Singapore is buzzing with students from 191 countries. They are here for an international robotics event. This year's all about renewable energy and how it can lead to a better future.
The FIRST Global Challenge is happening in Southeast Asia for the first time. It's taking place at the Singapore Expo from October 7 to 10. This year, the focus is on hydrogen. Teams are building robots that can work through a simulated setting to produce hydrogen.
The event is not just about competition. It's also about working together. Teams compete but also join hands with others in random pairings. This shows the value of working together across borders. Many teams shared their stories and hopes with CNA.
Teams share their journey and aspirations
Team Ukraine: Facing tough times
Ukraine is going through a war with Russia. Despite this, five students from Ukraine faced air raids and a long journey to get to Singapore.
They faced another challenge. Teams usually get a standard kit to build their robots. But the Ukrainian team didn't get theirs because of the war. They had to use old kits to build their robot. But they made it and are here to show what Ukraine can do, even in hard times.
Team Uganda: Girls in the spotlight
Uganda brought a team of all girls this year. Their mentor, Caroline Ekyarisiima, is passionate about using science and tech to empower girls in Uganda.
She faced many challenges growing up without support. She wants to help other young girls get into science and tech. One young team member even built a machine to give out sanitary pads to help girls stay in school.
Team Hope: Staying strong
Team Hope has refugees and people without a country. They want to use tech to help their communities and change how people see them.
They faced many challenges but kept going. They even won as underdogs in a 2019 event in Dubai. They sell handmade robot dolls to fund their projects and learn more about robotics.
Moving forward: Dreams of a better future
Each team from Bolivia, Kazakhstan, and other countries bring their hopes and challenges to the event. They all share a goal of learning, working together, and showing the world what they can do with robotics and tech.
This event is more than a competition. It's about young people coming together to innovate, learn, and dream of a better, inclusive future with the help of renewable energy and tech.
