34 Year Three Integrated Programme students had the opportunity to learn how the Defence Technology Community utilises technology in naval applications. The students had participated in the sixth YDSP Science & Technology Camp, themed Naval Technology 2008, which was held from 9 to 13 June 2008.

One of the highlights of the 5-day programme included a visit to Singapore Technologies Marine, where the students were treated to a rare tour of the stealth frigate, a highly versatile warship that is equipped with advanced combat systems. On top of that, Head Underwater Lab (DSO) Chia Chin Swee and Deputy Director Naval Systems (DSTA) Vincent Lim were on hand to give students an insight on Naval Technologies. Students were also able to satisfy their curiosity about the various laboratories and defence applications done in DSO, when they paid the DSO National Laboratories a visit.

Over the subsequent few days, the students were exposed to various aspects of the engineering process and the fundamentals of robot construction at a workshop. They put their newfound skills and knowledge into practice by designing and constructing an autonomous robot using LEGO NXT sets. The event culminated in a competition where teams had to pit their robots against each other in a series of tasks, set in a simulated underwater environment.

The team from Hwa Chong Institution emerged as the winners and received their prize from Deputy Director Naval Systems (DSTA) Vincent Lim, who was the Guest-of-Honour at the Prize Presentation Ceremony.