At just 23, Neo Jun Wei has done something few others his age can claim: He has worked with imagery data from satellites.
As a recipient of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Scholarship, Jun Wei gained first-hand experience in the high-tech field of satellite engineering during his summer internship at DSTA’s Air Systems Programme Centre in May 2024.
“I was surprised to learn that we had our own satellites,” says Jun Wei.
Since 2011, Singapore has launched more than 30 satellites into space, capturing high-resolution images and relaying valuable data.
During his attachment, Jun Wei used his computer engineering skills to create software that processes commercial satellite data. His work supports analysts in Singapore to perform critical tasks in areas such as oil spill management and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
“I like that it is not a vanity project but instead has real-world applications,” says Jun Wei. “Satellite imagery unlocks capabilities which are otherwise difficult, if not impossible, using only terrestrial-based systems.”
The DSTA Scholarship attracts some of the nation’s brightest minds and Jun Wei is among them.
A top student on the dean’s list every semester at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States, Jun Wei is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering under the scholarship.
Jun Wei’s passion for the field started early. At 17, he was a research intern at Nanyang Technological University, working on a project that used thermography and signal processing to estimate heart rate without physical contact. This non-invasive method helps reduce discomfort and has the potential to be applied in wearable health devices.
“Seeing abstract concepts translating to real-world use spurred my interest in electrical engineering and I have never looked back,” says the triple-science Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) alumnus.
This fascination with turning theory into practice continued during his national service where he served as a threat analyst at the Singapore Maritime Crisis Centre. There, he applied his analytical skills to assess shipping data and identify potential security risks posed by vessels entering Singapore waters.
“It gave me a real appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that happens, even when it seems like nothing is going on,” says Jun Wei.
Jun Wei’s national service experience also further reinforced his decision to be part of Singapore’s Defence Technology Community (DTC). “In the future, I hope to leverage technology to deliver game-changing capabilities for Singapore’s defence. Such an endeavour will give me much personal growth and satisfaction.”
“Seeing abstract concepts translating to real-world use spurred my interest in electrical engineering.”
– Neo Jun Wei, recipient of the DSTA Scholarship
At CMU, Jun Wei rose to the rigours of the curriculum, tackling subjects like machine learning and the ethics of artificial intelligence. Completing his four-year programme in three years, he now has his sights set on a master’s degree, also covered by the DSTA Scholarship. “It will probably be at CMU’s campus in Silicon Valley,” says the future defence scientist.
Despite his packed schedule, Jun Wei believes in enjoying campus life to the fullest. Encouraged by his senior and fellow DSTA scholar Ong Tjun Jet, he dived into extracurricular activities, proving that work and play can coexist harmoniously.
With no prior musical training, he joined Soundbytes, an a cappella group at CMU, and has participated in competitions. “It was a leap out of my comfort zone, but it turned out to be incredibly fun and rewarding,” he shares.
Taking his love for Singaporean culture to the next level, Jun Wei also co-developed a Singlish course with Tjun Jet. The duo spent two weeks designing the curriculum which covers everyday usage, historical roots and cultural significance. It has quickly gained traction, with 18 of the 20 available spots filled.
“The course aims to help students communicate effectively in everyday situations, understand the roots of Singlish and appreciate its historical and cultural significance. Hopefully, they will leave speaking a bit more like a Singaporean,” says Jun Wei.
Outside of CMU, Jun Wei has made the most of his time in the US, travelling to cities like Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Orlando and Washington, D.C.
With DSTA’s Global Internship Programme, scholars like Jun Wei will also get a chance to work and learn alongside engineers in top multinational companies.
These experiences have helped him to become a more well-rounded individual and an informal ambassador of Singapore. This places him in good stead since Singapore’s DTC frequently interacts with international technology and defence firms.
“I have been surprised by the international scope of our defence-related technological collaborations as well as research and development efforts. We have extensive partnerships with tech firms locally and abroad,” says Jun Wei.
When Singapore’s DTC delegation visited the US in August 2022, he was part of a group of CMU scholars invited to witness technical demonstrations that the university had organised for the visiting delegation.
“It made us feel like a part of the DTC even before starting our careers,” he says.
