About Me
Hi! I’m Ernest (Techie Ernie), a student developer with experience in machine learning, robotics, and software development.
I’m passionate about exploring the vast world of computing — I’ve delved into game development, machine learning, web/app development, and even robotics.
I've worked on projects ranging from computer vision-driven robotic systems for e-waste disassembly to automation pipelines for video processing and web scraping.
My current interests are machine learning and OSINT.
I love training my typing skills on Monkeytype, and I’m an avid Detective Conan fan.
I’m also interested in 3D design and 3D printing, combining creativity with technology.
Feel free to reach out to me if you're interested in collaborating!
Current Projects
Robotic system for automated screw extraction
Designed and built a CNC-based robotic system for automated screw detection and extraction in laptops using computer vision and GRBL-based motion control. Accepted research paper at ICECET 2026.
Experience
Student Research Intern
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Designed and prototyped a CNC-based robotic system to automate screw extraction in electronic waste disassembly
- Developed the software for the system, making use of GRBL for coordinated axis motion and YOLOv11 as a detection model for screws
- Designed 3D-printed parts and supports for our system
- Co-authored a paper, 'Prototyping of a CNC-based robotic system for automated screw extraction in e-waste disassembly' accepted at the International Conference on Electrical, Computer and Energy Technologies (ICECET 2026) in Rome.
Co-founder
Singapore Engineering and Technology Fellowship (SETF)
- Served as the technical director, overseeing the development of curricula for SETF
- Developed the website for SETF
- Conducted Python and Game Development workshops for 40+ students across various schools
Machine Learning Section Head
Hwa Chong Infocomm and Robotics Society (IRS)
- Served as the section head for machine learning, one of the five sections in HCIRS
- Developed training materials for the section
President
Bukit Panjang Government High School Robotics Club
- Served as the President of Science Team (Robotics) from 2023 to 2024
- Managed inventory for robotics parts
Education
Pre-University
Hwa Chong Institution
Leadership
- IRS Machine Learning Section Head
Subjects
Cocurriculars
- Computing Talent Programme (CTP)
- Infocomm and Robotics Society (IRS) Machine Learning Section
- Infocomm and Robotics Society (IRS) Web/App Section
Awards & Competitions
- CSIT Computing Scholarship
- MOE Engineering and Tech Programme Scholarship (ETPS)
- Edusave Scholarship for Independent Schools (ESIS)
- Represented Hwa Chong Institution at the 17th International Science Youth Forum (ISYF)
- DSTA BrainHack Today-I-Learnt AI Advanced Category Semi-finalist
- GovTech AICTF 2025 Qualifiers 1st, Finals 4th
- GryphonsCTF 2025 Open Category 3rd
- BlahajCTF Finalist
- Singapore Informatics League Gold (6th place)
Secondary Education
Bukit Panjang Government High School
Achievements
- Top in GCE 'O' Level Examinations (Express)
- 9 Distinctions (A1s)
- Best in Bilingualism (Express) - Wan Boo Sow Award (2024)
- Edusave Character Award (2024)
- Edusave Scholarship (2021-2024)
- CCA Excellence Award (2024)
- CCA Active Participation Award (2023)
- Horizon Award (2022-2023)
- Most Outstanding Student Award (Secondary 4)
- Top in English Language and Geography (Secondary 2 Express)
- Top in English Language (Secondary 1 Express)
Leadership
- President of Science Team (Robotics) (Secondary 3 to 4)
- Leader of Science Interest Group (Secondary 3 to 4)
- NE Ambassador (Secondary 3)
- Class Chairperson (Secondary 1 and 2)
Subjects
Cocurriculars
- Science Team (Robotics)
- Science Interest Group
- Global Scholars Programme
- Emceed for various school events: Cultural Performance (2024), Mid-Autumn Festival (2023), National Day Celebrations (2023), Sparkle II (2023)
Awards & Competitions
- ICAS English Writing Distinction
- A*Star Science Award (Upper Secondary)
- StemCo 2024 Global Round Chemistry, Biology Gold
- StemCo 2024 Global Round Mathematics, Physics Silver
- StemCo 2023 Fall Physics Silver
- RoboCup Junior RescueLine Asia-Pacific Best Presentation Award (Team DASH)
- RoboCup Junior RescueLine Singapore U19 2023 4th Team Placing (Team Phoenix)
- RoboCup Junior RescueLine Singapore U19 2024 5th Team Placing (Team Lumda)
- National Robotics Competition (NRC) 2022 Presenatation Content 3rd
Volunteering
Singapore Engineering and Technology Fellowship
Conducted a 4-day workshop for secondary school students to teach them Python and game development. Mentored 2 groups of students to create machine learning projects.
Project Small Bytes
Served as a volunteer for Project Small Bytes and taught Python programming to primary school students from Choa Chu Kang Primary School.
Python For Beginners
Served as a volunteer for the Python For Beginners programme, in collaboration with the Bukit Batok Youth Network (BBYN). Taught Python programming to primary and secondary school students.
Tanjong Pagar Community Club CIP
Served as a volunteer as part of HCIRS' Community Involvement Project (CIP) to teach basic machine learning concepts to children.