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Rewarding the spirit of invention
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The significant achievements of Asia Pacific's brightest young inventors have been celebrated, with the recent announcement of the winners of the 4th Young Inventors Awards 2003. Sponsored by Hewlett-Packard in conjunction with the Far Eastern Economic Review, the Awards are designed to recognise and reward the ingenuity and innovation of some of the region's most talented university students. Gold medalist Ryuji Inai, from the National University of Singapore, Silver medalist Sangjin Han from the Seoul National University and Bronze medalist duo, Joanna Tan Hwa Lay and Ginny Tan Jue Hui from Singapore's Ngee Ann Polytechnic, received the top honours from a field of more than 90 entries across the region. The winners were selected from a group of twelve finalists shortlisted from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan, with five of the finalists from Singapore. "The Young Inventors Award recognises the innovative research of some of Asia's best and brightest minds. We encourage young inventors to develop their passions and make a difference in the world," said Cecilia Pang, Asia Pacific, Director Global Brand & Communications, HP. "HP is a company with a history of invention. As other inventors have inspired HP, we want to help inspire others," she added.
"My father always told me if I spoiled something I should try to fix it myself," says Ryuji Inai, the winner of the Gold Award.
With that simple life lesson, the tissue engineer has made a big name for himself by successfully designing and building minuscule two and three-dimension 'scaffolds', which are used to grow human tissue. These scaffolds can be applied to a variety of disciplines, from growing new skin for burns victims to making wound dressings, medical prostheses and even electrical conductors. Currently working towards a doctorate in bioengineering, Osaka-born Inai won a Singapore government scholarship to the National University of Singapore just over a year ago, after earning bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering at the Kyoto Institute of Technology. "There are many famous materials scientists, but I just want to be a good one." With his simple philosophy and sheer hard work, there's no doubt the 27-year-old will succeed. Inai will receive HP computing equipment worth US$5,000, two videoconferencing systems from Polycom and a US$7,500 grant for his university from the REVIEW, as part of his Gold Award.
In the case of silver award winner Sangjin Han, necessity is the mother of invention.
The young inventor, a doctoral student in applied chemistry at Seoul National University, has created a new carbon material production technology for fuel cells that may result in dramatic cuts to manufacturing costs, closing a major research gap for his nation. Han's breakthrough could help Korea and other countries that rely heavily on imports stay a step ahead of global competitors in the development of fuel cell technology, a technology that powers everything from cars to mobile phones. Two local companies have already expressed interest in investing in the technology, and one global battery company has already approached Han. Han will receive US$4,000 worth of HP computers and a US$5,000 grant for his Silver Award.
An irrigation system developed by Joanna Tan and Ginny Tan (not related) could enable developing countries to grow their own vegetables by drastically cutting back on the use of energy and water.
The dynamic duo from Singapore's Ngee Ann Polytechnic took the bronze award for their hothouse irrigation system, which uses a small, aerodynamic air pump that generates a fraction of the heat generated by larger pumps, therefore eliminating the need for a cooling system. Their 'air-dynaponics' system could quickly become valuable in a country like Singapore, which imports 90% of its vegetables.
Both Joanna and Ginny, who have recently graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic's three-year diploma course in life sciences, hope their successors at the school can carry on and build a larger model of the system that could be broken down into modular kits and sold to the public. As part of their Bronze Award, the duo will receive US$2,500 worth of HP computers and a US$2,500 grant.
In addition to a grant and HP equipment, all four winners also receive an all expenses paid trip to HP Labs at Palo Alto, California, where they will meet some of HP Labs' scientists. The HP prize package aims to expand the horizons for the winners, to encourage their fresh, new ideas and help them continue their research and innovative thinking. An award ceremony was held in mid January 2004 in Singapore to officially honour the winners, whose inventions were judged by a team of thirteen academics and business leaders from around the world.
Since HP was founded in 1939, the spirit of invention has always been at the very core of everything the company does. Today, HP continues to foster a spirit of inventiveness both inside and outside the organisation, investing US$4 billion a year in research and development of products, solutions and new technologies, on a global basis. "While invention is our mantra, it is not exclusive to HP. Other inventors have inspired us, and we in turn, are committed to helping inspire others. And where better to start than with the younger generation because they often have fresh, new ideas and they are not afraid to start with the seemingly impossible," said Pang. "The Young Inventors Award recognises students with the spirit to drive invention. We are delighted to honour them through these awards." |
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