Caltex partnered Central Singapore CDC to bring “Fuel Your School”, a global Chevron community initiative, to Singapore for the first time.

With rising concern about the lack of students willing to study and work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sectors, Central Singapore CDC and Caltex launched Fuel Your School – STEM @ Central Singapore on 22 June 2015. This new enrichment programme was designed to enhance and recognise the capabilities and skills of students in Singapore. Targeted at lower secondary school students, the programme also aimed to encourage students to major in STEM-related fields down the road in their education and perhaps careers.

The inaugural programme started with a camp held from 22 to 25 June 2015, participated by 320 lower secondary school students from 13 secondary schools in the Central Singapore District. They embarked on a learning journey to Universal Studios Singapore (USS) and were introduced to the mechanics and physics behind the construction of a theme park ride. Through guided tours and briefings conducted by trained facilitators at USS, the students picked up new knowledge on STEM principles. They were then given a chance to put what they learnt to the test.

Divided into groups of five, the students had to design and build their own roller coaster using the Pitsco-exclusive Roller Coaster Track kit. The programme marked the first time that the kit has been used in an educational programme for youths.  

There was also a friendly social media competition where students uploaded a video of their roller-coaster design online to showcase their learning to teachers, friends and family. Winners stood a chance to win $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 for the first, second and third prizes respectively. In addition, photos of the projects were also posted on Facebook for the public to vote. The top 10 ‘Most Popular Roller Coaster’ projects got $500 each, with winnings going towards the Mathematics and Science Departments of the respective schools.

“Fuel Your School” is a global Chevron community initiative, and we are very excited to partner with Central Singapore CDC to bring this programme to Singapore for the first time this year”, said John Sam, Marketing Support Manager, Chevron Singapore Pte Ltd.

“Fuel Your School — STEM @ Central Singapore allows us to reach out to students in Singapore by introducing them to STEM-related modules. We hope to spur the students’ interest and help them excel in these critical subjects.  This programme will also allow them to pick up new applicable skills, and express themselves in their own uniquely creative manner. This is our way of supporting Singapore’s education and giving back to the community and our youth.” he added.

Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District shared: “Central Singapore CDC appreciates the importance of equipping our future generations with core skillsets from a young age and providing them with equal opportunities to succeed. With STEM skills crucial to the future of Singapore, Central Singapore CDC developed and organized this programme to interest our youths in STEM-related fields of study."

"With 40 secondary schools in the Central Singapore District, we wish to encourage the learning of STEM through an interactive and hands-on learning approach; helping youths identify areas of STEM in everyday life and encouraging them to continue in their pursuit of the subject.” Ms Phua added.

Also present was Mr Hri Kumar, Vice Chairman for Central Singapore Council. He was part of the panel of judges and spent time interacting with the students as they showcased their creative mini roller coaster kits.

Both Central Singapore CDC and Caltex hope to establish a springboard for the Fuel Your School — STEM @ Central Singapore programme to be organised annually, and continue to support Singapore’s focus on education as the key to social mobility. To support this, STEM educational kits and toys will be available for purchase at all Caltex StarMarts island wide, till 31 July 2015, to continue raising awareness on STEM-related topics throughout Singapore. Caltex customers can pick up these learning tools for their children and use their Thanks! points to offset $1 with every 40 Thanks! points during purchase. See you next year!