Youths compete in battle of innovative project ideas

SINGAPORE: A range of ideas, from setting up an aromatheraphy booth to improve a person’s mood to helping the wheelchair bound to identify routes with ramps, came out of the "Now You Can Leadership" series for youths on Saturday.

The series aims to give youths aged 16 to 24 an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas.

Some 30 projects were presented to more than 10 organizations and government agencies over the past two months.

The finale saw nine teams pitch their ideas, relating to the themes of helping people, encouraging green initiatives and using technology for a good cause.

Their ideas were heard by both corporate and government organisations such as Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, National Council of Social Service and Singapore Environment Council.

Three teams were declared the overall winners.

Their ideas included a medical reminder application to help improve a user’s recovery and health and timer—operated lights outside a patient’s cubicle to alert nurses to rotate immobile patients regularly. This will improve quality of care and prevent advanced stages of bed sores.

Team Green Geeks also won for their idea of promoting composting to reduce the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers.

Winners received S$2,000 to fund their projects.

The project ideas will come to fruition over the next three to six months.

Youth also participated in a panel discussion with guest—of—honour at the event, Acting Minister for Manpower and Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Chuan—Jin.

— CNA/wm