In the morning we explored exciting new technologies during an interactive
and multi-sensory guided tour of the galleries at FusionWorld. The various
technologies are designed to improve industry manufacturing processes, conserve
energy, advance healthcare, and create the homes of the future.
We came across Master Yoda in the gardens of the Lucas Film's Sandcrawler building....
.... and a piano in the foyer of Fusion World allowed some to showcase their musical talents:
After having lunch at China Town and getting some more bargains .......
..... we visited Fort Canning to learn about WWII history. We toured the Fort Canning Battle Box where the Allies made the excruciating decision to surrender to the Japanese. We learned that the Japanese won the Battle for Singapore largely due to technology: the 55,000 Japanese soldiers made a cracking pace through Malaysia and on to Singapore using stolen bicycles, they outgunned the British, Indian and Australians because they had 600 armored tanks to the Allies none. The Japanese had many more fighter planes which were of a superior standard; the Allies fighter planes included biplanes. The students found the tour very interesting as they learned about the strategies, living conditions and technology of the era from an expert guide.
Spectacular panoramic views of the city were enjoyed during the 30 minute ride on the giant observation wheel - the Singapore Flyer.
In the late afternoon we returned to the Marina Bay area to visit the Red Dot Design Museum's "Preview of the Future Exhibition".
LED lights
Bunny Chairs
After dinner at Marina Bay Sands, we experienced Spectra - a stunning sound, light and water show with dancing fountain jets, colourful visual projections, advanced lasers, lava and mist effects set to an orchestral soundtrack.
Students learned about an extensive range of technologies that are under
development at A*STAR (like our CSIRO). Here are just a few of the ideas they
were exposed to today:
- A*STAR scientists have developed a light emitting film. Electricity can be passed through the phosphorous based ink to create a range of products from bus advertising signage to pool furniture. The energy use compared to LED lights is as low as 3%.
- Brain computer interface (BCI) technology is being developed to help people cope with stress, ADHD and more. Using head gear that monitors brain waves A*STAR scientists have developed a computer game that rewards the wearer when they adopt a more relaxed state of mind. The reward is that when they are in a relaxed state a scope can be better focused on a target and with a wink of their left eye they can explode it! Aaron got to try this out and performed well with his peers looking on - no pressure!
- A*STAR have developed an algorithm which enables an app to convert spoken words into song. Saxon, Sasha and Alden provided hilarious entertainment as they used the app to sing classics such as Fly Me to the Moon.
- Palm Oil processing is very inefficient with 80% of the harvested material normally being wasted. A*STAR scientists have been working on this problem and have developed a novel catalyst to help bacteria breakdown the waste from Palm Oil and convert it into useful acids.
We came across Master Yoda in the gardens of the Lucas Film's Sandcrawler building....
.... and a piano in the foyer of Fusion World allowed some to showcase their musical talents:
After having lunch at China Town and getting some more bargains .......
..... we visited Fort Canning to learn about WWII history. We toured the Fort Canning Battle Box where the Allies made the excruciating decision to surrender to the Japanese. We learned that the Japanese won the Battle for Singapore largely due to technology: the 55,000 Japanese soldiers made a cracking pace through Malaysia and on to Singapore using stolen bicycles, they outgunned the British, Indian and Australians because they had 600 armored tanks to the Allies none. The Japanese had many more fighter planes which were of a superior standard; the Allies fighter planes included biplanes. The students found the tour very interesting as they learned about the strategies, living conditions and technology of the era from an expert guide.
Entering the Battle Box
Spectacular panoramic views of the city were enjoyed during the 30 minute ride on the giant observation wheel - the Singapore Flyer.
In the late afternoon we returned to the Marina Bay area to visit the Red Dot Design Museum's "Preview of the Future Exhibition".
After dinner at Marina Bay Sands, we experienced Spectra - a stunning sound, light and water show with dancing fountain jets, colourful visual projections, advanced lasers, lava and mist effects set to an orchestral soundtrack.
