The future is here at Admiralty Secondary School in the north, where a high-tech space equipped with gadgets such as drones, robots and 3D printers was launched yesterday.
Called iCt Space, it is about the size of two to three classrooms and designed to be an interactive learning space for students to come up with solutions to real- life problems faced by industry or the community.
While ICT usually refers to information and communications technology, Admiralty Secondary principal Toh Thiam Chye said it can also stand for "I can tinker".
The hope is that the space will encourage its students to be more willing to experiment and go beyond conventional constraints, he added.
Students will work with industry partners such as the Robotics and Maker Academy (RMA), Kurve Automation, GoFlyKite and Intel Singapore.
They will be able to learn to apply skills such as robotics or programming.
"It is the way of the future and the new education eco-system," RMA director Zhou Changjiu said.
"These are necessary skillsets students must have as we look to the future."
Students will work with community partners such as community hospitals, senior citizen corners and even MRT stations on projects in three areas: transport, senior citizens and hospitals.
Mr Toh said: "This is in line with Singapore's quest to be a Smart Nation. At the same time, the values of compassion and empathy can be brought home to the students."
Mr Wilson Tai, 19, an electrical electronics engineering student at Singapore Polytechnic who was back at his alma mater to witness the launch, said: "Having a physical space for this specific purpose really facilitates interactions between the students and helps the (design) process go a lot faster."
Secondary 2 student Gustinne Castillo, 13, agreed: "With a bigger space, we have a more suitable environment to pursue our passions."
Said Mr Toh: "It is very rare for a secondary school to have so many partners from both the public and private sectors, as well as tertiary institutions. We are truly blessed."
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan was the guest of honour at the event.
