Hwa Chong Institution student Liew Mei Hui, 17, and Raffles Junior College's Foo Ming Qing, 18, had spent their year-end school holidays last year experimenting with 'electrochromic material'' that changes colour when an electric current is applied.

Their project was one of 44 done last year under the Young Defence Scientists Programme (YDSP), a joint effort between the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories (DSO).

The two science students had read up about the technology and were mentored by defence scientists from defence research house Temasek Laboratories, as well as DSTA and DSO.

The duo readily admitted that the colour-changing material, ideal for camouflage, is still a work-in-progress. The material lasts about two weeks before it disintegrates.

'We hope to find ways to incorporate the electrochromic material into fabrics and make it tougher,' said Ming Qing.

Budding scientists from 11 schools showcased their works yesterday at the YDSP Congress at Raffles City Convention Centre.

Among them was a 'rail gun', developed by a team of five students from four schools, that uses electromagnetic energy to propel peanut-size projectiles.

At the event, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean gave out 30 YDSP scholarships to students from various schools. Worth $500 for the first year, students receive another $500 in the second year if they continue to perform well academically.

Forty-five students also won YDSP academic awards, each worth $200, for topping their schools in physics and maths.

Speaking at the event, Mr Teo said the Singapore Armed Forces' ability to customise technology for its defence gives it the decisive edge.

-posted by 07S6K at 8:06 PM