The Partnership

Building on our collaboration with Microsoft on the Unlocking Generative AI Safely and Responsibly classroom toolkit, we saw an opportunity to take the learning further. A toolkit teaches concepts; a challenge asks students to apply them. Together with Microsoft, we designed a student competition that would push secondary students beyond passive learning — inviting them to imagine how generative AI might shape their own futures.

A Nationwide Student Competition

The competition invited students to create original characters who integrate AI into their professional and personal lives. Drawing inspiration from the toolkit's narrative characters, Gina and Alex, students had to demonstrate both creativity and critical thinking—showing how AI could ethically and effectively shape future careers.

We delivered interactive workshops in six secondary schools, reaching close to 1,000 students and educators. These sessions provided hands-on experience with generative AI tools, helping students understand both the capabilities and the risks before they began working on their submissions.

Prize Ceremony at Microsoft Singapore

The challenge culminated in a prize presentation ceremony at Microsoft's Singapore office. Student finalists were joined by representatives from IMDA, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Communications and Information. Keynote addresses were delivered by Courtney Gregoire, Microsoft's Chief Digital Safety Officer, and Doreen Tan, IMDA's Assistant Chief Executive. Three winners were awarded Microsoft Surface devices for their outstanding submissions.

The Impact

Competitions create stakes that classroom exercises don't. By asking students to envision their own AI-integrated futures, rather than simply learning about risks in the abstract, the challenge made responsible AI use personal and concrete. The government presence at the ceremony signalled that this wasn't just an educational exercise; it was part of Singapore's broader commitment to building AI-literate citizens.