From Fablabs to Fab Cities: A Digital Fabrication Revolution

Date and time: Thu, 13 July 2017, 6.30pm – 8.30pm (light dinner from 6.30pm to 7.00pm)

Venue: FabLab, Level 1 of T11C, Singapore Polytechnic (see map below)

Organisers: IEEE Computer Society, Singapore Chapter and Singapore Polytechnic

Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to confirmation.

Registration deadline is 30 June 2017. Limited to 20 places.

Abstract:

The first Fablab was established in 2003 as an outreach component of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA), as an extension into its research into digital fabrication and computation. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with over 1,100 fablabs in 103 countries across 24 timezones.

A fablab is comprised of off-the-shelf, industrial grade fabrication and electronics tools, wrapped in open source software and programs and provides a technical prototyping platform for innovation and invention, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship. Users learn by designing and creating objects of personal interest and import, gaining deep knowledge about the machines, materials, design process and the engineering that goes into invention and innovation. By going through a cycle of imagination, design, prototyping, reflection and iteration, users find solutions to challenges and bring ideas to life, essential skills for lifelong learning and surviving in the 21st century.

Join us in learning more about how fablabs and digital fabrication technologies are revolutionizing STEM education and societies around the world.

Short Bio:

Steven Chew is a Senior Lecturer in Singapore Polytechnic (SP). Over the years, Steven has taught courses in networking and network security to various public sector agencies and industry. Steven was the Asst Team Manager for SunSPEED, Singapore’s first solar electric vehicle, which participated in the 1999 World Solar Challenge. He is also the team manager of the SP Solar Car team and has led the team in developing single and two-seater solar electric vehicles to compete in the World Solar Challenge in 2013, 2015, and the coming race in 2017. Steven is the manager of Fablab Singapore Polytechnic and an instructor since 2015, in the global Fab Academy Diploma programme, conducted by Prof Neil Gershenfeld, Director of the Center for Bits and Atoms, MIT, a sister lab to the MIT Media Lab.