Behind every cutting-edge technology that powers the Singapore Armed Forces is a team of brilliant minds who are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. From pioneering advanced defence systems to driving breakthroughs in cyber technology, the Defence Technology Community (DTC), comprising the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), DSO National Laboratories (DSO) and Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT) continues to be at the forefront of harnessing science and technology to keep Singapore ahead of the curve.

At the heart of this mission are some of the brightest minds who are shaping the future of defence technology. Meet DSTA Scholars Ong Tjun Jet, Lim Jo Xin and Ng Zeming, Michael Eugene—currently studying at world-renowned universities.

Tjun Jet is pursuing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Jo Xin is studying Computer Science at University College London and Michael is working towards a double degree in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and Business Administration at the University of California, Berkeley.

We caught up with them to hear about their scholarship journeys and how they plan to leverage their expertise to make an impact on Singapore’s defence and beyond.

Tjun Jet, we hear you’ve got an interesting story about how you got into engineering. Could you share more?

One of the key moments that inspired me to pursue Electrical and Computer Engineering was seeing a self-playing piano while walking through a mall in Singapore. I was mesmerised watching the keys move on their own. I thought about how incredible it would be if I could build something like that. Shortly after, I found myself reading about how to make a self-playing piano and quickly realised that in order to do so, I’d need a solid understanding of electronics and programming. That’s when I knew Electrical and Computer Engineering was the perfect way to bring those interests together. That dream stuck with me through the years.

Eventually, I had a chance to build a self-playing piano of my own for my school’s hackathon, “Build-18.” It was such a full-circle moment when our project made it to the top five. That achievement solidified my belief that I was on the right path!

Michael, what sparked your interest in the DSTA Scholarship?

From a young age, I’ve always had a passion for understanding technology and how it influences our daily lives. This interest grew through hands-on technical experiences during my secondary school and junior college years. One standout moment was when I built my own Remotely Operated Vehicle at the Young Defence Scientists Programme Science & Technology Camp organised by DSTA. Applying my knowledge of motors and Arduino programming, I created systems that had a real-world impact. That experience was empowering and gave me a fresh perspective on my learning. It inspired me to combine my technical learning in electrical engineering and computer science with a broader understanding of how the things we create can integrate into the business world.

That’s great to hear! Jo Xin, can you walk us through your undergraduate programme and how it’s helping you prepare for a career in the Defence Technology Community?

Learning the fundamentals of computer architecture and programming principles has helped me understand the rationale behind many programming decisions. Through various projects, we’ve applied our knowledge to real-life scenarios, gaining insight into common industry practices. This hands-on experience has deepened my understanding beyond just coding—it’s given me a solid foundation in the concepts that drive the software we create. I believe this blend of knowledge and practical application will be invaluable in the Defence Technology Community. It will help you drive efficient solutions and tackle challenges with innovative approaches.

You’ve all completed internships within the Defence Technology Community. Could you share some highlights and key takeaways?

Michael: I completed two internships at DSTA and one at DSO. At DSO, I worked on a research project to develop a tracking algorithm that could predict the movement of objects more accurately. With the guidance of my mentor, I studied advanced filtering techniques and built a machine learning model that improved upon standard tracking methods. By integrating machine learning with traditional tracking, my model was able to perform better than industry-standard solutions in unique scenarios.

Jo Xin: During my internship with CSIT’s Software Engineering Department, I was tasked with creating a full-stack web application as my main project. This experience was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to work with various tools and tech stacks that were new to me. I gained a solid understanding of frontend and backend communication in web applications and learned to fully utilise Docker for containerisation and development. This experience provided me with a big-picture view of how software is built, as well as insight into industry standards and best practices in the field.

Tjun Jet: My most memorable internship was with the Unmanned Ground Vehicles cluster at the Land Systems Programme Centre at DSTA. My main role was integrating the Quadrupedal Unmanned Ground Vehicle with the Robotics Command, Control, and Communication System for the National Day Parade. It was incredibly fulfilling to work on systems integration at DSTA and seeing my internship project deployed at the parade was even more rewarding.

In the summer of 2024, I also had the opportunity to do a Global Internship Programme, which is offered under the DSTA Scholarship, as a Deep Learning Engineering intern in ELT Group in Rome, Italy. Through the Global Internship Programme, I gained exposure to a range of machine learning tasks which enhanced my technical expertise in the area of deep learning!

On a personal note, living in Rome was both enriching and challenging. My Italian colleagues gave good insights into their way of life—especially their passionate views on food, cultural norms, and their profound love for football (the European championships were happening around that time)!

Jo Xin, could you share how the DSTA Scholarship Office has supported you in your scholarship journey thus far?

Beyond just financial support, the DSTA Scholarship Office has provided valuable opportunities for scholars to interact with senior management within the Defence Technology Community. For example, we had the opportunity to speak directly with the Chief Executive of DSTA, who gave us a clearer understanding of the diverse career paths and organisations within the Defence Technology Community. This conversation also highlighted the various resources and support available through the scholarship office to guide us in both the application process and long-term career planning. Hearing the Chief Executive’s own career journey was really inspiring. It reminded us of the importance of staying adaptable, embracing continuous learning, and seizing new opportunities.

Tjun Jet, what are your career aspirations or goals down the road?

My aspiration is to use my knowledge for the greater good, always striving to implement solutions and push the boundaries of technology. I believe the key to achieving this is by continuously investing my full effort and energy into everything that I do because the little things will eventually add up to bigger accomplishments in life. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to take on internships and have a good education journey. These experiences have taught me the true value of patience and initiative. Moving forward, I hope to leverage these values by staying conscientious and always giving my very best in everything that I do!

Finally, any advice for students considering the DSTA Scholarship, Michael?

Just remember this one important question: What do you value most for your future? (It’s different for everyone!)

If you’re like me and have a passion for contributing to a larger cause while working at a place that genuinely cares about your personal and professional growth, I’d encourage you to apply for the DSTA Scholarship! Be yourself, articulate your convictions with purpose and clarity, and everything else will fall into place.