By Mr. Gerald Ferrer, Mathematics Unit Head
From October 27 to 31, 2024, 44 students from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) embarked on an enriching journey to Singapore for the STEM Executive Education (SEEd) Program. Tailored for Grades 5 to 12, this program was organized in partnership with SC Mardison Corporation and Marshall-Cavendish Education, offering DLSZ students an immersive learning experience focused on sustainable living, digital literacy, and design thinking. The students were accompanied by administrators and teachers: Mr. Gerald Ferrer, Ms. Mailyn Soliman, Mr. Robert Gabriel Cosme, Ms. Sofia Paclarin, and Ms. Salvacion Manliguis.
The SEEd Program introduced students to Singapore’s pioneering approaches to STEM and sustainability. Highlights included a visit to Green Lab, Singapore’s first eco-solutions manufacturing facility, where students gained insights into eco-friendly manufacturing and the country’s commitment to sustainable product development. They also toured the Fraser and Neave (F&N) Experience Centre, Singapore’s first smart factory, to witness high-tech automation and sustainable packaging innovations for health and wellness beverages.
A key component of the program was an interactive design thinking workshop held at the Times Centre on October 29. Led by Dr. Turner Lam, an expert in digital literacy and design, students participated in hands-on activities to create personalized helmets and solar-powered cars. These activities introduced students to creative problem-solving with a focus on human-centered design.
“I would highly recommend the SEEd program to my fellow peers, as it helped me and many others understand mathematics, science, technology, and engineering further. We were able to build solar-powered cars that needed us to learn how to connect wires to make it work. I personally found that design thinking piqued my interest because I learned how to think out of the box. I am interested to take the STEM strand in Senior High School because these subjects are important for the future. I hope that it can help me contribute to the progress of society.” – Jaime Manuel Guevara (DLSZ 2031)
On October 30, students visited the National Institute of Education (NIE) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore’s premier teacher education institution. Here, they interacted with local students and attended a session led by Dr. Tan Aik Lim, a research fellow specializing in the Science of Learning. Dr. Tan shared insights on interest development and motivation in learning through note-taking, encouraging students to explore how their passions could drive meaningful contributions to STEM fields.
“The program really opened my eyes to how important global healing is right now. Seeing what Singapore is doing with sustainable development truly inspired me and solidified my decision to pursue a STEM career. I am excited to help create a future where innovation and sustainability work together, using the skills and knowledge that STEM provides.” – Ivarika Lapuz (DLSZ 2027)
DLSZ Participants:
Aldaba, Julio Keeno (DLSZ 2031)
Amante, Charles Gabriel (DLSZ 2029)
Amposta, Denise (DLSZ 2028)
Andaman, Denise Maxine (DLSZ 2028)
Asuncion, Alessandra (DLSZ 2029)
Blanco, Denielle Adriane (DLSZ 2029)
Buendia, Arich (DLSZ 2028)
Calonzo, Matt Aureben Ross (DLSZ 2027)
Concepcion, David Robby (DLSZ 2030)
Cruz, Nathaniel (DLSZ 2031)
Davalos, Daniel Andrei (DLSZ 2031)
De Guzman, Alejandro Luis (DLSZ 2029)
Denila, Keisha Ann (DLSZ 2027)
Denila, Ryianne Hollie (DLSZ 2029)
Emperado, Sonia Moira (DLSZ 2029)
Estrella, Christiane Elise (DLSZ 2027)
Firmeza, Jahaziah Kadmiel (DLSZ 2030)
Fishbuch, Erica (DLSZ 2028)
Fishbuch, Mark (DLSZ 2027)
Gabog, Joaquin Lukas (DLSZ 2030)
Garcia, Raphaeille (DLSZ 2026)
Guevara, Jaime Manuel (DLSZ 2031)
Ipapo, Ariana Mikaela (DLSZ 2029)
Jardiniano, Jillian Mae (DLSZ 2029)
Jordan, Ryan Matthew (DLSZ 2031)
Kiyoshi, Mahora (DLSZ 2032)
Kiyoshi, Saick (DLSZ 2031)
Lapuz, Ivarika Ynafleure (DLSZ 2027)
Magno, Marco Christian (DLSZ 2026)
Manese, Stephanie Ann (DLSZ 2029)
Martinez, Kara Mikaela (DLSZ 2028)
Mecua, Randall Brendan (DLSZ 2031)
Moraleja, Markus (DLSZ 2027)
Parreño, Maria Deirdre (DLSZ 2029)
Petalio, Savannah Faith (DLSZ 2027)
Petalio, Simunul Franz (DLSZ 2028)
Sapalo, Luis Ignacio (DLSZ 2026)
So, Ralf Johann(DLSZ 2027)
Tapia, Xelestina Ysabelle (DLSZ 2029)
Tolentino, Hamari Elektra (DLSZ 2027)
Torres, Mikayla Lee Sofia (DLSZ 2027)
Yusingbo, Mia Isabela Francesca (DLSZ 2027)
Zuñiga, Warren (DLSZ 2029)
Zuñiga, Winelle Calista (DLSZ 2027)
“The SEEd program in Singapore is an amazing learning adventure! I had a great time with friends, learning about recycling, making school books, and even building mini solar cars. We visited awesome places like Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay. I think everyone should try SEEd—it’s fun, educational, and full of experiences to share!” – Ryan Matthew Jordan (DLSZ 2031)
The five-day program concluded with a presentation and award ceremony at the Times Centre, where each student received a certificate recognized by the STEAM Education Association Singapore. The event was also attended by parents who joined their children in Singapore. Reflecting on their SEEd journey, the DLSZ students returned with a renewed perspective on sustainability, digital innovation, and leadership, eager to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
Click to watch their summary video here.
To know more about the upcoming SEED Program for the next Academic Year 2025-2026, you may contact Mr. Gerald Ferrer at ferrergr@dlszobel.edu.ph.