Students in one of the world’s fastest growing sectors are being given the opportunity to showcase how smart mapping technology can transform the world, with today’s launch of a university award.

The Esri Young Scholar award is a nation-wide competition, run annually by Esri Singapore, which celebrates excellence in geospatial study, and more specifically, the creative use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology – or smart mapping technology – to solve real-world problems in impactful ways.

Heading up the panel of judges is Esri Singapore Chief Executive Officer Thomas Pramotedham, who is encouraging students to push the boundaries of current geospatial thinking with their submissions. 

“Singapore’s youth is very creative and receptive when it comes to new technologies,” Mr Pramotedham said.

“By teaching them how it can applied to their daily lives enables us to not only give them a better understanding of their world, but also help them explore new ways on how they can make our world a better place to live in,” he said.

“Based on the quality we saw with submissions for last year’s award, I’m intrigued to see what the youth have in store for us this year.”

The student selected to win the award will receive a pass to world’s largest spatial event -the Esri International User Conference - being held in San Diego in July, to meet with Esri founder and president Jack Dangermond, as well as other Young Scholars from around the globe.

They will also have the opportunity to hear from many of the world’s leading geo-enabled enterprises, and network with more than 16,000 geospatial professionals.

Mr Pramotedham said entries can cover any topic or field of study, however recommended areas include planning, development, environment, commercial/business, community, conservation, communications, sustainability or health. 

“The competition has previously fielded entries from a diverse field of studies, including engineering, environmental science, surveying, land and resources management, geology, computer sciences – and many more,” Mr Pramotedham said.

Last year, Abdul Rahim Bin Abdul Hamid – a Department of Architecture student – from the National University of Singapore bested hopefuls from across the country with his project entitled: ‘Potential ecological networks in Singapore’, aimed at helping planners implement urban biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Mr Rahim’s project used GIS technology to enable urban planners and conservation experts easily identify areas around Singapore that need more intensive planting of greenery, alongside areas that are likely to suffer due to building and construction works.

As the winning student last year, Mr Rahim was given an opportunity to travel to San Diego, California to attend the Esri International User Conference where he presented and displayed his work alongside his counterparts from around the globe. 

For further information on the Esri Young Scholar Award and to submit an application, visit  www.esrisingapore.com.sg/youngscholars 

The competition is open now - and closes 10 April 2015.

The winner will be announced on 30 April 2015.


Contact:  
Clarice Africa, Media Liaison
Esri Singapore
T: +65 6742 8646
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