Amazon Think Big Program Brings Free AI and Robotics Workshops to 1,200 Singapore Students

Date: April 26, 2026

In a groundbreaking initiative to democratize STEM education, Amazon has launched the Amazon Think Big Program in Singapore, offering free workshops in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, coding, and robotics to approximately 1,200 students aged nine to 16. The program, running through Punggol Regional Library until June before moving to Jurong Library from July to December 2026, aims to equip young Singaporeans with practical technical skills in a creative learning environment.

Bridging the STEM Access Gap

The program represents Amazon's global commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators, but its implementation in Singapore carries particular significance. With 20 per cent of places reserved for students from underserved communities through partnerships with organizations like Suncare SG, the Chinese Development Assistance Council, the Eurasian Association, Self Help Groups Student Care, Mendaki, and the Singapore Indian Development Association, the initiative addresses a critical gap in Singapore's STEM education landscape.

Additional outreach through the South East Community Development Council will engage another 240 students, expanding the program's reach across diverse demographics. This deliberate focus on inclusivity reflects Singapore's broader ambition to ensure AI and technology education is accessible to all, not just those with the resources to pursue extracurricular tech courses.

Hands-On Learning: From Flappy Bird to Machine Learning

Unlike traditional classroom lectures, the Think Big Program emphasizes experiential learning. In coding workshops, students learn computational thinking by building games, websites, and interactive programs. In one notable example, students coded their own Flappy Bird-type game by analyzing game mechanics, the game loop, and high-score systems before programming the core functions of gravity and user input.

The robotics sessions challenge students to construct working gadgets and robots, while AI workshops introduce participants to machine learning, large language models, and responsible AI usage. Cloud computing sessions explain how data centres support the applications students use daily, demystifying the technology infrastructure behind their digital lives.

Each session is facilitated by Vivita instructors and Amazon volunteers, combining professional expertise with mentorship from industry practitioners.

Government Support for Youth Tech Education

At the program's official launch at Punggol Regional Library on April 18, Senior Minister of State for Education Dr. Janil Puthucheary emphasized the transformative potential of such initiatives. "What excites me about programmes like these is what happens when individuals realise they can build the future they want to see," he said. "When a student assembles a robot, they're not learning a skill in isolation. They're discovering that technology isn't something that happens to them—it's something they can shape, command and use to solve problems that matter to them."

This sentiment echoes Singapore's national AI strategy, which emphasizes building a pipeline of technically skilled workers ready to contribute to the city-state's ambition of becoming a global AI hub. With the Monetary Authority of Singapore projecting significant AI adoption across financial services and the government investing heavily in AI compute infrastructure, programs like Think Big play a crucial role in preparing the next generation.

Inspiring the Next Generation of AI Practitioners

Ms. Elsie Tan, country manager for worldwide public sector, Singapore, at Amazon Web Services, articulated the program's broader vision: "We want students to see technology not just as something they consume but as something they can create and shape actively."

Early feedback from participants like Seraphina Jerunisha, an 11-year-old from Suncare, suggests the program is achieving its goals. "Science was once a subject that was confusing to me," she shared. "But once I came here, I started to understand better." Her experience—learning alongside peers outside her school or tuition circle—highlights the social dimensions of collaborative tech education.

Singapore's AI Education Ecosystem Expands

The Amazon Think Big Program adds to a growing ecosystem of AI education initiatives in Singapore. Earlier this year, NTU Singapore announced AI literacy would become mandatory for all students from August 2026, while various industry players have launched their own youth-focused AI programs.

For Singapore's tech industry, which continues to attract global players like Google, Microsoft, and Meta, building a strong domestic talent pipeline is essential. Programs like this not only develop technical skills but also cultivate the curiosity and creativity that will drive innovation in the years ahead.

With four sessions each month at each location and free registration through the National Library Board's website, the Think Big Program represents an accessible entry point for young Singaporeans to explore careers in technology—and perhaps discover their future in AI.