From Maker to Potential Mentor

From sewing plush toys to designing a miniature football court with a 3D printer, Jasper Lim has discovered the joy of creating at CDAC’s Tinker Space. The lively and curious Primary 6 student is also discovering something else along the way — the joy of helping others learn.

When Jasper Lim first stepped into CDAC@ Bukit Panjang Tinker Space, he immediately felt a spark of excitement.

“I felt happy,” the Primary 6 student from Beacon Primary School said. What excited him most was the chance to create things with his hands.

Instead of spending time staring at screens, Jasper discovered he could create something real. “After joining Tinker Space, I don’t spend so much time on my laptop anymore as I can use the time to make a lot of stuff with my hands,” he explained.

For the cheerful and curious boy, that discovery marked the beginning of a creative journey filled with experiments, problem-solving and a growing desire to help others.

Exploring Interests Beyond the Classroom

Jasper takes part in activities under the SPOT: Beyond Interest Based Programme, a programme which aims to engage children in activities and learning experiences that are aligned with their interests and passions.

The SPOT: Beyond Interest Based Programme stands for Strengths, Partnerships, Opportunities, and Tenacity, reflecting CDAC’s commitment to spotting a child’s interests, potential and talents beyond what we see. Through workshops and longer-term courses—from coding and robotics to music, speech and drama—students build confidence, social-emotional skills and friendships while discovering what they enjoy.

One of the places where this learning comes alive is Tinker Space, a creative workshop space at CDAC@ Bukit Panjang.

The space offers hands-on programmes where students can experiment with sewing machines, digital-cutting tools and 3D printers. They can also join “free tinkering” sessions to work on their personal projects and explore new ideas.

It was here that Jasper began discovering his creative side.

From Sewing to 3D Printing

Jasper’s first programme was sewing — something he had never tried before.

“I was scared I was going to cut my finger,” he admitted with a laugh. But curiosity quickly overcame his fear.

Before long, Jasper was making practical and creative items, including a card holder and plush toys inspired by his favourite games.

Many of these creations never stayed with him for long. Instead, Jasper liked to give them away to his friends.

Ms Rebecca Tan, CDAC’s Tinker Space Programme Coordinator, has seen this generous side of Jasper many times. “He enjoys making things for others,” she said. “It makes him happy when his friends receive something he created.”

Over time, Jasper discovered another activity he loved even more — 3D printing. “It’s better than sewing,” he said candidly. “You can make more things.” Using 3D modelling software, Jasper began creating miniature projects such as a football court.

Learning to Solve Problems

One of Jasper’s proudest creations is a 3D-printed football court.

Getting it right, however, was not easy. During the printing process, the parts refused to stick together properly. Instead of giving up, Jasper experimented with different approaches until he discovered a way to merge the pieces in the design software.

After several attempts, the print finally worked. This experience gave him a quiet sense of achievement — and a boost of confidence. Jasper replied with a “yes” when asked if solving the problem helped him feel more confident about tackling challenges on his own.

Ms Tan explained that this spirit of experimentation is exactly what Tinker Space hopes to nurture. According to her, students are encouraged to test ideas, make mistakes and try again as they learn that creativity and problem-solving often go hand in hand.

A Natural Teacher in the Making

Beyond creating things, Jasper has also shown a natural instinct for

helping others.

One day, Ms Tan noticed him guiding a younger student who was learning to use a sewing machine for the first time. Without being asked, Jasper patiently explained how the machine worked and showed her what to do.

“He loves to guide and teach people,” Ms Tan said. “I was very amazed by how caring Jasper can be.”

When the centre later announced an upcoming programme in March where students from Tinker Space would guide seniors in sewing, Jasper immediately volunteered.

His enthusiasm was unmistakable. “I want to teach,” he said eagerly. It is perhaps no surprise that Jasper already knows what he wants to be in the future.

“I want to be a teacher in English and Mathematics, which are my strongest subjects,” he said.

Fun, Creative — and Full of Heart

Outside Tinker Space, Jasper keeps busy by preparing for his PSLE examinations and attending choir practice in school.

But whenever he returns to the creative workshop, he is reminded of why he enjoys it so much.

When asked to describe his experience there in two words, Jasper answered without hesitation. “Fun and creative.”

Those two words capture more than just the activities he enjoys. They reflect a journey of curiosity, creativity and kindness — from a boy discovering the joy of making things to a young mentor already learning how to give back.

Jasper’s dream of becoming a teacher might come true if he continues doing what he already does best: guiding others, sharing what he knows, and inspiring people to create something new.