Nurturing the next generation of AI talents
Our Story
As Singapore Government SM1/2 scholars, we came from China to Singapore to study when we were young. Although we are now working in different industries, we find the knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is so relevant and useful, that we wished we could had came to know it earlier. In the current era of AI, we decided to express our gratitude to Singapore by organizing Robotics Innovation Challenge (RIC), a Singapore-based annual international robotics event to inspire and nurture future AI talents locally, and showcase the world-class STEAM education in Singapore globally.
The event supervisor, Asst. Prof Feng Mengling from NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SM2 1997 Batch), has been organizing SG Healthcare AI Datathon & Expo since 2017, in collaboration with professors from National University Health System and MIT Critical Data. In 2020, the event has attracted thousands of participants from over 20 countries and 150 different organizations.
RIC in Summary
Robotics Innovation Challenge (RIC) is
- an initiative started to nurture the next generation of AI talents via robotics
- a series of events designed for young students to develop their creativity, AI skills and teamwork
- organized by Singapore Government SM1/2 scholars who want to give back to Singapore society
- welcoming everyone in the world to come to Singapore for an unique experience
Organizing Committee

Wang Han, Organizing Chair
- SM2 2013 Batch
Ph.D. candidate in Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS
Bachelor Degree in Materials Engineering & President Research Scholar, NTU
Research Interest: Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence

Feng Mengling, Event Supervisor
- SM2 1997 Batch
Assistant Professor in Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS
Affiliated Scientist in MIT Health Science Technology Division
Organizing Chair of SG Healthcare AI Expo & Datathon

Li Yingda, Head of International Publicity
- SM1 2010 Batch
Double Bachelor Degree in Economics and Industrial and Systems Engineering, NUS
Ex-President of NUS Chinese Student Association
- 3 years’ experience in STEM Education

Lu Zhen, Head of Competition Design
- SM1 2010 Batch
- Ph.D. candidate in School of Mechanical Engineering, NTU
Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering, NUS
7 years of experience in Robotics and 3D-Printing
Supporting Partners

Director @ Advanced Robotics Centre, NUS

Deputy Director @ Science Centre Singapore

Chief @ Smart Health Leadership Centre, NUS

Captain of NUS RoboMasters Team

Senior Consultant @ National University Hospital
Our Milestone
Jul 2021: RIC-IDC 2021 was successfully concluded online. More details in this page.
Jul 2021: The first qualifier of RIC 2021 was successfully held in Dalian, China, attracting more than 200 participants.
Jan 2021: The website of RIC became live, and the Game Manuals of RIC 2021 were released.
Nov 2020: Science Centre Singapore officially joined as our co-organizer and kindly sponsored the venue.
Sep 2020: The organizing committee was formed.
Aug 2020: The idea of RIC was discussed and formalized.