National Climate Change Competition 2012 Presents Opportunities for Students to Address Climate Change Through Technological Innovations and Individual Actions

The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) launched the National Climate Change Competition (NCCC) 2012 today for students in schools and tertiary institutions. The theme of the competition is “Singapore: A Climate Change Resilient City”. The competition, which aims to raise awareness on climate change among the youth, comprises a Short Film Challenge and a Technology Project Challenge. The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the National Environment Agency (NEA), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the National Youth Achievement Award Council (NYAA).

As a small and low-lying island, Singapore is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Everyone has a stake in addressing climate change as we will be affected directly or indirectly by its impact. The NCCC 2012 invites students to address the issue through technological innovations and individual actions. It also reinforces the message that positive steps can be taken to slow down the pace of climate change if everyone works together on the issue. The competition encourages students to apply what they understand of climate change and its impacts, and propose ways to reduce carbon emissions either through the use of technology, or individual actions.

“In a recent public perception survey commissioned by NCCS, a large majority of the respondents felt a sense of responsibility in playing their part to address climate change. In fact, three in four surveyed said they were motivated by the need to preserve the environment for future generations. This competition provides an avenue for our youths to express their ideas to address the challenges of climate change. Through the competition, we hope that their enthusiasm and passion to create a sustainable future for Singapore will inspire and influence others to take action as well.” said Mr Tan Yong Soon, Permanent Secretary (National Climate Change).

Short Film Challenge

The NCCC 2012 Short Film Challenge is open to students studying in primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, centralised institute (CI), institutes of technical education (ITEs), polytechnics and universities. It invites video entries of up to 5 minutes length that explain the cause and effects of climate change and how individuals can reduce their carbon footprints. The closing date for submission of entries is 7 May 2012.

Technology Project Challenge

Upper secondary school students, and students from junior colleges, CI, ITEs, polytechnics and universities, including post-graduate students, are invited to take part in the NCCC 2012 Technology Project Challenge. The Challenge seeks innovative project ideas that will result in workable solutions – through the use of technology including science, engineering, IT and product design – that can help reduce carbon emissions. The closing date is 25 June 2012.

Teams that are selected to enter the final stage of the competition will be mentored by members of the local research and innovation community in a closed-door workshop, and given another four months to develop a prototype for final judging.

Cash prizes will be awarded to winners of the Short Film Challenge and the Technology Project Challenge. The prizes are as follows:

Prizes: National Climate Change Competition 2012

SHORT FILM CHALLENGE

Tertiary Institutions

1st prize: $2,000

2nd prize: $1,500

3rd prize: $1,000

JCs/CI/ITEs

1st prize: $1,500

2nd prize: $1,200

3rd prize: $900

Secondary Schools

1st prize: $1,200

2nd prize: $1,200

3rd prize: $800

Primary Schools

1st prize: $1,000

2nd prize: $800

3rd prize: $500

TECHNOLOGY PROJECT CHALLENGE

Tertiary Institutions

1st prize: $4,000

2nd prize: $3,000

3rd prize: $2,000

Merit prizes: $1,000 (x2 teams)

Upper Secondary/JC/CI/ITE

1st prize: $3,000

2nd prize: $2,000

3rd prize: $1,000

Merit prizes: $500 (x2 teams)

More information on the NCCC 2012 Short Film Challenge and Technology Project Challenge, as well as the registration forms, can be found on the NCCC 2012 website.