The School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) is proud to celebrate the achievement of three Diploma in Computer Engineering (DCPE) graduates, who received the Special Mention Award at the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors’ Award (TKKYIA) 2026.
The winning project, “ARDENT US – A Next-Gen AR/VR Training Program for Children with Autism,” showcases the students’ innovative use of immersive technology to address real-world challenges.
Using AR/VR to Build Confidence and Independence
ARDENT US is an innovative AR/VR-based training programme designed to help children with autism practise social skills, communication, navigation and everyday routines in a safe, structured and repeatable virtual environment.
Through immersive simulations of real-world situations, the programme provides children with opportunities to practise and build confidence before applying these skills in their daily lives. The project aims to complement conventional therapy, which can be resource-intensive and dependent on therapist availability, while supporting greater independence in real-world environments.
The team’s innovative application of immersive technology to address a meaningful social challenge earned them the Judges’ Special Mention Award, recognising the creativity, innovation and potential impact of their solution.
Celebrating Our Young Innovators
It was a special honour for the ARDENT US team to receive their award from Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry, during the award ceremony at Science Centre Singapore.
The achievement reflects the students’ ability to apply their engineering knowledge and creativity to develop technology that addresses real-world needs. It also highlights the spirit of innovation and meaningful problem-solving nurtured through EEE’s learning experiences.
Project Team
Project Supervisor: Dr Jaichandar Kulandaasan Sheba
Team ARDENT US receiving the Special Mention Award from Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry
Team ARDENT US celebrating their achievement with their supervisor, Dr Jaichandar Kulandaasan Sheba.
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