WINNING DIGITAL BATTLES WITH TEAMWORK

After four months of intense battles in the virtual world, the winner of the inaugural National Education Gaming Championship (NEGC) finally emerged on 27 Nov.

At the NEGC grand finals, Nanyang Polytechnic Team 1 was crowned the champion of the inter-school digital gaming competition, and to them went the spoils of $3,000, a challenge trophy, a school trophy and individual medals for the 19 team members.

Beginning in July this year, the NEGC saw more than 1,200 students from various secondary schools, institutes of technical education (ITE), junior colleges and polytechnics pit their gaming skills against one another in the Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2) game. This is a PC-based virtual simulation training software used to train soldiers in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

The initial 64 teams from 38 schools were eventually whittled down to 32 for the finals, which was held from 24 to 27 Nov at the D'Marquee in Downtown East.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, who was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the competition, was pleased at the use of simulation software in engaging students on National Education.

He said: "The use of simulation software to train our SAF personnel is a good way for them to hone their skills and execute possible missions and scenarios. It also enables the SAF to experiment and develop new concepts of operations in an effective and efficient way.

Through playing this game, students have a chance to learn more about defence and the SAF."

"This would also benefit the SAF as students who are better prepared for National Service would be better able to adjust to military life upon enlistment," he added.

Mr Derrick Ang, the leader of the winning team, agreed that the game gave him a better idea of what to expect when he enlists for National Service in about two years' time.

He said: "Through the game, I learnt a little about the command structure in the Army, and the roles of each soldier in a platoon...it gave me insights into army life."

When asked what gave their team the winning edge over their competitors, he responded: "It's really all about teamwork... We were up against very strong teams, so whenever we were falling behind, I boosted my team's morale by getting them to cheer, and that gave us confidence to win."

Added fellow team member Ms Bay Chuan Wei: "The competition also showed us that in defending Singapore, unity will help us win our battles."

The other finalists at the competition were ITE College Central MacPherson MICT, Raffles Institution National Cadet Corp Team 1 and Singapore Polytechnic Team 3, who placed second, third and fourth in the NEGC respectively.