Conquest for Aetherium
The CN Yang Scholars Programme (CNYSP) Discovery Camp 2025 is a three-day event hosted for prospective students in tertiary education. This event highlights the essence of CNYSP: research in STEM. Participants get a chance to view research projects presented by our scholars and alumni as well as acquaint themselves with the vibrant NTU campus, where they will play a series of science-inspired games. They will also get hands-on experience in NTU’s state-of-the-art laboratories, offering a brief glimpse into the life of a student researcher.
Day 1: Embarking on the Journey
The expedition to Aetherium kicked off with a Research Symposium, offering participants a glimpse into the various experiences that CNYSP offers. Both past and current scholars from a range of Science and Engineering backgrounds shared their insights on pivotal opportunities including their Overseas Final Year Project (OFYP), Making and Tinkering (MnT), Overseas Learning Trip (OLT), and their roles within the CN Yang Scholars Club.
An enriching Research Exhibition featuring key research contributions by past scholars’ projects followed after, which allowed participants to interact closely with researchers themselves to gain valuable inspiration and guidance, all of which took place over a scrumptious buffet lunch.
Guided by Experience: Peer Mentoring Programme
The afternoon was dedicated to the Peer Mentoring Programme, where current scholars from various Science and Engineering majors conducted interactive presentations of first-hand experiences and hands-on demonstrations. These sessions offered an in-depth, personal look into each major as well as knowledge about research pathways and academic expectations.
A Hands-On Exploration of Science and Technology
The day concluded with an immersive experience at the Biology Computation Lab and the Robotics Research Centre, where participants were introduced to the world of Robotics and dabbled in complex biology software. This exciting hands-on exposure offered a taste of the complexity of scientific inquiry, sparking curiosity about the boundless frontiers in research.
At the end of the day, the participants went home filled with insights and useful advice from the seniors, eagerly anticipating the excitement in the next two days to come, exploring the world of Aetherium and the conquest to free the Avatar.
Day 2: Trials of Wisdom
The second day kicked off with a thrilling narrative — the sudden disappearance of the Avatar causing chaos to be borne from the Spirit Realm’s relentless attacks. Against this backdrop, emissaries from the five nations embarked on a quest, facing elemental trials that would test not just intellect, but their creativity, strategy, and teamwork in a race to restore balance to Aetherium.
Trials of Knowledge and Ingenuity
The emissaries ventured to prove their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities in a series of challenges. By constructing a sound parachute to protect the sacred treasure of the Air temple, they safeguarded the Zephyr’s Embrace as it plunged from great heights in an orb drop challenge.
But not all was well yet, as they pursued the Water Tribe’s lost cure. By relying on their sharp observation skills, the participants attained clues through a scavenger hunt. Not only that, but their perseverance and coordination helped them decipher the scattered fragments to find the antidote which purified the poisoned spring, securing a fragment of the Avatar’s memory in the process.
Day 3: A Battle for Aetherium
The final day saw the ambassadors embark on their ultimate mission to unravel the mystery of the Avatar’s disappearance and restore balance to Aetherium. From solving intricate puzzles in a series of escape rooms to defusing a bomb, each challenge demanded quick thinking, teamwork, and resilience.
Mastering the Elements
With the final fragments painstakingly earned, the emissaries pieced together the location of the Avatar’s prison. To free him, they had to unlock the tree holding the Avatar captive. Ultimately, they had to prove their worth in a battle of wits in an exhilarating game of Scientific Jeopardy. With determination and collaboration, they answered each question in quick succession, bringing peace to the Spirit Realm and restoring harmony to Aetherium.
A Journey Remembered
The closing ceremony was a celebration of camaraderie, perseverance, and discovery. A montage of moments captured over the past three days highlighted the participants’ growth and moments of intellectual curiosity and fun over the past three days.
The event concluded with special recognition for participants who best embodied the spirit of scientific inquiry and teamwork, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
