What happens when you gather a minister, a tech lawyer, a media expert, an ethics consultant and a room full of curious students? You get one of the most dynamic, eye-opening events SAS has ever hosted.

Held on 26 February 2025, the SAS Forum 2025, themed “Freedom of Speech and Media Regulation: Governance in the Digital Age”, brought together a diverse lineup of voices to unpack one of the most complex challenges of our time: how do we govern speech in a world where everyone has a platform?

A Conversation Worth Having

As students, we’re constantly told that we live in a digital age, one shaped by tweets, reels, and instant news. But how often do we pause to consider who gets to draw the lines around what’s permissible, ethical, or even safe?

That was the purpose of this forum: to create space for real, unfiltered conversation about media regulation and the future of free speech. More than a policy talk, it was about listening, questioning, and seeing an issue from perspectives we may not normally encounter.

A Powerful Lineup

We were honoured to hear from Minister K Shanmugam, who opened the session with an unflinching look at the role of governance in digital spaces, from combating fake news to protecting social harmony. His keynote set the stage for an engaging panel featuring Mr. Selvakumar Simon, who spoke about ethics in the information age, Ms. Dymples Leong, who shared real-life industry challenges from the media side, and Mr. Bryan Tan, who added depth from a legal and cyber policy angle.

The discussion was skilfully moderated by Mr. Nicholas Fang, who ensured that the conversation stayed both grounded and accessible. And our audience? They came prepared. The questions ranged from censorship and algorithmic control to the philosophical limits of freedom in a connected world.

The success of the forum has sparked ideas for what’s next. There’s clearly an appetite for more conversations that dive into the “grey areas”, where law, ethics, and society intersect. And we’re excited to explore those frontiers in future SAS events.

For me, organising this forum was more than a leadership exercise, it was a lesson in listening, collaboration, and purpose. From curating the topic and speaker list to troubleshooting behind-the-scenes hiccups, I learnt how to balance details with the bigger picture. Most importantly, I saw firsthand how a student-led platform can open space for serious, impactful dialogue.

Because in the end, that’s what democracy in the digital age needs: more people willing to ask the hard questions, and more spaces where those questions are truly heard.

This article was written by Vaitheswary D/O Pragash, President of SIM Singapore Affairs Society AY24/25.

What happens when you gather a minister, a tech lawyer, a media expert, an ethics consultant and a room full of curious students? You get one of the most dynamic, eye-opening events SAS has ever hosted.

Held on 26 February 2025, the SAS Forum 2025, themed “Freedom of Speech and Media Regulation: Governance in the Digital Age”, brought together a diverse lineup of voices to unpack one of the most complex challenges of our time: how do we govern speech in a world where everyone has a platform?

A Conversation Worth Having

As students, we’re constantly told that we live in a digital age, one shaped by tweets, reels, and instant news. But how often do we pause to consider who gets to draw the lines around what’s permissible, ethical, or even safe?

That was the purpose of this forum: to create space for real, unfiltered conversation about media regulation and the future of free speech. More than a policy talk, it was about listening, questioning, and seeing an issue from perspectives we may not normally encounter.

A Powerful Lineup

We were honoured to hear from Minister K Shanmugam, who opened the session with an unflinching look at the role of governance in digital spaces, from combating fake news to protecting social harmony. His keynote set the stage for an engaging panel featuring Mr. Selvakumar Simon, who spoke about ethics in the information age, Ms. Dymples Leong, who shared real-life industry challenges from the media side, and Mr. Bryan Tan, who added depth from a legal and cyber policy angle.

The discussion was skilfully moderated by Mr. Nicholas Fang, who ensured that the conversation stayed both grounded and accessible. And our audience? They came prepared. The questions ranged from censorship and algorithmic control to the philosophical limits of freedom in a connected world.

The success of the forum has sparked ideas for what’s next. There’s clearly an appetite for more conversations that dive into the “grey areas”, where law, ethics, and society intersect. And we’re excited to explore those frontiers in future SAS events.

For me, organising this forum was more than a leadership exercise, it was a lesson in listening, collaboration, and purpose. From curating the topic and speaker list to troubleshooting behind-the-scenes hiccups, I learnt how to balance details with the bigger picture. Most importantly, I saw firsthand how a student-led platform can open space for serious, impactful dialogue.

Because in the end, that’s what democracy in the digital age needs: more people willing to ask the hard questions, and more spaces where those questions are truly heard.

This article was written by Vaitheswary D/O Pragash, President of SIM Singapore Affairs Society AY24/25.

Microsoft x SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) Presents: Singapore’s First-Ever Power Platform Hackathon – A Groundbreaking Collaboration Between DAC and Microsoft

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon, presented by the SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) in partnership with Microsoft, has received overwhelmingly positive participant feedback. Supported by SIM Student Development, this pioneering event was hosted on SIM campus, bringing together students eager to explore the potential of low-code development and automation.

This was a groundbreaking milestone—Singapore’s first-ever Power Platform hackathon and Microsoft’s first school-led collaboration. DAC was honored to partner with Microsoft for this initiative, marking a significant step in equipping students with industry-relevant digital skills.

Meticulously planned by a team of 7 DAC Exco members in collaboration with Microsoft, the hackathon featured 80 participants divided into 15 groups of 3 to 6 individuals. The event also welcomed members from SIM Innovation and Networking Society (SIM IONS), fostering cross-club collaboration and creating a dynamic learning environment.

The hackathon was part of a two-day initiative, starting with the Power Platform Bootcamp on 1 February 2025, followed by the Power Platform Hackathon on 8 February 2025. The bootcamp introduced participants to the Microsoft Power Platform—a suite of tools including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI—allowing them to gain hands-on experience in building websites, creating dashboards, and developing bots in a single day. These interactive sessions provided students with practical exposure to streamlined development tools that simplify application creation without extensive coding knowledge.

On Hackathon Day, participants took their skills to the next level, tackling a real-world problem statement using Power Platform tools. Teams worked under time constraints to transform their ideas into functional prototypes, showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. The event concluded with team presentations, where participants demonstrated their innovative solutions and critical thinking under pressure.

Beyond technical learning, the hackathon provided valuable networking opportunities. Participants engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions with Microsoft MVPs, who offered industry insights, mentorship, and real-world advice. These interactions reinforced the practical applications of low-code solutions and highlighted the growing demand for such skills in the workplace.

To recognise outstanding teams, prizes were awarded to the top two most innovative projects. All participants received certificates of participation, which they can showcase on LinkedIn or in their professional portfolios, further enhancing their credentials.

Beyond hackathons, DAC remains dedicated to fostering innovation, learning, and professional growth. The club runs a structured curriculum spanning an entire semester, featuring intensive three-month workshops, internal & external projects, and industry collaborations. DAC members get to work with external companies on real-world projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Such companies include major industry players like UOB, FDM, and ST Engineering. DAC also collaborates with leading tech companies like AWS to host industry-relevant workshops, ensuring members stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of data analytics and science.

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon marks a significant milestone for DAC, reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills and fostering meaningful industry partnerships.

With hands-on learning, professional networking, and cutting-edge technologies at its core, DAC continues to empower the next generation of data-driven innovators, setting the stage for even more exciting collaborations ahead.

Meet the Team Behind DAC

At the heart of DAC’s initiatives is a dedicated Executive Committee team of 7 members, each running a key department. While taking charge of their individual roles, the team also collaborates on a variety of responsibilities to secure valuable opportunities for members. From conducting training programs to organizing external collaborations—spanning both industry-led workshops and real-world projects—alongside networking sessions, hackathons, and other professional development initiatives, they ensure a well-rounded experience that fosters both technical excellence and career growth.

With 100 members—70 in the Data Analytics track and 30 in the Data Science track—the team provides a structured learning journey that equips members with the skills and industry exposure needed to thrive in the data-driven world.

The team remains committed to empowering students with real-world experiences and fostering a dynamic learning environment to empower the next generation of data professionals. Stay connected with DAC for future events and initiatives!

Connect with DAC & The Team

SIM Data Analytics Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simdac

President, Yeo Jun Yeow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junyeow

Vice President, Cheryl Ong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylongc

Partnerships Director, Luqman Nurhakim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luqm4n

Marketing Director, Kaavya Murugan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaavya-m

Events Director, Genevieve Chin Wan Qi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-chin-wan-qi-992b54295

Operations Director, Jaryl Liew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarylliewjw

Finance Director, Abhishek Bhadkamkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-bhadkamkar-45ba59294

Microsoft x SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) Presents: Singapore’s First-Ever Power Platform Hackathon – A Groundbreaking Collaboration Between DAC and Microsoft

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon, presented by the SIM Data Analytics Club (DAC) in partnership with Microsoft, has received overwhelmingly positive participant feedback. Supported by SIM Student Development, this pioneering event was hosted on SIM campus, bringing together students eager to explore the potential of low-code development and automation.

This was a groundbreaking milestone—Singapore’s first-ever Power Platform hackathon and Microsoft’s first school-led collaboration. DAC was honored to partner with Microsoft for this initiative, marking a significant step in equipping students with industry-relevant digital skills.

Meticulously planned by a team of 7 DAC Exco members in collaboration with Microsoft, the hackathon featured 80 participants divided into 15 groups of 3 to 6 individuals. The event also welcomed members from SIM Innovation and Networking Society (SIM IONS), fostering cross-club collaboration and creating a dynamic learning environment.

The hackathon was part of a two-day initiative, starting with the Power Platform Bootcamp on 1 February 2025, followed by the Power Platform Hackathon on 8 February 2025. The bootcamp introduced participants to the Microsoft Power Platform—a suite of tools including Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI—allowing them to gain hands-on experience in building websites, creating dashboards, and developing bots in a single day. These interactive sessions provided students with practical exposure to streamlined development tools that simplify application creation without extensive coding knowledge.

On Hackathon Day, participants took their skills to the next level, tackling a real-world problem statement using Power Platform tools. Teams worked under time constraints to transform their ideas into functional prototypes, showcasing creativity, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. The event concluded with team presentations, where participants demonstrated their innovative solutions and critical thinking under pressure.

Beyond technical learning, the hackathon provided valuable networking opportunities. Participants engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions with Microsoft MVPs, who offered industry insights, mentorship, and real-world advice. These interactions reinforced the practical applications of low-code solutions and highlighted the growing demand for such skills in the workplace.

To recognise outstanding teams, prizes were awarded to the top two most innovative projects. All participants received certificates of participation, which they can showcase on LinkedIn or in their professional portfolios, further enhancing their credentials.

Beyond hackathons, DAC remains dedicated to fostering innovation, learning, and professional growth. The club runs a structured curriculum spanning an entire semester, featuring intensive three-month workshops, internal & external projects, and industry collaborations. DAC members get to work with external companies on real-world projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Such companies include major industry players like UOB, FDM, and ST Engineering. DAC also collaborates with leading tech companies like AWS to host industry-relevant workshops, ensuring members stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of data analytics and science.

The NextGen SG: Power Platform Student Bootcamp & Hackathon marks a significant milestone for DAC, reinforcing its commitment to equipping students with future-ready skills and fostering meaningful industry partnerships.

With hands-on learning, professional networking, and cutting-edge technologies at its core, DAC continues to empower the next generation of data-driven innovators, setting the stage for even more exciting collaborations ahead.

Meet the Team Behind DAC

At the heart of DAC’s initiatives is a dedicated Executive Committee team of 7 members, each running a key department. While taking charge of their individual roles, the team also collaborates on a variety of responsibilities to secure valuable opportunities for members. From conducting training programs to organizing external collaborations—spanning both industry-led workshops and real-world projects—alongside networking sessions, hackathons, and other professional development initiatives, they ensure a well-rounded experience that fosters both technical excellence and career growth.

With 100 members—70 in the Data Analytics track and 30 in the Data Science track—the team provides a structured learning journey that equips members with the skills and industry exposure needed to thrive in the data-driven world.

The team remains committed to empowering students with real-world experiences and fostering a dynamic learning environment to empower the next generation of data professionals. Stay connected with DAC for future events and initiatives!

Connect with DAC & The Team

SIM Data Analytics Club: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simdac   

President, Yeo Jun Yeow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junyeow  

Vice President, Cheryl Ong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylongc 

Partnerships Director, Luqman Nurhakim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luqm4n 

Marketing Director, Kaavya Murugan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaavya-m 

Events Director, Genevieve Chin Wan Qi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-chin-wan-qi-992b54295  

Operations Director, Jaryl Liew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarylliewjw  

Finance Director, Abhishek Bhadkamkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-bhadkamkar-45ba59294