DUNMAN High student Colin Ng Ju-Jie spent part of the last December school holidays in a laboratory mixing chemicals to produce a strong yet lightweight material - which could one day be used as armour or to make planes.

Yesterday, the 18-year-old - who is taking his A levels this year - delivered a polished 15-minute presentation on his work in front of Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean and key players from Singapore's defence and engineering community.

The project, which stretched from October last year to January, was made possible by a research grant under the Young Defence Scientists Programme.

Run by DSO National Laboratories and the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) since 1992, the annual programme helps students venture beyond textbook theories by working with defence technology professionals.

Some of the 49 projects by 91 students from 12 schools were showcased at the Young Defence Scientists Programme Congress yesterday.

Colin, who has had a passion for military matters since his boyhood days, credited his mentors from DSO and the Nanyang Technological University for stoking his interest, saying: 'This is one of the best platforms to further my interests.'

At the event, Mr Teo noted some of the civilian applications that have resulted from defence technology: The Internet, microwave ovens, and fever-detecting scanners that were deployed to fight the severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003.

Going forward, the minister said research in unmanned aerial vehicles could allow pilotless planes to 'become a core element in our network of sensors'.

'For the Singapore Armed Forces to maintain its edge, we need people with the passion to lead cutting-edge defence research and development in Mindef's defence science community.

'Our defence scientists must also understand that their efforts must serve operational needs and contribute to the enhancement of our national security.'

Mr Teo coaxed budding researchers to consider joining the ranks of the 5,000 engineers, scientists, logisticians and procurement professionals who help keep the SAF fit.

'Our defence scientists and engineers look forward to working with aspiring young, energetic and creative scientists, mathematicians and engineers like yourselves, who are able to bring new ideas and enthusiasm into the defence technology community.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 13, 2008.