Shell, Nanyang Polytechnic, and Science Centre Singapore forge strategic partnership to advance STEM education and equip next generation for jobs of tomorrow
Singapore – Can yesterday’s coffee and orange peels help fight dengue? Students from Springfield Secondary School believe so. Their innovative solution: a smart, eco-friendly mosquito-repelling candle made from used coffee grounds and repurposed orange peels. The candle automatically activates during high humidity, prime mosquito conditions, making it a practical tool to fight against dengue. The prototype was tested in classrooms over several weeks, with feedback gathered from 20 fellow students. The result is a creative, sustainable approach to a real-world health challenge, powered by science, innovation, and a passion for change.
In a move to further empower young innovators, Shell, Nanyang Polytechnic, and Science Centre Singapore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate Shell’s NXplorers programme into Nanyang Polytechnic’s Diploma in Sustainability in Engineering with Business curriculum.
Since 2019, Shell and Science Centre Singapore have been championing NXplorers, a nationwide programme for young people to develop sustainable solutions to local and global challenges they care about. Through the process, students develop critical thinking, creative problem solving, teamwork and communication skills, highly relevant skill sets that equip students to be positive agents of change. They gain deeper insights into potential science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career pathways and also receive seed funding to create a functional prototype. Over 700 Secondary students have benefited from the programme since inception.
The new collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic marks the first time where the NXplorers curriculum is embedded into formal tertiary education, providing opportunities for learners to experiment and ideate. This partnership comes after approximately 12 months of testing among the three parties, with around 80 students. Approximately 400 students will benefit from the collaboration over five years.
Loh Seng Yee, Global Vice President, Chemicals, Shell Catalysts & Technologies and sponsor of NXplorers programme, shared, “Shell is proud to be the partner of choice in shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. This new partnership is driven by our purpose. We believe NXplorers, which is a blend of skills of scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders, will further empower tertiary students to drive sustainable change and equip them for the jobs of tomorrow.”
As Shell’s principal delivery partner for NXplorers, Science Centre Singapore will work closely with Nanyang Polytechnic to co-create and co-deliver the curriculum. Shell’s employees will also support learners through voluntary mentorship, bridging classroom learning with real life industry insights.
Ms Tham Mun See, Chief Executive, Science Centre Board added: “Through NXplorers, we are nurturing not just problem-solvers, but purpose-driven innovators. This partnership with Shell and Nanyang Polytechnic embodies our shared belief that science and technology, when guided by empathy and imagination, can create meaningful solutions for a sustainable future.
Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of Nanyang Polytechnic, said: “This partnership exemplifies the power of industry and academia collaboration. Our learners will benefit from working with industry mentors on real sustainability challenges, gaining skills and experiences that enhance their technical knowledge and enable them to thrive in a sustainability-driven future." Shell, Nanyang Polytechnic, and Science Centre Singapore will jointly issue a certificate to eligible learners when they complete the programme.
The MOU outlines joint efforts in curriculum development, mentorship, potential project collaborations and internships, reinforcing the shared commitment of all three organisations to nurture future-ready talent and promote sustainability innovation.
For local media enquiries, please contact: apac-media@shell.com.