Huat.

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PM Lee also met the other members from our Board of Directors, as well as our MOE Cluster Superintendent Mrs Edelweis Neo. From L to R: Mr Daniel Yeong, Mr Chua Chor Huat, Prof Su Guaning, PM Lee, Mrs Lee, Mrs Edelweis Neo, Ms Looi Mei Fong, Mr Sin Kin Ho.

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Kuzhalini shared about the Global Citizenship Programme  and her experience during the trip to Nepal.

She then described the Applied Learning approach in SST that she experienced as a student before bringing the entourage to view some science projects done by the students for Investigative Skills in Science (ISS) module in Sec 2.

Exhibition Studio

PM Lee entered the Exhibition Studio where Justin kicked off the visit with an introduction of our school’s history as well as its mission and vision.

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One of the projects presented was the solar house project by Chi Han (S308) and Xiao Tao (S306). PM Lee was intrigued by their project and asked the presenters many questions.

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Another group of student consisting of (fr L to R) Sarah (S302), Yun Hui (S308), Jia Wen (S307) and Angeline (S308), described their project on Aquaponics to Mrs Lee and Professor Su. Their project involved a method of rearing fishes and growing vegetables at the same time.

Ji Hao (S307) and Bryan (S308) enthusiastically shared about their weather observation system to Mrs Edelweis Neo and the rest of the entourage.

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On the way to the next stop, PM Lee weaved his way through the canteen where he stopped to speak with some of our Upper Sec students who were having their recess.

He readily obliged to their requests for selfies with the students, much to their delight and excitement.

SST Grafitti Art Wall. Justin explained to the entourage this piece was created in collaboration with a grafitti artist to commemorate our school’s Official Opening Ceremony on 13 May 2013.

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At the Biotechnology lab, a Sec 4 student, Wai Kit (S409), shared various fascinating facts he learnt in Biotechnology about the food fermentation process.

Biotechnology Laboratory

Dawn (S409) and Dylaine (S405) were also on hand to demonstrate in the use of some of the equipment.

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PM Lee was fascinated by the E.Coli sample infused with Jellyfish genes, which caused it to glow a bright neon blue. He said that it was “worth a picture” before taking out his mobile phone to snap a few pictures.

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The entourage was then given a sneak peak at how the Applied Learning approach is translated in practice when we dropped in to observe Mr Nur Johari Bin Salleh’s Mathematics Lesson. Mr Johari is a Senior Teacher who has been with SST from the start.

PM Lee and Mrs Lee were immersed in the lesson and had the opportunity to solve a mathematical problem using the TI-inspire, with a group of students from S4-09. PM Lee laughed heartily when Mr Johari addressed him as “My student, PM Lee”.

Everyone was engaged in solving the “murder” and also had fun in the process.

Mathematics Lesson

The SSuperTree is a batch gift to our school from five Pioneer Cohort girls.

Our seniors, Grace and Eunice, shared about the philosophy and thinking behind the structure’s design before inviting PM Lee to activate the multi-sensory display via an Android device.

SSuperTree

PM Lee and Mrs Lee were impressed by the work of the five Pioneer Cohort girls who managed to put together the complex electrical components although they did not take Fundamentals of Electronics as their Applied Subject.

3D Models at ADMT Studio

In SST, we take Art Design Media and Technology (ADMT) in Sec 1 and 2. Gabriel (S307)shared how the ADMT teachers take students through the design thinking process to develop a better understanding of the potential users’ needs which in turn helps to inform and influence the design process.

Two Sec 4 students, Carissa (S409) and Godfrey (S407) then talked about how ADMT has built a good foundation for them to take Design Studies as an Applied Subject at Upper Secondary.

PM Lee praised the ADMT presenters for the creativityin their designs, before proceeding to the Media Production Room.

Interview with PM Lee

The Sec 4 Media Studies students were given an invaluable opportunity to apply what they had learnt when PM Lee kindly agreed to an interview with Justin (S409) and Jia En (S406). The team will then carry out post-production work to produce a short video clip of this interview with PM Lee, which will be embedded here when it is ready.

Interview with PM Lee

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In SST, we have the ICT Talent Development Programme for students passionate about programming. The SST Inc HQ is a specially designed space for the ICT TDP students to gather and experience what tech start-ups do in the real world.

SST Inc HQ

Praveen (S407), Warren (S307) and Ziyue (S306) demonstrated the use of the SST Lens, an app created by our very own students. PM Lee was invited to pen a message on the photo which was then uploaded to the SST Students’ Blog.

On their way out, PM Lee and Mrs Lee were pleasantly surprised to see the entire school had gathered to greet them with loud cheers and applause.

RoboticsPM Lee then visited the Robotics room. Our Robotics Club is a niche CCA in SST that has achieved commendable results in international competitions More importantly, they have moved into research to design robots for activities that humans cannot undertake.

Alyssa (S307) and Irfan (S307) guiding PM Lee and Mrs Lee in controlling the robots to move the ball into the goalpost.

Asritha (S308) and Ragul (S407) proudly showcased their robots.

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PM Lee and Mrs Lee with some of our teachers who attendedthe reception to share about their teaching experiences in our school.

Reception

They spent time interacting with the students and there were many lighthearted moments during their conversations.

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PM Lee leaving a message for our school on the poster which will be displayed at our Exhibition Studio.

Mrs Lee looking on while Meredith showed PM Lee a sneak preview of this digital scrapbook.

PM Lee and Mrs Lee with our Board of Director members and MOE Cluster Superintendent Mrs Edelweis Neo.

PM Lee and Mrs Lee thanked Justin, Kuzhalini and Meredith for hosting them. A group photo was taken to remember this special day when they had the privilege to show PM Lee and Mrs Lee around the school.

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Dear PM Lee and Mrs Lee,

It was a great honor and privilege for SST to host both of you today. It was both an eye-opening and humbling experience. We hope you have enjoyed the visit as much as we did! Thank you for taking time out from your busy schedule to visit us.

Produced by:Meredith Teo (S301)Joshua Leong (S402)Isaac Lim (S408)Ng Ying Liang (S408)Loynes Poh (S402)