Shaping Singapore's Future: Future-Proofing Singapore’s Youth with Smart Nation 2.0
As Singapore advances towards its vision of becoming a top digital economy and remains the 5th smartest city globally (and the top in Asia as of 2024), Coding Lab is committed to nurturing the next generation of tech-savvy leaders. By teaching coding and computational thinking to kids and teens, we play an active role in shaping the future of our nation.
Aligned with Smart Nation 2.0, our goal is to empower students with the skills to contribute to Singapore’s digital transformation. The three key goals of Smart Nation 2.0—Trust, Growth, and Community—resonate deeply with our mission. Here’s how we embody each of these in our efforts to develop future-ready students.
What is a Smart Nation?
Coding Lab’s Masked Warriors Galore! Project created at the Smart Nation & U Launch!
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong describes a Smart Nation as one where “we can create possibilities beyond what we imagined possible.” Smart Nation 2.0 is about harnessing technology to improve how we live, work, and play. At Coding Lab, we align with this vision by equipping students with the tools and skills needed to innovate and contribute to Singapore’s digital future.
Our award-winning curriculum, rooted in hands-on learning, has inspired thousands of students since our founding in 2015. We believe that by nurturing young talent today, we are setting up the next generation to lead Singapore into a smarter, more digitally inclusive era.
The 3 Goals of Smart Nation 2.0
Smart Nation 2.0 focuses on achieving three key goals: Trust, Growth, and Community. At Coding Lab, we support each of these pillars through our education initiatives.
Trust – Building a Trusted Digital Environment
Our Coding Lab medallists and co-founder, Candice Wang, at the Women’s Forum 2024!
In a world where digital security and privacy are increasingly important, Singapore's Smart Nation 2.0 initiative places a strong emphasis on fostering trust. This involves ensuring that digital systems are secure, reliable, and trusted by all citizens.
At Coding Lab, we teach students not only how to code but also about the ethical use of technology. Through projects that focus on data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible coding practices, we help students understand the importance of building a trusted digital environment. For example, our AI Bootcamp covers concepts related to AI ethics, helping students realize their responsibility in shaping a secure and trusted digital future for Singapore.
Growth – Fostering Economic Growth through Technology
We also collaborate with organisations such as the OCBC Data Analytics Training Workshop!
Singapore’s goal to become a global leader in the digital economy is at the heart of Smart Nation 2.0. This pillar emphasizes leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth and create opportunities for businesses and citizens alike.
At Coding Lab, we provide students with the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven economy. From AI to data analytics, our curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools needed to contribute to Singapore’s digital transformation. For example, in our Data Analytics Workshop with OCBC Bank, students used real-world data to create innovative solutions like a Dengue Hotspot App and a Housing Pricing Trend Analysis. These hands-on experiences ensure that students can apply what they learn to real-world economic challenges, fostering growth for Singapore's future workforce.
Community – A Society Empowered by Technology
Coding Lab’s Tiny Thinkers, former president Halimah Yacob, and our partner NLB at the 2019 kidsREAD Carnival hosted by IMDA!
The Smart Nation vision extends beyond government and businesses to create a digitally inclusive community. Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 focuses on using technology to uplift society and ensure that no one is left behind.
At Coding Lab, we are deeply committed to building an inclusive digital community. Since 2015, we have reached thousands of students from diverse backgrounds through our coding workshops and initiatives. Our Tiny Thinkers campaign, in collaboration with IMDA, distributed Take Home Kits to over 7,000 preschoolers, introducing them to basic computational thinking skills. We’ve also partnered with the National Library Board and Ministry of Education to provide coding education to underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to contribute to Singapore’s Smart Nation journey.
A Future Powered by Coding
Coding Lab x MOE 2019: guiding staff through coding a DNA Sequencing Matcher Game with Scratch!
As Singapore progresses towards its Smart Nation 2.0 goals, we at Coding Lab are proud to support this national effort by nurturing the tech leaders of tomorrow. Through our award-winning curriculum, we provide every child with the opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s digital future.
We believe that coding is the new literacy. By teaching students how to code, we’re empowering them to become not just users but creators of technology—individuals who can build trusted systems, drive economic growth, and contribute to an inclusive digital society.
Want to get a headstart for the Smart Nation that Singapore is heading towards? Sign up for our MIT-inspired, award-winning classes aged 7-18!