(Latest Update! The GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2009 has come to a grand closure on 5 Sep 2009. Click here to read The Straits Times' coverage of the competition, here to read GMAC's formal press release, and here to view photographs taken at the event!)

The GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2008

Yes, the GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge has made a comeback following its success in 2008!

The GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge 2008 - an inter-school creative newsletter writing and design competition – was organized as part of GMAC’s ongoing efforts in objectively imparting scientifically-sound information on gene modification (GM) technology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to the public. More than 250 participants from 55 primary and secondary schools in Singapore participated in the competition, where they were asked to create newsletters based on different themes related to GM technology. The best entries from the competition have since been published and disseminated to a wider audience through the Ministry of Education, the Singapore Science Centre, and the national libraries. These selected newsletters have also been made permanent resources on GMAC’s website. Click here to view selected newsletters from the GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge 2008.

The 2009 Competition

The GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge 2009 builds on the success of the 2008 competition, but with novel elements incorporated to further stimulate students’ interest in science-based GM-related topics. Among other things, participants of this year’s competition move from the print media and venture to make video clips around the theme of the “The Facts and Myths of GM foods”. The task of the Student Reporters is, specifically, is as follows:

“There is increasing adoption of GM crops worldwide. Proponents say that GM technology and GM crops offer one solution towards food shortage and food security issues, and argue that GM foods are at least as safe as, if not safer, than their conventional counterparts. Opponents, on the other hand, are skeptical of the actual benefits of GM crops and GM foods, and question their safety on human health and the environment.

You and your colleagues are reporters of the SSC (Singapore Science Channel). In view of the controversy and intense debate surrounding GM crops and GM foods, your boss tasked your team to produce a video feature on the facts and myths of GM foods. As part of the project, you are to interview residents of the Singapore heartlands to find out what their views on GM foods are, and what they understand, misunderstand, or do not understand about the subject. As responsible reporters, you are to debunk common misconceptions about GM foods, and unravel the science-based truth.”

Preliminary Results of the GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2009

Registration for the GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2009 has closed in May 2009. Some 150 secondary school students in Singapore registered for the competition. GMAC appreciates the strong interest and continued support exhibited by schools and students for this year's Challenge.

Entries to the competition have reached GMAC in Jul 2009. Two separate Preliminary Judging Panels – one for the Lower Secondary Category of the competition and the other for the Upper Secondary Category, and each comprising representatives from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA); the Ministry of Education (MOE); and the Polytechnics’ School of Life Sciences (or equivalent) - were formed to review all entries.

The Preliminary Judging Panels shortlisted three entries per competition category for progression to a Final Judging which would be conducted on 5 Sep 2009 at a Video Screening Session. Please click here to view the Preliminary Results of the GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2009.

5 Sep 2009 Video Screening Session

A series of activities have been planned for our Student Reporters at the Video Screening Session. Besides being able to view the shortlisted entries at the Session, all present at the event will also be able to vote for their favourite shortlisted entries. Furthermore, the event will feature a Question and Answer component, where members of the audience would have opportunities to pose GM-related questions to an expert panel. From our past experiences, students always find great interest in and participate very actively in our Question and Answer sessions. Click here to view photos from last year’s GMAC Student Reporters’ Challenge.

The Final Results of the GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2009 will be announced at the Video Screening Session. Click here to find out who our distinguished members at the event's Final Judging and Q&A Expert panels are.

The Programme of the 5 Sep 2009 Video Screening Session can be downloaded below, along with further details of the GMAC Student Reporters' Challenge 2009.

Registration for the Video Screening Session

Prior Registration for the Video Screening Session is required. Priority would be given to the Student Reporters. Student Reporters should register their attendance of the Video Screening Session through their Teachers-in-Charge.

GMAC may consider accepting registration requests from other members of the public, subject to availability of places. If you are a member of the public who wish to attend the Video Screening Session, please contact GMAC Secretariat at:

Email: Shijia_QIU@bmrc.a-star.edu.sg OR TAN_Kim_Ping@bmrc.a-star.edu.sg

Telephone: 6407-0362/0539