The National Youth Tech Championship (NYTC) 2024, Singapore’s largest AI drone competition, has returned with a stronger focus on equipping students with advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. Jointly organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Google Cloud, this year’s competition saw a 30 per cent increase in participation, with 300 students joining the challenge, up from 230 in the previous year.

AI-Driven Competition Showcases Youth Potential

This year’s NYTC emphasised the application of AI in real-world scenarios, aligning with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0). Over a six-week period, students engaged in intensive training on AI concepts, including machine learning, Generative AI, and identifying deep fakes. Using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, participants developed autonomous drone systems capable of navigating complex environments, showcasing the rapid maturity of AI technology.

Held at both IMDA and the Google Asia Pacific campus from 29 June to 19 July 2024, the competition provided students with hands-on experience in coding, drone piloting, and teamwork. Each team was equipped with a drone to hone their skills, culminating in an autonomous drone derby at the finals, held today at Our Tampines Hub.

A Showcase of Talent and Innovation

The competition’s finals introduced a new “ninja warrior” obstacle course, where the top teams demonstrated their AI and problem-solving skills. Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, was the Guest-of-Honour, observing the event alongside over 500 spectators. The event concluded with Raffles Institution clinching first place, followed by Dunman High School, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), and Damai Secondary School.

Following their victory, the winning teams were awarded prizes by Minister Teo and will be offered a week-long stint at IMDA, including an immersive experience at Google Cloud.c

Ms Doreen Tan, Assistant Chief Executive of Strategic Planning and Digital Readiness at IMDA, expressed her excitement about the competition’s success. “The sophistication they demonstrated throughout this Championship, in this fully autonomous drone competition with no manual intervention, is amazing,” she said.

Ms Serene Sia, Country Director, Singapore, Google Cloud, added, “The sophisticated AI skills demonstrated at this year’s competition are a testament to the creativity and technical expertise of these students.”

Broadening Horizons Through IMDA’s Infocomm Media Clubs Programme

The NYTC is a key component of IMDA’s Infocomm Media Clubs (IMC) programme, which aims to empower youth with deeper tech expertise. The IMC programme, which spans Ministry of Education primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, and the Millennia Institute, offers students opportunities to develop their tech skills and apply them in real-world contexts.

This year’s competition was also filmed in collaboration with Titan Media and aired as an online series on YouTube, allowing the public to follow the students’ journey as they acquired and applied new AI skills.