Blog

Young Trailblazers has come to an official close, but the journey has reflected our heartbeat – where the ingenious and visionary collaborate on the path less travelled. The months leading up to the finals has been a gruelling one, but far removed from a usual competition setting, we see instead a climate of collaboration and mutual respect. This goes to show at the heart of true innovation, lies the desire to see others succeed, for when they do, our own ideas flourish as well.

Most encouraging this year, was the entries from a much wider range of schools, public to private, secondary to post-tertiary education institutions. Even better where the number of those entries shortlisted as finalists, a reflection of how the quality of work has significantly improved alongside the growth of this innovation campaign.

Innovation cannot flourish where there are too many barriers, with the SG Forward Pillars as a guide, students were given the freedom to tackle social issues closest to their hearts. And where passion aligns itself with problems, sparks ignite! The outcome is a keen reflection in that the students’ works ranged from urban farming, reviving fading trades, construction industry safety to digital balloting! This generation is far from apathetic, rather, they simply need the right platforms to express their creativity and we are glad they have chosen Young Trailblazers to showcase their immense potential.

The judges were truly handed a massive task in return as there were so many wonderful innovations but only one grand prize. From the quiet booths at the soft launch, many groups metamorphosized into mesmerizing final contestants, stunning both judges and fellow competitors. The shockwave persisted as judges narrowed down some of the most unlikely teams, thoroughly throwing off other initially impressive projects. Yet, once again, this is a reflection of how a competition provides not only a platform for a display of talent, but also a safe space for growth.

Moving ahead, the end of the competition is merely the beginning from many of these budding entrepreneurs. Every completed entry will be further reviewed by MCCY & NCY, as the organisers, Acron-Oaktree are wholly committed to see young minds involved and vested in the national conversation with policymakers, as their contributions are pivotal to us being a ready and relevant nation in the years to come.

-Elijah