Science Centre Singapore: Digital Aways Beats Paper – Universal Truth or Biased Opinion?

The Young Scientist Badge Scheme (YSBS) is a long-running Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) enrichment programme run by Science Centre Singapore (SCS). Established in 1982, the programme enables primary school students to pursue self-directed STEM learning through a series of badge-based challenges. For decades, YSBS operated through a paper-based model involving activity cards, teacher endorsements, and physical badge redemption. While successful and highly regarded, the model created operational constraints that limited visibility, scalability, and participation. In late 2019, SCS transformed YSBS into a digital platform featuring online submissions, educator feedback, eBadges, dashboards, and national onboarding through Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE). This transformation was accelerated during the COVID-19 period. The digital platform significantly expanded access and participation. However, as adoption grew, a new question emerged: should SCS continue to invest in physical badges, on-site trails, and in-person experiences, or should YSBS evolve into a fully digital model?

This case is suitable for undergraduate or postgraduate students doing the following or related courses – Digital Transformation Strategy, Innovation Management, Product Management, Educational Technology, Public Sector Transformation, and Platform Strategy. Students who have successfully examined the case should be able to achieve the following learning objectives: distinguish digitisation from digital transformation, apply validation concepts, and understand ecosystem thinking.

Inspection copies and teaching notes are available for university faculty. To receive an inspection copy and teaching note, please email cmpshop@smu.edu.sg with your registered faculty email ID and a link to your contact information on the faculty directory at your university as verification. An inspection copy and teaching note will then be sent to your faculty email account.

Download information

SMU Faculty/Staff can download the case & teaching note on iNet with your SMU login ID & Password via the following links:

·      The Case (SMU-26-0016)

·      Teaching Note (SMU-26-0016TN)

For purchase of the case and supplementary materials via The Case Centre, please access the following links:

·      The Case (SMU-26-0016)

·      Teaching Note (SMU-26-0016)

For purchase of the case and supplementary materials via Harvard Business Publishing, please access the following links:

·      The Case (SMU-26-0016)

·      Teaching Note (SMU-26-0016)