Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)

About

The STEM Talent Development Programme aims to nurture learners with a passion for STEM through a curiosity-driven approach that inspires exploration, cultivates creativity, and empowers innovation. Students build disciplinary knowledge, strengthen critical and analytical thinking skills, and cultivate a sense of responsibility to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.

Key Programs/Competitions

STEM Tier 1 - Experience

Students explore hands-on and inquiry-based learning experiences to spark interest and curiosity in STEM. Examples include learning about aerodynamics through drones, culinary science, and robotics. 

Fig. 1 - Discovering the science behind food through hands-on experiments

Fig. 2 - Learning block-based coding and robotics using Smorphi, a shape-transforming robot

STEM Tier 2 - Extension

Students engage in sustained STEM learning experiences that deepen disciplinary understanding and strengthen inquiry and analytical thinking. These experiences provide opportunities for real-world application, collaboration with external agencies and institutions, and external representation.

Fig. 3 - Cedarians sharing their STEM research projects at the 26 International Elementz Science Fair

Fig. 4 - Behind the scenes - students working on their STEM research projects

Fig. 5 - Cedarians taking on the role of emcees at the 31st Youth Science Conference

1. Research and Innovation Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to engage in authentic research and innovation experiences, working on real-world problems and presenting their findings on external platforms.

Some of these experiences include:
• MOE Science Mentorship Programme
• NTU Nanyang Research Programme (Junior Researcher)
• MOE Problem-X Challenge
• National STEM Championship
• International Mathematical Modelling Challenge

2. Advanced Problem-Solving and Olympiad Platforms

Students further develop their conceptual understanding and analytical reasoning through participation in national Olympiads.

Some of these experiences include:
• Singapore Junior Biology Olympiad
• Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad
• Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad
• Singapore Mathematical Olympiad

Through these diverse platforms, students develop as independent thinkers, build strong disciplinary foundations, and have opportunities to represent the school at both national and international levels.

Fig. 6 - Cedarians achieved top placing at the 2025 Singapore Science and Engineering Fair - STEM for Good contest

Fig. 7 - Cedarians showcased their research at the 2025 A*STAR VJC Science Fair and emerged as Gold Award winners - an outstanding achievement in scientific inquiry and innovation.

Shared Learning Experiences

These shared learning experiences provide all STEM TDP students with authentic exposure and enrichment beyond their core tier pathway.

• STEM Speaker Series

  • Engagement with industry professionals, alumni and academic speakers through talks and seminars, enabling students to gain insights into STEM careers, research pathways and emerging fields shaping the future.

• Self-Directed Enrichment

  • Participation in external workshops and programmes (e.g. Young Defence Scientist Programme workshops, United Women STEM Learning Fest) that allow students to explore specialised interests and extend learning independently.

• Student Advocacy

  • Opportunities to lead and contribute to school-based initiatives such as the STEM Fest and Cedar Learning Festival, fostering communication skills and peer engagement within the school community.

• Learning journeys

  • Experiential visits and overseas programmes that provide exposure to real-world STEM applications

Fig. 9 - From lab innovation to urban farming, this STEM Speaker Series session explored how nanosensing tools are transforming agriculture, with insights shared by Dr Mervin Ang.

Fig. 10 - Through the STEM Speaker Series, Dr Lee Mun Wai, an ex-Cedarian and Strategic Lead of Innovation Ecosystem Development (Research & Enterprise) at NTU School of Materials Science and Engineering, inspired students with her STEM journey and real-world research insights, guiding them in refining their research ideas.

Fig. 11 - Cedar STEM Fest showcased a vibrant spirit of inquiry and innovation, with students engaging in thoughtfully designed, hands-on experiences that brought STEM learning to life and highlighted the power of peer-led exploration.

Fig. 12 - At the Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp in Sichuan, China, our students connected with peers from around the world, exchanging ideas and exploring advanced STEM applications - including a deep dive into China’s future transport systems such as maglev trains and smart rail networks.

Key Achievements

2025

• Singapore Science & Engineering Fair: STEM For Good - Top placing

• 26th International Elementz Fair - 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze, 1 Merit

• A*Star-VJC Science Fair - 1 Gold, 1 Merit

• 31st Youth Science Conference - 2 Distinction, 2 Merit

• International Mathematical Modeling Challenge - 1 Merit

• Singapore Mathematical Project Festival - 1 Bronze

• Singapore Youth STEM Fair - 2 Accomplishment

• MOE Problem-X Challenge - 2 Commendation

• Singapore International STEM Innovation Challenge - 1 Gold

• National Artificial Intelligence Student Challenge - 2 1st Runner-up, 1 2nd Runner-up

2024

• 10th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey - 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze

• 25th International Elementz Fair - 2 Gold, 1 Silver

• A*Star VJC Science Fair - 1 Silver, 1 Merit

• Nanyang Research Programme Junior Researcher - 1 Gold, 1 Platinum

• Singapore Science & Engineering Fair - 2 Merit (for finals), 1 Distinction (for Junior Scientist video contest), 1 Special Award

• VJC Eco-STEM Amazing Race - 1 Bronze

• 30th Youth Science Conference - 1 Distinction, 2 Merit

• International Mathematical Modeling Challenge - 1 Merit

2023

• Singapore Science and Engineering Fair - 1 Special Award

• 29th Youth Science Conference - 1 Merit

• MOE Problem-X Challenge - 1 1st Runner-Up, 1 2nd Runner-Up, 1 Special award

• A*Star VJC Science Fair - 1 Gold, 1 Merit

• Nanyang Research Programme Junior Researcher - 1 Silver