Education plays a significant role in the lives of children – both as a milestone and as a journey in itself. As Educators at heart ourselves, we understand the challenges that come with each unique learning experience. Therefore, when a student under our tutelage achieves an educational goal, it is our honour to share the celebratory news!

Welcome to another edition of Coding Lab’s Student Features. Today’s precocious guest is 13-year-old Darius Yong, who made us proud by successfully securing a place at the School of Science and Technology (SST) in advance through Direct School Admission (DSA)!

Click to watch the video version of our interview with Darius! 👆

Hi Darius! Congratulations on entering SST through DSA! How do you feel about this achievement?

Thanks for asking, I am definitely excited as I know SST will provide many opportunities to further my interest in coding. At the same time, I am glad that I don’t have to worry about which Secondary School to choose in the Secondary 1 posting.

Tell us how you first got started with coding. What do you like most about it?

When I was about 9, my father bought me a book that taught me how to program in Scratch. I followed the guide and learnt how to program in Scratch. About one and a half years later, I started lessons with Coding Lab in App Inventor and Python. I had lots of fun exploring different programming languages and platforms.

Watch Darius’ award-winning International Coding Showcase project here!

How did you get started with Coding Lab?

I learnt about Coding Lab from my mum, she signed me up for the App Inventor course, which I really enjoyed. After that, I went on for Python courses.

How has Coding Lab’s DSA Preparation Programme made an impact in your coding journey?

Coding has helped me improve my way of thinking and allowed me to be more patient when there were bugs. Coding has also broadened my exposure as I was able to take part in competitions. I have won the Most Innovative Award from the International Coding Showcase 2020 and also placed within the Top 20 winners for the Coding Olympics 2021.

Could you share with us why you think learning to code is so important?

We are definitely living in an era of technology, learning coding is important because it can help us and the community to solve problems in possibly new, creative and efficient ways. It also taught me to be persistent and not give up easily when I hit a snag.

What are the difficulties you faced while learning to code and how did you overcome them?

Meeting bugs is definitely part of a programmer’s journey. To overcome them, I would Google for solutions or look through my class notes.

“Darius is an extremely motivated and dedicated learner that always gives his best effort in attempting the questions. He has been progressing well, especially for someone of his age, he has shown a high level of understanding of the Python concepts taught and has applied them well in different areas by creating his own projects.“

– Educator Evan

Apart from coding, what else do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m still a kid so I like reading as well as playing all types of games from Minecraft, Mario Kart, Game of Life and also Heart Attack! I also go for TaeKwonDo classes and earned my black belt this year.

Do you have any advice for young people like you who want to start coding?

Never give up on your dreams in coding or in anything you wanna do!

What is your favourite coding project so far and why?

Definitely my Math Game. During the first circuit breaker last year in 2020, I combined both my love for Math and coding to create a Math Revision & Game project for my peers. I came up with the problem sums myself and coded the project in Scratch. I presented it to my Math teacher in School and she loved the idea and shared it with all my peers in school.

Who is your favourite Educator? If there is one thing you could say to them, what would it be?

This is really a tough one for me …. I can’t really decide who my favourite tutor is but I want to say “Thank You!” to all the tutors who have taught me at Coding Lab! You are all awesome and I am inspired to be like you!

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Darius! Your Educators are proud of you for all of your achievements – in both coding and academics!

Darius began his coding journey at Coding Lab with P205+P206 – Python Junior, before progressing his way up to S203 – Algorithm. Find your own starting point here with us by browsing our course catalogue today!

(Written by Lixin, Edited by Thinzar)

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For today’s student feature, we’ve invited two curious coders. Meet Isaac (aged 11) and Alicia Khong (aged 9), who won the Social Impact Award and People’s Choice Award respectively during the International Coding Showcase 2020, and also Judges’ Choice (Most Innovative) and Judges’ Choice (Best Design) respectively during the International Coding Showcase 2021! These clever and articulate siblings began their coding journey one after another, here at Coding Lab. Don’t miss this first-ever double-bill student feature!

Watch the video version of the Khong siblings’ interview here.

Tell us how you first got started with coding. What do you like most about it?

Isaac: When I was young, I often saw my father using the computer in his room. I was curious about what he was doing and asked him. When I found out that he was coding, I asked if I could start it as I was always fascinated by the computer.

I got my first Windows computer when I was in Primary One, and I started learning basic Scratch on my own with a book that my father had bought me. I was fascinated that you could do so many different things with the computer and I wanted to do more. My favourite part about coding is that you can ask the computer to do whatever you want to get a result.

Alicia: My brother started coding, and I felt that it would be interesting, so I followed him and started coding too. I like how it works – if you type something, and if the code is right, then something happens.

It’s awesome to hear that you were both inspired by family members! How did you decide to begin your coding journey with Coding Lab?

Isaac: I was researching about coding schools when I found Coding Lab. Although I looked through many schools, Coding Lab caught my attention as it offered a huge variety of programming languages and had a structured curriculum.

Alicia: I saw my brother going to Coding Lab, and he said it was fun, so I tried Coding Lab.

How has coding made a difference in your life since?

Isaac: I have been coding almost every day and I have started to learn how computers work. Additionally, I have also started to teach coding to my sister. So instead of being just a user of technology, I have learned how to create new technology.

Alicia: It helps me develop a new interest, I can use my free time to make a new animation or platformer on Scratch.

Could you share with us why you think learning to code is so important?

Alicia: I believe learning to code can help me to organise my thinking.

Isaac: I think coding is important as the world is continuously moving and changing to a more urbanised and high-tech world. In the future, many things would be controlled with computers and computer chips. Learning to code allows me to create technology to contribute to society next time.

What are the difficulties you faced while learning to code and how did you overcome them?

Alicia: While I was learning Scratch, I sometimes had difficulties trying to think of new and interesting project ideas, so I would ask my family members what animations they want to see.

Isaac: Some of the challenges I have faced are syntax errors, methods and functions. When I face these issues, I try my best to look for solutions and voice out for help when needed.

Do you have any advice for young people like you who are beginning their coding journey?

Alicia: When you start to learn coding, it may be quite difficult and challenging, but if you keep trying and learning, you will succeed. You will then have a new way of creating your own projects and ideas.

“Alicia is a studious and brilliant learner who is able to adapt to new areas of knowledge swiftly and effectively. Her ability to do this led to her picking up advanced Scratch skills and even the intricacies of the Micro:Bit hardware in no time. She is always able to understand the concepts taught in class, and is a helpful girl who takes part in class discussions to promote the learning of fellow classmates.”
— Educator Hovan

Isaac: I would encourage young people to learn coding as technology is forming the future like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. Start by learning simple programming with blocks and Graphical User Interface (GUI). Some websites and tools you can use to begin your coding journey include Scratch, Lego Mindstorms or Micro:Bit. This enables you to have a strong foundation in coding. You can then continue with App Inventor and Python to enhance your skills. This way, you can learn coding more productively just like how I progressed through the Coding Lab syllabus.

“Isaac is a very responsible and independent student who has shown great understanding in programming. He displays great interest in programming and is very attentive to detail. With a strong and stable foundation in coding, Isaac displays self discipline and great concentration. He shows great enthusiasm towards learning and on many occasions, I have seen him attempting the challenges before the rest and he is helpful and willing to share his knowledge with his classmates.”
— Educator Edmund

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, Alicia and Isaac. Hearing about your growing passion for coding certainly warms our Educators’ hearts – and our readers’ too!

The Khong siblings’ coding journey is an example of how childhood interest, when nurtured, can blossom into a useful new skill. Through the shared learning experience of coding, their bond has become stronger than ever!

Isaac Khong began his journey at Coding Lab with our App Inventor and Python Junior courses in 2020 – and progressed through our S200 Advanced Electives (for ages 13 to 18) by the time he was 12. Isaac was awarded the Social Impact Award in our International Coding Showcase 2020 and Judges’ Choice (Most Innovative) in our International Coding Showcase 2021.

Alicia Khong’s first coding class was Scratch One in 2020, and she got to hone her coding capabilities in our Young Computer Scientists. She’s now delving into App Inventor! Alicia, 10, was awarded the People’s Choice Award in our International Coding Showcase 2020 and Judges’ Choice (Best Design) in our International Coding Showcase 2021.

Our #CodingLabStudents series features 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!

(Written by Zulaikha and Lixin)

Best-in-class Curriculum for Coding

We are honoured to be the winner of multiple awards.

Thank You for your support.

Hop on board the Coding Lab train! Click here to get our monthly newsletters straight to your inbox.

A Peek Into Our Course: Advanced Computer Scientists (P21S) – Broad-Based Exposure to STEM Topics

Should my child DSA (Coding)? Coding Lab’s P300 Portfolio Preparation Programme for DSA

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Coding Lab Student Feature: Aarhan Salujah, 13, St Joseph’s Institution

Coding Lab Educator Feature: Ryan Wong

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All About NFTs, Simplified

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Ages 5-6 | Ages 7-9 | Ages 10-12 | Ages 13-18

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Meet 12-year-old Kyran Tan who won 1st Place (Python for Ages 10-12) at the International Coding Showcase 2020 (JP-SG) and also clinched Distinction (Electives for Ages 13 to 18) at the International Coding Showcase 2021 (JP-SG). We interviewed this precocious primary schooler about his programming journey at Coding Lab. Read on to find out more about Kyran!

… Or watch this video interview to hear from Kyran himself!

Hello, Kyran! How did your adventure with coding begin? What do you like most about it?

I first started coding when my mother introduced me to Scratch Jr. I found it interesting as I could create simple games and animations. I started to code more frequently, learning more and more things along the way. The part I liked most about coding was that I could use my own imagination and creativity to create the things I wanted.

How did you get started with Coding Lab?

I wanted to learn more about coding but did not know where to start. After some research, my mother enrolled me for Coding Lab lessons. I have just completed my S100 series (Python Foundation) and I can’t wait to start on the S200 series (Advanced Electives)!

“The part I liked most about coding was that I could use my own imagination and creativity to create the things I wanted.”

We’re excited to have you at Coding Lab too! Could you share how coding has made a difference in your life?

Coding allows me to understand what goes behind animations, games and applications. I learnt to appreciate the hard work that developers put into their creation, however simple it may seem.

I have also learnt to be more organised. As the code gets longer, it is important for me to be organised so that it is easier to debug the code.

“Kyran is an exceptional student who is enthusiastic in his learning. He is organised and attentive to details, and does not shy away from asking questions in class. When encountering something unfamiliar, he is able to solve problems quickly and with minimal hints.

I am very impressed by Kyran’s determination and perseverance. Kyran always gives his very best to tackle class challenges on his own. With his knowledge and passion for coding, he has repeatedly shown great improvement in his classes and it is a joy to have him as our Coding Lab student.”

– Educator Edmund

Why do you think learning to code is so important?

Many things rely on coding to work. This includes phone apps, websites or desktop applications. For example, coding can be used to create applications such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Discord to connect with our friends online. It also makes life easier for us. Instead of spending time doing repetitive routines, coding can help us to create automations on our computer.

“I learnt not to give up as there will definitely be a solution out there.”

What difficulties did you face while learning to code – and how did you overcome them?

When learning to code, sometimes my code does not work. To overcome this, I will search for solutions and ask if needed. I learnt not to give up as there will definitely be a solution out there.

Apart from coding, what do you do in your spare time?

I like to play Roblox and read books related to it. I also enjoy reading non-fiction books!

Tell us, what is your future dream school?

I hope to go to a school that focuses on Science and Technology subjects as these are where my interest lie. It would be great if the school offers the opportunity for me to learn more programming languages too!

Do share with us what your dream job is!

My dream job is to become a software application developer, where I can create, test and upgrade apps for others to use. I plan to learn programming languages such as Python and C# and be proficient enough to get the job.

I’m interested in learning C# as I can use this language to create Universal Windows Platform (UWP)* apps that can be published to the Microsoft Store. (I am a huge fan of Microsoft!)

*UWP is a common programming platform for all Microsoft products, including Windows, Xbox, Surface Hub and HoloLens.

That’s so cool! We wish you all the best. Do you have any advice for young people like you to begin their journey with coding?

I would tell them that coding may seem intimidating at first. However, with more practice, coding can be so much fun. So take that first step to learn coding and don’t give up even when you are faced with challenges!

Last but not least, what is your favourite project – and why?

My favourite project is the Clockc programme which I created for my own use. This programme includes functions like Timer, Alarm, StopWatch and Countdown. There is also a unique “Work ‘n Rest” function which reminds me when to work and rest my eyes. I find this project useful as it is an all-in-one program that contains many functions related to time.

Click here to watch a lively video explanation of Kyran’s award-winning Clockc programme – expertly edited by our champion himself!

Thank you for sharing your coding journey with us, Kyran! He started learning at Coding Lab with App Inventor in 2020, and has quickly progressed on to our S200 Advanced Electives (for ages 13-18). His passion for programming shines with lots of potential, and we’re so excited to see what the future has in store for him! 

Kyran also emerged as the winner in the Ages 10 to 12 (Python) category in our International Coding Showcase 2020. He also clinched Distinction in the Ages 13 to 18 (Electives) category in our International Coding Showcase 2021! 

Watch the video to learn how Wallety, Kyran’s submission for the International Coding Showcase 2021, helps to manage your expenses. Truly an amazing project indeed!

Young programmers like Kyran demonstrate that it’s never too early to embark on your own coding journey! We hope that you’ll be an inspiration to others for them to pick up coding, no matter the age. ✨

Coding Lab is committed to bringing coding literacy to children ages 4-18. Find out more here.

(Written by Zulaikha and Lixin)

Best-in-class Curriculum for Coding

We are honoured to be the winner of multiple awards.

Thank You for your support.

Hop on board the Coding Lab train! Click here to get our monthly newsletters straight to your inbox.

A Peek Into Our Course: Advanced Computer Scientists (P21S) – Broad-Based Exposure to STEM Topics

Should my child DSA (Coding)? Coding Lab’s P300 Portfolio Preparation Programme for DSA

View Our Classes

Coding Lab Student Feature: Aarhan Salujah, 13, St Joseph’s Institution

Coding Lab Educator Feature: Ryan Wong

Fun Techtivities in August!

Congratulations to our 7 winners at the Hwa Chong Infocomm Challenge 2022!

All About NFTs, Simplified

Join our LIVE online classes!

Ages 5-6 | Ages 7-9 | Ages 10-12 | Ages 13-18

Call us at +65 6977 9641
Email us at learntocode@codinglab.com.sg
Chat with us via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger

Meet 13-year-old Tan Jake Ian, who has always been passionate about technology. Like most boys his age, Jake loves playing computer games – but also creating them!

As one of Coding Lab’s first students back in 2016 who was personally mentored by our founder, Yong Ning Foo, we are proud to see the bubbly student grow into a teenager and achieve a place in his dream school. Hear what the confident and intelligent coder has to say about his DSA experience and coding journey (so far).

Hi Jake, tell us a bit about yourself!

I am Jake, and I am 13 this year. I currently study at NUS High School of Math and Science, and I first came to Coding Lab when I was 8 years old.

“Be prepared that coding will challenge some of your puzzle-solving skills.”

How did your coding journey begin?

I initially started coding because my father thought it was an important and useful skill. After I started, I found that I agreed with him. And not only that, I began to really enjoy coding and wanted to continue! At first, I have to admit I thought that coding was easy. I even thought that developers of games such as Minecraft only had to join a few blocks together to make their game, just like I did in Scratch. Of course, I realised that this was not the case later on, but I still had a lot of fun doing the debugging challenges and questions in class!

Read and Watch Lianhe Zaobao Feature: Our Student, Jake, 9 Years Old shows his chops in <<A Little Somebody>> feature

It sounds like you have been coding for a while! What’s your favourite program so far?

It would likely be the Tower of Hanoi solver. It is a solver where you have to move disks of different sizes from one tower to another with restrictions. I like the clever usage of it, and how I can modify my program to have different amusing outputs.

(Press play below to run Jake’s Tower of Hanoi solver!)

“Coding should be fun, and even homework can be enjoyable too!”

Congratulations on entering your dream school! How do you feel about getting into NUS High School of Math and Science?

I feel really happy that I got into my top choice! I’m very excited for their science and tech programmes, since they are unique and different from that of other schools. I’m also looking forward to making new friends and having a great time!

What was your Direct School Admissions (DSA) experience like? Do you have any advice for others? I’m sure many other hopeful students are keen to know about it!

DSA was a whole new experience for me, especially the interview portion! I had never done an interview for admission into a school before, so I was very nervous – but excited to fulfil my dream!  My teachers really helped by giving me some advice on what to prepare for, and my ability to code enabled me to stand out from others. I personally recommend watching some interview guide videos for those taking DSA, such as how to answer commonly asked questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your weaknesses?”

Since you’ve been coding for some time now, what would you tell kids who are starting to code for the first time?

I would encourage them not to worry! Coding should be fun, and even homework can be enjoyable too! I like how my coding classes at Coding Lab are lighthearted and fun. The content is taught in a fun and engaging manner, but be prepared that coding will challenge some of your puzzle-solving skills.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to be a doctor! While coding may not seem related to the medical profession at the moment, I think that there are plenty of opportunities for integrating programming into hospitals in the future. For example, Artificial Intelligence and robots could help to distribute medicine or diagnose patients with less serious symptoms, which would allow doctors to treat critical patients. I really hope to be a part of this Medtech (medical technology) industry someday!

Tan Jake Ian, 13, is a Year One student at NUS High School of Math and Science. He was one of Coding Lab’s first students when he was 8 years old, where he started with Scratch. He excelled and showed great potential, and has been in our Gifted Coders class ever since. We celebrate his achievements and look forward to what he will accomplish in future! We’ll be supporting you every step of the way, Jake!

(Written by Nicole Loo)

Best-in-class Curriculum for Coding

We are honoured to be the winner of multiple awards.

Thank You for your support.

Hop on board the Coding Lab train! Click here to get our monthly newsletters straight to your inbox.

A Peek Into Our Course: Advanced Computer Scientists (P21S) – Broad-Based Exposure to STEM Topics

Should my child DSA (Coding)? Coding Lab’s P300 Portfolio Preparation Programme for DSA

View Our Classes

Coding Lab Student Feature: Aarhan Salujah, 13, St Joseph’s Institution

Coding Lab Educator Feature: Ryan Wong

Fun Techtivities in August!

Congratulations to our 7 winners at the Hwa Chong Infocomm Challenge 2022!

All About NFTs, Simplified

Join our LIVE online classes!

Ages 5-6 | Ages 7-9 | Ages 10-12 | Ages 13-18

Call us at +65 6977 9641
Email us at learntocode@codinglab.com.sg
Chat with us via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger

Today, we would like you to meet Kieran Ho, our student and 1st Place (Python and Electives) at the International Coding Showcase 2020 (JP-SG) and awardee of Most Promising Young Coder at the Young Coders Global Hackathon (YCGH) 2020 Meet the inquisitive and bright, young boy in Secondary One this year.

Hi Kieran, tell us a bit about yourself!

I turn 13 in July, and I have just started studying at NUS High School of Math and Science. I first got interested in coding when I came to Coding Lab in Primary 5. This led me to choose to attend NUS High as they have a module for computational thinking… and most of my friends are going there as well!

How was your initial coding experience?

When I first realised coding was a thing, I was slightly confused and didn’t really know what it was about. I only knew that you could code games. However, in Primary 2, when my friend said that he was reading a book about coding, I got interested in the topic and decided to find out more. Since then, I was fascinated by coding and after joining Coding Lab, I have deepened my understanding of programming immensely enough that I want it to be a part of my future career.

“Even if it seems hard now, in the future, it will get better and your hard work shall be rewarded!”

What is your favourite coding experience so far?

I really enjoyed participating in YCGH 2020. At the time, it was the largest project I had done, and I worked hard on it. In the end, my hard work paid off! I got a Merit award and got into the Top 5 finalists.

Is there a favourite project or program that you’ve done up?

My favourite project was probably a school administration system that I made using Python in my free time. The school administration program basically stores a list of students and teachers, and you can add students and teachers to the list and remove them as well. It could be used to manage teachers and students who have joined the school. This actually took a few weeks for me to code, which was quite a long time to me back then, as most projects I did back then didn’t really take too long to finish. It was quite fun to make and I really enjoyed it.

What would you say to other kids who are starting out coding for the first time now?

I would probably ask them to follow their dreams and to never give up. Even if it seems hard now, in the future, it will get better and your hard work shall be rewarded!

What do you like most about your coding classes?

I like that Coding Lab provides a great atmosphere to learn coding and even make new friends. The lessons are fun and immersive, and in case you need help, experienced coaches will always be by your side.

What do you want to do with coding in the future?

I might get a job that involves coding in some way, or enrol in a computational thinking course. I would definitely continue joining coding competitions, as I think they’re fun and can also help to improve my understanding of coding as a whole. They also teach me several important moral values such as resilience and perseverance.

Kieran Ho, 13, is a Year One student at NUS High School of Math and Science. He started out with App Inventor when he was 11 years old, and has since quickly breezed through Python. He is brimming with potential, already taking on the Advanced Electives under our S200 series (recommended for ages 13 to 18).

(Written by Nicole Loo)

Best-in-class Curriculum for Coding

We are honoured to be the winner of multiple awards.

Thank You for your support.

Hop on board the Coding Lab train! Click here to get our monthly newsletters straight to your inbox.

A Peek Into Our Course: Advanced Computer Scientists (P21S) – Broad-Based Exposure to STEM Topics

Should my child DSA (Coding)? Coding Lab’s P300 Portfolio Preparation Programme for DSA

View Our Classes

Coding Lab Student Feature: Aarhan Salujah, 13, St Joseph’s Institution

Coding Lab Educator Feature: Ryan Wong

Fun Techtivities in August!

Congratulations to our 7 winners at the Hwa Chong Infocomm Challenge 2022!

All About NFTs, Simplified

Join our LIVE online classes!

Ages 5-6 | Ages 7-9 | Ages 10-12 | Ages 13-18

Call us at +65 6977 9641
Email us at learntocode@codinglab.com.sg
Chat with us via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger