#CodingLabStudents: Nakamura Shinji, 3-Time International Coding Showcase Award Winner!
Shinji receiving his Gold and Judge’s Choice Award (Most Innovative) Trophy for the International Coding Showcase 2024/25!
Meet Nakamura Shinji, our talented young coder with a knack for creativity and solving real-world problems! Shinji has consecutively won top prizes in the annual International Coding Showcase for the past 3 years - Distinction Award in 2022, Platinum and Judge’s Choice (Most Innovative) Awards in 2023, and Gold and Judge’s Choice Award (Most Innovative) Awards in 2024/25!
Beyond his strong coding skills, Shinji has a unique talent for solving problems in unexpected ways. He has twice earned the “Most Innovative” award with projects addressing global challenges such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Singapore Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts. Read on to discover more about his coding journey, innovative projects, and what is his secret on thinking innovatively!
“At Coding Lab, I get to learn the basics and then add my own creative touch. The teachers are always ready to help, and that has made a big difference in my journey.”
Congratulations on being an International Coding Showcase (ICS) consecutive winner at ICS 2022, 2023, and 2024/25! How does it feel to achieve this milestone?
I am delighted to have won thrice consecutively. Every year, I put in more effort than the previous year. It takes a lot of checking, testing and debugging but I want to do the best that I can and not be complacent.
Shinji visiting the Singapore Zoo to meet Bubbles, our adopted Python!
You’ve won the “Most Innovative” title twice—what’s your secret to bringing innovation into your projects? What inspires your creativity?
I just have to break down the theme into simpler parts to gain inspiration. The main motivation is always the desire to create an app or game that will benefit the world such as teaching the underprivileged Math or helping endangered animals.
Looking back at your competition journey, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Perseverance and hard work do pay off. There were times that I wanted to give up when I encountered problems with the projects but I have learnt to take a break and then face the challenge head on again. Each time I experience a great sense of accomplishment when I was able to overcome the challenges I faced.
Tell us how you first got started with coding.
The first time I was exposed to coding was at a robotics workshop in my kindergarten. The instructor was very impressed because I completed the project with excellence before he taught the class how to do it. He looked for my mother after the workshop to tell her about it.
Here is Shinji learning to make dumplings for Ippudo!
What do you like about coding? How has coding made a difference in your life?
The thing I like about coding is that it lets me showcase my creativity. It also lets me experiment doing things that cannot be done in school such as creating my own apps and programmes. There are many new things to learn each day. I am constantly reading about coding and experimenting with what I just learnt. Thanks to coding, I am never bored.
How did you get started at Coding Lab?
I started with Coding Lab through the free lessons offered by Smart Nation. After that, I asked my parents to sign me up at Coding Lab. I like attending lessons at Coding Lab because the teachers show us the basic concepts then give us space to add our own touch to the programmes. All the teachers at Coding Lab are good. They are approachable and keen to help when I reach out to them.
What are you coding right now? Any exciting future coding projects or dream projects that you want to mention?
Recently, I created a programme that can give me spelling. You just need to input the words from your spelling list and it will test you. This programme works for Chinese Language too. I have a few future projects coming up. Keep a lookout for it!
Why do you think learning to code is important, especially for young students like yourself?
Learning to code is important because it helps to build logical thinking skills. I learnt not to skip steps when solving Math problem sums.
“Each year, I push myself harder than before. I don’t just want to win—I want to create apps and games that make a real difference.”
Apart from Coding, what are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I like to eat ramen. In my free time, I go to different ramen restaurants to try and compare them. I read about programming in my free time. Right now I am reading “Python Coding Essentials” by Zach Parker.
What are your future aspirations? What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a programmer that helps solve global problems such as global warming and cybersecurity.
Lastly, what advice would you give to young coders who want to participate in competitions like ICS, especially if it’s their first time?
Take some time to plan your project before you start coding it. This will help to save time along the way.
Shinji’s amazing streak of wins and creative problem-solving show just how far passion and hard work can take you in coding! His projects don’t just impress judges globally but they make a real world difference and impact. We’re so excited to see the amazing coder you’re going to be and can’t wait to see what awesome ideas you come up with next, Shinji!
Our #CodingLabStudents blogs feature our ambitious students and their ongoing coding journeys – be it the budding coder or advanced Python Pro, we appreciate each and every single one’s efforts as they progress to greater heights. 🌱
Coding Lab offers an award-winning curriculum specially for ages 5 to 18 – check out our courses to begin your own coding journey today!
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