The awards ceremony commenced with a sharing by Christopher Ong and Tian Shuhao, both members of SPOT 2020. They shared some ideas (see link to slides) about what interested students can pursue after the conclusion of SPhO:
Afterwards, we proceeded with a panel discussion involving Ong Yann Shiou, Wang Qinghai, Loh Huanqian, Ho Shen Yong, and Dario Poletti, in addition to Christopher and Shuhao. The theme of the discussion was “The Meaning of Physics”. Panelists discussed what physics meant to them personally as well as the broader impact of physics. They agreed on the versatility of physics as well as how it trains one to think in a principled manner. Panelists also discussed physics ideas that they resonated with. For instance, Chaos theory, Noether’s theorem, Relativity, Entanglement and Emergence were brought up during the discussion.
Panel discussion moderated by Ong Yann Shiou (with Wang Qinghai, Loh Huanqian, Ho Shen Yong, Dario Poletti, Christopher Ong and Tian Shuhao)
After the panel discussion, the President of IPS, Christian Kurtsiefer, presented a token of appreciation to Micron for its sponsorship of the Physics Olympiads. This token was received by Director of Production Integration Engineering, Yeo Boon Pian, who gave a short speech.
Yeo Boon Pian (Micron) receiving token of appreciation from IPS President, Christian Kurtsiefer
Finally, the awards were presented to the winners. More than 200 JC1 students from various schools participated in the 35th Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) in 2022. A total of 82 students received awards. 31 gold medals, 21 silver medals and 30 bronze medals were awarded.
Bronze medals handed out by Paul Lee and Nidhi SharmaSilver medals handed out by Kwek Leong Chuan and Ong Yann ShiouGold medals handed out by Christian Kurtsiefer and Rajdeep Singh Rawat2023 SPOT team with Bernard Ricardo and Tan Da Yang
The event concluded with refreshments and networking.
Awards for the SJPO and SPhO were given out on 14 March 2019, at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Institute of Physics Singapore (IPS).
About 1800 students took part in the 11th Singapore Junior Physics Olympiad (SJPO) in 2018, and about 200 students took part in the 31st Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) in 2018. A total of 1149 students won awards at SJPO and 65 students won awards at SPhO.
SJPO 2018 Gold Medallists (Photo courtesy of Bernard Ricardo)Absolute Winner of SJPO 2018 (Photo courtesy of Bernard Ricardo)SPhO BronzeSPhO SilverSPhO GoldAbsolute WinnerNational TeamSPhO 2018 (Photos courtesy of Bernard Ricardo)
The awards ceremony was followed by a very rich panel discussion involving LIM Hock, LOH Huanqian, TAN Meng-Chwan, KWEK Leong Chuan, CHEONG Siew Ann, and Dawn TAN.
Panel discussion
Some interesting discussion points:
Even if we arrive at a “theory of everything”, we will still need physics and chemistry and biology as knowing the fundamental theory does not mean we can easily derive emergent behaviour.
Singapore need not rush to an energy solution using nuclear because it is not yet an urgent issue — so we can afford to study the different designs and technologies.
The event concluded with informal networking and refreshments.
The experimental round for the 35th Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 15 Nov 2022, at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Students who have been informed by their schools should take note of the instructions below, and arrive at the timing appropriate for their shift.
Details
Date: 15 Nov 2022 (Tuesday)
Time: Reporting and dismissal time depends on shift, as shown below
Shift 1: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Shift 2: 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Year 1 Physics Lab (Report to the Holding Room), Blk S12, Level 4, Room 1, NUS Science Faculty [map]
Note: Actual duration of examination is two hours.
Attire
School uniform
In accordance with prevailing safe management measures, masks are not required for the examination, but are required while on public transport
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery (including flexible curve ruler to plot non-linear graphs)
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded as a PDF from here. Good luck and have fun with physics!
Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your index number written on every sheet you hand in.
The theoretical round for the 35th Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 22nd October 2022, at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Students who have been nominated by their schools should take note of the instructions below.
Spacetime Coordinates
Date and Time: 22nd October 2022 (Saturday), 0930-1630 hours [lunch provided]
In accordance with prevailing safe management measures, masks are not required for the examination, but are required while on public transport
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
Syllabus
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded as a PDF from here. Good luck and have fun with physics!
Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Paper 1: two hours (before lunch). Paper 2: two hours (after lunch).
Check that your particulars on the attendance list are correct (especially your name, as these will be used to prepare certificates) and sign on the attendance sheet.
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your index number written on every sheet you hand in.
About 50 students will be selected for the experimental round in the afternoon on 15 Nov 2022 (Tuesday) — these students will be notified through their school teachers.
Draft Programme
Time
Activity
0900 to 0930
Attendance taking outside LTs
0930 to 0950
Seated in respective LTs by 0950
1000 to 1200
Paper 1 (duration of 2 hours)
1200 to 1210
Remain seated as scripts are collected and counted
1210 to 1230
Short talks
1230 to 1330
Lunch
1300 to 1340
Demonstrations at various venues (during lunch break)
1340 to 1350
Seated in respective LTs by 1350
1400 to 1600
Paper 2 (duration of 2 hours)
1600 to 1610
Remain seated as scripts are collected and counted
The experimental round for the 32nd Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 14 Nov 2019, at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Students who have been informed by their schools should take note of the instructions below, and arrive at the timing appropriate for their shift. Details
Date: 14 Nov 2019 (Thursday)
Time: Reporting and dismissal time depends on shift, as shown below
Shift 1: 12.30pm – 3.30pm
Shift 2: 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Year 2 Physics Lab (Report to the Holding Room), Blk S12, Level 4, Room 1, NUS Science Faculty [map]
Note: Actual duration of examination is two hours.
Attire
School uniform
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery (including flexible curve ruler to plot non-linear graphs)
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded here. Good luck and have fun with physics! Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your participant code written on every sheet you hand in.
The theoretical round for the 32nd Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 19th October 2019, at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Students who have been nominated by their schools should take note of the instructions below.
Spacetime Coordinates
Date and Time: 19th October 2019 (Saturday), 0945-1615 hours
If taking bus 199, alight at Car Park 7 and walk towards Block 7 (Science) at Level B3. Take the lift or walk up to Level 1 and follow the signs to LT1.
If taking bus 179, cross the road using the overhead bridge, to arrive at Block 1 (Administration) Level 1. Follow the signs to LT1.
Attire
School uniform
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
Syllabus
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded as a PDF from here. Good luck and have fun with physics!
Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Paper 1: two hours (before lunch). Paper 2: two hours (after lunch).
Check that your particulars on the attendance list are correct (especially your name, as these will be used to prepare certificates) and sign on the attendance sheet.
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your index number written on every sheet you hand in.
About 50 students will be selected for the experimental round in the afternoon on 14 Nov 2019 (Thursday) — these students will be notified through their school teachers.
The experimental round for the 31st Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 20 Nov 2018, at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Students who have been informed by their schools should take note of the instructions below, and arrive at the timing appropriate for their shift.
Details
Date: 20 Nov 2018 (Tuesday)
Time: Reporting and dismissal time depends on shift, as shown below
Note: Actual duration of examination is two hours.
Attire
School uniform
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery (including flexible curve ruler to plot non-linear graphs)
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded here. Good luck and have fun with physics!
Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your participant code written on every sheet you hand in.
The theoretical round for the 31st Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 20th October 2018, at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Students who have been nominated by their schools should take note of the instructions below.
Details
Date and Time: 20th October 2018 (Saturday), 0945-1615 hours
Venue: NIE, Blocks 7 & 7A, various venues as advised by teachers
If taking bus 199, alight at Car Park 7 and walk towards Block 7 (Science) and Block 7A. The lifts start at Level B3.
If taking bus 179, from the overhead bridge, arrive between Block 1 (Administration) and Block 2 (Education) at Level 1. Block 7 is just next to Block 1 and opposite Block 2.
Attire
School uniform
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded as a PDF from here. Good luck and have fun with physics!
Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Paper 1: two hours (before lunch). Paper 2: two hours (after lunch).
Check that your particulars on the attendance list are correct (especially your name, as these will be used to prepare certificates) and sign on the attendance sheet.
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your participant code written on every sheet you hand in.
About 50 students will be selected for the experimental round on 20 Nov 2018 (Tuesday) — these students will be notified through their school teachers.
[Guest post by Eliana Davita, edited by Zhiming Darren Tan]
On the 9th of March 2018, a group of intelligent, passionate young students, bursting with energy and potential, gathered in the lecture theatre of the NTU School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences for the annual Physics Olympiad Awards Ceremony.
The winning students were awarded with well-deserved medals, certificates and interesting physics books as the special awards. Amongst the titles was a dynamic duo; Surely You’re Joking, Mr Feynman! as well as What Do You Care What Other People Think? by the wonderfully weird and brilliant physicist Richard Feynman. There was also A Brief History of Time by Professor Stephen Hawking, who recently passed away.
However, the special awards that pleasantly surprised the national team were the classy red ties!
Our prizes got our tongues tied! (Photo by Terence Chiew)
The Highly Impactful Keynote Speech
Our keynote speaker this year, Emeritus Professor Bernard Tan, opened with a powerful speech on science, technology and careers in the scientific or technological fields.
Thinking of a Career in Research?
Prof Tan mentioned that one of the most important qualities that a researcher must have is passion for their work. There needs to be passion in order to enjoy having to devote lots of time and effort into the work.
He also said that most of the researchers he knows are endearingly eccentric!
Prof Tan spent some time discussing other possible career options that might interest students, and have the potential of making an impact in society. The study of physics provides a rigorous preparation of the mind, and the knowledge and skills gained from that study can be flexibly applied to many diverse fields.
Scientific/Technological Advancements and its History
Prof Tan shared that he was fascinated with the scientific and technological advancements that occurred during World War II, the more he delved into history. From computers and radar to the Manhattan Project that developed the atomic bomb, no one can deny that the war revolutionised engineering and technology. Unfortunately, this also brought tremendous horrors. In the words of Robert Oppenheimer, “In some sort of crude sense which no vulgarity, no humour, no overstatement can quite extinguish, the physicists have known sin.”
Of course, technological advancements have also brought about a vast amount of good. Prof Tan looked back on key technological breakthroughs in the 18th and 19th centuries, from both East and West, and traced the progress of science in tandem with technology. He spoke for example on musical scales from ancient China, and on steam engines, a nifty invention that made transportation much faster.
The text of his prepared speech can be found here.
You’ve Heard of Comic-Con. Now Get Ready for…
Ever wondered what a Physics-Con panel was like? The panel consisted of Prof Tan, Mr Eugene Seo, Associate Professor Ng Hui Khoon, Associate Professor Rajdeep Singh Rawat, Dr Nidhi Sharma, Mr Fu Wei, Associate Professor Kwek Leong Chuan, and Dr He Ruimin.
Moderated by Prof Rawat, the eight brilliant panellists were there to share and discuss their ideas with audience. The topic of discussion centrifuged around the promises and perils of physics in the future.
Dr He sharing his thoughts on the future of physics (Photo by Nadya Goh)
A lot of important information was shared during this session as it really told us what we should look forward to and be careful of with regards to physics in society. For example, there was a debate on nuclear energy and climate change, and the impact of rising sea levels. The panellists warned how global warming will change the conditions we live in, and encouraged us to find green solutions to the problem of our massive carbon footprint on the Earth.
The panellists agreed that a good grounding in physics would provide students with a strong foundation to meet the many challenges facing the world. They shared engaging anecdotes of the diversity of careers open to those with a solid physics background.
In addition, there was also the discussion about encouraging more women to pursue careers in the STEM fields. The panellists opined that with proper encouragement, more women will be attracted to STEM-related careers and inspired to put in the hard work and to take on such challenges.
“There are no perils in physics!” exclaims Prof Rawat (Photo by Terence Chiew)
In the end, the audience was abuzz, the promising young minds full of hope and wonder for the future of science, society and mankind. The dialogue ended with a reflection that at the heart of the matter, curiosity and child-like wonder drive exploration and interest in nature.
Here’s to grooming generations of avid scientists who strive to make the world a better place using their magic wands of physics!
A future researcher from ACSI! (Photo by Terence Chiew)
Acknowledgements
Huge thanks go out to Associate Professor Cesare Soci and Professor Christian Kurtsiefer for integrating this awards ceremony as part of the 2018 IPS Meeting, and to Ms Sruthi Varier for coordinating logistics for the session. Thanks also to Dr Lim Kim Yong for his assistance in organising the event.
This session would also not have been possible without the services of Mr Vincent Ribli as emcee, Ms Hillary Chan at the awards table, and Ms Nadya Goh as photographer. Thanks to Mrs Fabiola Soong for arranging their help. Mr Terence Chiew also contributed photos (link).
Last but not least, thanks to all the speakers who also helped to give out the prizes! They were also joined by Prof Kurtsiefer and Dr Chen Zilong.
The experimental round for the 30th Singapore Physics Olympiad (SPhO) will be held on 23 Nov 2017, at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Students who have been informed by their schools should take note of the instructions below, and arrive at the timing appropriate for their shift.
Details
Date: 23 Nov 2017 (Thursday)
Time: Reporting and dismissal time depends on shift, as shown below
Note: Actual duration of examination is two hours.
Attire
School uniform
Materials
Identity Card or Student Pass
Pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, and other stationery (including flexible curve ruler to plot non-linear graphs)
Calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed, only scientific calculators are acceptable)
The syllabus for the competition is the same as for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The syllabus can be downloaded here. Good luck and have fun with physics!
Instructions for actual day
Be punctual!
Staple all your answer scripts together (or as otherwise instructed on the actual day). Make sure you have your participant code written on every sheet you hand in.
Singapore Physics Olympiad Training (SPOT) 