ISDN-SUTD Drone Workshop and Racing March 2024

13 Mar 2024 - 15 Mar 2024 WED, 9AM to 5PM / FRI, 9AM to 5PM SUTD

On 13 and 15 March 2024, ISDN Holdings partnered with SUTD to host two drone workshops for pre-tertiary and tertiary students.

The workshops were designed to introduce drones in an approachable and hands-on manner to the youth. A total of 100 students from 19 schools all over Singapore signed up for the workshops, including Hwa Chong Institution, Jurong Pioneer Junior College, National Junior College, Nanyang Junior College, Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and St Andrew’s Junior College.

Figure 1 All participants on 15 March 2024.

During the workshops, students learnt block-based programming and teamed up to operate the drones. After a practice session, the teams competed against each other in a race – the students had to fly their drones through hoops while transporting objects, and land them safely within the permitted areas.

Figure 2 A student flies his drone through the hoop.

Figure 3 A student tries to land her drone within the safety line.

The top teams walked away with prizes such as the Cetus Lite FPV Kit drones and portable Bluetooth speakers.

Figure 4 The winning team comprised students who were all from different schools.

Mr Eugene Choy, Managing Director of Nova-Peak Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of ISDN Holdings, also made a special appearance and gave the students an overview on how drones are used for building inspections. With a portfolio spanning 15 years, Nova-Peak is a recognised industrial leader in the field of aerial drone photography and videography, time-lapse cameras, industrial engineering, and construction videos.

Figure 5 Mr Eugene Choy, Managing Director at Nova-Peak giving an introduction on drone applications in Singapore.

Figure 6 Students listening intently to Eugene’s introduction.

Figure 7 Students watching a video during Eugene’s presentation.

The programme received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the student participants, with many commending its value and expressing enthusiasm over the chance to operate a drone. In particular, Chua Lik Bin from National Junior College would like future participants to “come here with an open mind and have fun”.

SUTD is grateful to ISDN Holdings for supporting the ISDN-SUTD drone workshops, and we look forward to holding more workshops in the near future to increase the awareness and exposure of drones among the youth.