Social Innovation Hackathon 2025: Empowering Youth through Apple Technologies

Nabilah Tai
12 minutes ago
2 min read

In collaboration with Touch Cyber Wellness and AsiaPac, Make The Change hosted our Social Innovation Hackathon: an event where youth from all over Singapore gathered to tackle a problem statement using Apple Technologies at the Apple Developer Centre. There was enthusiastic participation, with teams from 17 primary schools and 11 secondary schools.

Changemaker Competencies: Building Empathy and Understanding

A female intern holds a microphone, smiling, with hands raised in an audience. A screen reads "Social Innovation Hackathon" in a classroom setting. — **Introduction Segment**

Girls in red and blue uniforms focus on an iPad, assisted by a woman who is their teacher. They're seated at a table, showing concentration and teamwork. — **Brainstorming and Discussion Session**

The problem statement given was based on a very real and relevant issue faced by society today, technology management for children, challenging the students to form actionable solutions for real-life situations they themselves have experienced. To start the event on the right note, we began with a games section to excite the students and a presentation on cyber wellness to provide context for the problem statement. The students then broke into their teams to engage in discussions guided by their teachers. They brainstormed solutions and video ideas, using their newly-developed understanding of the problem statement to think of the best approach.

Utilising Apple Technologies — Pushing Creative Boundaries

Children in a classroom view slides titled "Activity" featuring a T-Rex and QR code. Text instructs using a green screen effect. — **iMovie Special Effects Learning Station**

Young male student takes picture of a storyboard using an iPad. The storyboard includes comic-style sketches and text, in an indoor setting. — **Shooting and Production Learning Station**

The event was held in the Apple Developer Center, giving us ample space to set up different learning stations. Students with all levels of proficiency in Apple Technologies were welcomed to participate, with a comprehensive skills fair that equipped them with all the necessary skills to bring their vision to life.

Firstly, the iMovie Basics, and Shooting and Production stations prepared students with the foundational skills needed to utilise Apple Technologies and to create a video of their own. Beyond that, the iMovie Special Effects station taught students skills like green screening and teleportation transitions to further enhance their videos, adding production value and wow factor. The Augmented Reality learning station walked students through the use of AR Makr and Sketchfab, platforms which allowed them to elevate their videos with 3D models. Using these different Apple Technologies, the students made videos with layers, transitions and 3D elements, allowing them to express themselves in more creative ways.

Meet the Winners of the Hackathon

It's time to reveal the winners!

Group of students and two adults pose with a trophy in a room. Screen displays "Bedok Green Secondary School." Smiles and cheerful mood. — **Bedok** **Green** **Secondary** **School**

Group of 4 students and 3 adults smiling, they stand in a room with wood paneling. A screen shows "Yew Tee Primary School." One student holds a trophy while another shows a thumbs up. — **Yew Tee Primary School**

Runner ups for the primary school category were…

Three adults and three students smile in a wood-paneled room. A screen displays "Rosyth School". — **Rosyth School**

Group of 4 students smiling and posing with peace signs, two adults stand with them holding up thumbs up. Casual and happy mood. screen in the background reads "Springdale Primary School". — **Springdale Primary School**

Adults and students pose, smiling, in a room with wood panels. Students wear yellow uniforms. Screen displays "North Vista Primary School." — **North Vista Primary School**

Group of 4 students and 3 adults posing indoors. Wooden walls, exit sign, and screen in background that reads "Anchor Green Primary School" — **Anchor Green Primary School**

Runner ups for the secondary school category were…

Group of 4 students and 3 adults smiling in a room with wood-paneled walls. A screen displays "Xinmin Secondary School." — **Xinmin Secondary School**

4 students and 3 adults standing together smiling in front of a wooden wall and a screen displaying 3 school crests. — **Combined team with students from** **Ang Mo Kio**, **Christ Church** **and** **Mayflower Secondary School**

Every team’s submission showcased creativity and innovation, but a few truly rose above the rest. While not every student received an award, each and every one with fresh perspectives, new skills and a drive to continue changemaking! These skills, both in video creation and changemaking, are useful tools that will empower them to tackle societal issues with social innovation.

Everyone is a changemaker, so get equipped with the necessary skills to make a difference through our workshops and events. Take the chance, make the change!