
The National STEM Talent Search (NSTS) is an annual competition by Science Centre Singapore with support from the Ministry of Education. Previously known as A*STAR Talent Search, the competition was inaugurated since 1995 and was based on a concept similar to the Regeneron Science Talent Search organised in USA.
NSTS is a prestigious annual competition that aims to motivate and accord national recognition to students who excel in science and technology. Through NSTS, Singapore students aged 15 to 21 years old are given a platform to showcase their projects and encouraged to further their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
There are four scientific categories for NSTS
An invitation email and a Submission Requirement PDF would be sent to the eligible SSEF 2025 participants through their teacher coordinators.
| Award | Student Name |
School |
| First Prize | Wang Zerui | NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Second Prize | Lee Chong Jin, Ian | NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Third Prize | Samuel Soo En Yu | Raffles Institution |
| Commendation Award | Chua Ke Rui | NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Commendation Award | Lim Jun Hui Solomon | NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Commendation Award | Nainika Gupta | Raffles Institution |
| Commendation Award | Tan Teng Fong Christopher | Raffles Institution |
| Commendation Award | Tricia Tan Hui Xin | Raffles Institution |
| Commendation Award | Li Xinyang | Hwa Chong Institution |
Click here for the NSTS x SSEF 2025 eBooklet!
If you are keen to participate in the competition, do approach your SSEF Teacher Coordinator. An NSTS email invitation to participants who meet the requirements would be sent to your respective Teacher Coordinators.
Please refer to SSEF for more details on the application procedure.
Eligible candidates will be contacted via their school after SSEF. They will undergo a shortlisting interview with a panel of distinguished judges from various universities and research institutes. Selected finalists will then undergo a Final Judging Interview to select the winners.

*Event dates are subject to change
| Non- Technical | Technical |
| 80% | 20% |
|
Creative Ability & Independent Thinking Scientific Attitude & Motivation and Interests Potential to Pursue R&D Career & Vision and Goals Scientific Communication |
Depth of Understanding of Project |
| Student Awards | |
| Award | Prize |
| First Place | Cash Prize of S$5000 Trophy & Certificate |
| Second Place | Cash Prize of S$3000 Trophy & Certificate |
| Third Place | Cash Prize of S$2000 Trophy & Certificate |
| Commendation | Cash Prize of S$1000 Certificate of Merit *For those entered the Final Judging Round but were not awarded the positions First, Second or Third |
*Participants who participated in the Shortlisting Round but were not shortlisted to enter the Final Judging Round will receive an e-Certificate of Participation
In the event of any dispute regarding the rules, the conduct or results of NSTS, or any other matter relating to NSTS, all decisions made by the organizers shall be final and conclusive, and no discussion or correspondence will be entertained.
1. Can I present my A1 SSEF Poster instead of PDF Slides for NSTS 2025?
No, as the NSTS 2025 judges may not have participated in SSEF 2025. A PDF submission would allow us to share your submission for an early preview with the judges to gain understanding about your project.
2. Is it necessary to prepare a Quad Chart and/or Video?
No, however a quart chart and video might be helpful for your presentation to help judges gain a better understanding of your project.
3. I am in a team project; can I still join this competition?
Yes, however, please discuss with your team as only one member from each team is allowed to participate in this competition. You must declare if your project was a team project. If so, please indicate your team members name, and name of teacher/ mentor (if any) involved in the project on the cover slide.
4. Can I bring my prototype to assist in my presentation?
Yes, however, please ensure the items are safe to be brought along. Kindly approach and clarify with the NSTS Secretariat if you require clarification.
5. What do you mean by project might be subjected to a preliminary round before the Shortlisting Round?
A project may be subjected to review if there are overwhelming submissions to the specific category. It will be reviewed based fulfilment of submission criteria and personal statement.
The NSTS Secretariat would contact and notify your respective teacher coordinators via the email indicated in the NSTS 2025 Registration Form of the qualified projects that will enter the Shortlisting Judging Round.
6. Am I allowed to submit revised submission materials for Final Judging Round?
Yes. However, the same set of submission guidelines from Shortlisting Round applies. Students are to adhere to the submission deadline too. Do note that you do not have to submit the personal statement again for Final Judging Round.
| Award | Student Name | School |
| First Prize | Li Xin Rui | Hwa Chong Institution |
|
Second Prize |
Ivan Joel You Wen Jie | NUS High School of Math and Science |
| Third Prize | Evan Lim Hong Jun | Raffles Institution |
|
Chief Judge Special Award & Commendation Award |
Mirdhini Shri Rajaram | Raffles Institution |
| Commendation Award | Lim Teck Kong | NUS High School of Math and Science |
| Commendation Award | Liew Wei Pyn | NUS High School of Math and Science |
| Commendation Award |
Bai Ruotong |
Hwa Chong Institution |
| Commendation Award | Tan Yok Ray | Victoria Junior College |
| Award | Name |
| First Place |
Qiu Xinzhi NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Second Place |
Jonathan Chew Jian Pin River Valley High School |
| Third Place |
Tian Shuahao Hwa Chong Institution |
|
Commendation (arranged alphabetically by school name) |
Ethan John Lim Hwa Chong Institution |
|
Commendation (arranged alphabetically by school name) |
Thangaraja Keerthana National Junior College |
|
Commendation (arranged alphabetically by school name) |
Michelle Yaochai Yinfei NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
|
Commendation (arranged alphabetically by school name) |
Sarah Wong Ee Min Raffles Girls' School |
| Name | School | Points |
| First Place |
NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
6 |
| Second Place |
River Valley High School |
3 |
| Second Place |
Hwa Chong Institution |
3 |
| Award | Name |
| First Place |
Tan Kin Hern |
| Second Place |
Tan Yi Jie Valerie |
| Third Place |
Sim Shang Hong |
| Commendation |
Yeow An Tze NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Commendation |
Zhao Zhiya Hwa Chong Institution |
| Commendation |
Seet Yong Sheng Clive NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
| Commendation |
Ang Soo Hui Anglican High School |
| Commendation |
Tan Yee Lin National Junior College |
| Name | School | Points |
| First Place |
NUS High School of Mathematics and Science |
7 |
| Second Place |
Dunman High School |
3 |
| Third Place |
St Andrews Junior College |
2 |
Click here to view the ATS Award Winners for 2006-2018.
For more information or enquiries regarding NSTS, please email to the following:
| Mr Wesley Lim | wesley_lim@science.edu.sg |
| Ms Jamie Kok | jamie_kok@science.edu.sg |
| Mr Redza Adly | redza_adly_esmadi@science.edu.sg |
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