Non-Techie Singapore's Youth Successfully Build AI apps at the National Youth AI Prompt Design Challenge

As we await the results of the inaugural National Youth AI Prompt Design Challenge, we take a quick look back at the whirlwind of creativity and innovation that swept through Singapore Management University from 18-20 June 2024. 

The National Youth AI Prompt Design Challenge wasn't just about tapping into Singapore's future tech geniuses; it was helping youth aged 13-25 effectively harness the power of AI to solve real-world problems without needing a degree in Computer Science. 

Kevin Shepherdson addressing the participants at the Meet & Greet session that preluded the Bootcamp X Challenge days

Representation from Secondary and Tertiary Schools

Nearly 90 teams from 30 schools, each armed with determination and imagination converged to build AI apps on our Capabara platform —with no coding expertise required. The flexibility of Capabara gave participants access to different Large Language Models most suited to their app needs.

The Meet & Greet event gave participants a crash course on Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

A three-hour bootcamp gave the students tips, tricks and insights into the best practices of prompt writing techniques, and from secondary to tertiary education levels, the students proved that when it comes to AI, age is just a number. The budding innovators dove headfirst into crafting applications and tools that ranged from educational tools to productivity enhancers—all within a mere three hours of competition time. 

Driving AI without Deep Tech Skills

The event ran in support of Singapore's Digital for Life movement, and aligns with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0. Supported by industry heavyweights like SMU Academy, IMDA, AI Verify Foundation and ASME, the challenge buzzed with excitement and mentorship, ensuring that every participant had the guidance they needed to push boundaries and explore the true potential of AI.

Representatives from ASME, AI Verify, SMU Academy and Straits Interactive

Kevin Shepherdson, CEO of Straits Interactive, summed it up, "We are incredibly pleased and heartened by the breadth and quality of AI applications and tools created by students during this Challenge. They have shown that even without deep tech or coding skills,  they can easily be trained to harness the power of Gen AI to solve real-world problems. We are thrilled to help equip the future generation with the skills necessary to drive Singapore’s digital transformation, to help the nation maintain its competitive edge in the global economy.”

The judging panel, led by Chief Judge Harish Pillay, is now deliberating the submissions. Winners will soon be crowned at a SkillsFuture Festival ceremony graced by Ms. Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for Manpower, scheduled for 29 July 2024 at the Singapore Management University. 

Photos and videos of the National Youth AI Prompt Design Challenge can be found here. 

Prizes for the Youth category were sponsored by MyRepublic, Rackspace and Straits Interactive. 

The success of the National Youth AI Prompt Design Challenge sets the stage for the upcoming National AI Prompt Design Challenge for business professionals, where the stakes are higher and the challenges, more complex. Stay tuned as registrations open in mid-July.