NEmation Future Ready Digital Storytelling on Total Defence using AI

Organised by Defence Collective Singapore (DCS), in partnership with Nexus

N.E.mation! 2027 is Singapore’s national digital animation competition that invites youths to express their perspectives on Total Defence through creative digital storytelling. As Singapore prepares to undertake its role in supporting the nation’s ASEAN Chairmanship, this edition also encourages students to consider how individual acts of responsibility and resilience contribute to both national security and broader regional cooperation.

From 2026 onwards, N.E.mation! evolves further by integrating Generative AI tools into the storytelling process. Through a series of hands-on workshops, students will learn how to leverage AI ethically and effectively in storytelling, animation and content creation. The competition emphasises AI competency, digital integrity, and responsible use of technology, reflecting the realities of a fast-changing information landscape shaped by misinformation, deepfakes and emerging cyber threats.

Designed for students with or without prior animation experience, N.E.mation! 2027 is an accessible and enriching learning journey.

Theme Focus for N.E.mation! 2027

Strengthening Total Defence Through Individual Action: Supporting Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship

Students will explore how individual acts under the six pillars of Total Defence contribute to national security and resilience. The theme also encourages youths to reflect on how a strong, cohesive and digitally responsible Singapore plays a role in supporting our ASEAN Chairmanship and contributing to regional stability.

The focus remains on individual responsibility, digital integrity, and personal contributions to defence with ASEAN serving as the broader context.

Workshop Skills (July – September 2026)

Through hands-on workshops, students will develop foundational and future-ready skills:

Transforming Ideas into Powerful Stories:

Students will learn how to shape their thoughts about Total Defence and Singapore’s role in supporting ASEAN cooperation into compelling narratives that resonate with modern audiences, using creative thinking techniques and GenAI tools to bring their ideas to life.

Creating Striking Visuals with AI

Students will experiment with text-to-image tools that allow them to visualise their imagination from environments to characters while learning how to guide AI ethically and responsibly.

Bringing Images to Life through AI Animation

Through image-to-video generation, students will discover how static artwork can be animated into movement, allowing them to craft short cinematic sequences using emerging AI tools.

Crafting Soundscapes with AI Audio Tools

Participants will explore text-to-audio platforms that generate voiceovers, sound effects and ambience, helping them understand how audio enhances mood, storytelling, and emotional impact.

Production of a Final Animation

Students will learn beginner-friendly editing and refinement techniques that combines AI-generated visuals, audio and transitions into a cohesive final film ready for national showcase.

Workshops are designed from ground-up to support complete beginners. No prior creative or technical experience is required.

Desired Learning Outcomes

Participation in N.E.mation! provides students with a future-ready, values-driven learning experience that strengthens competencies across National Education and responsible digital creation. The programme is designed to nurture youths who think critically, act responsibly, and communicate confidently as advocates of Singapore’s defence story.

Through the N.E.mation! journey, students will:

Strengthen their National Education foundations and grow as NE Ambassadors

Students develop a richer understanding of Total Defence and how individual actions contribute to Singapore’s stability and support for ASEAN cooperation. They learn to articulate these ideas confidently, strengthening their civic identity.

Develop core competencies through authentic creative problem-solving

The competition provides opportunities for collaboration, communication, inventive thinking and self-directed learning. Students will plan story concepts, iterate on ideas, troubleshoot creative challenges, and refine their productions, mirroring real-world creative and project workflows that encourage teamwork, resilience, and reflective practice.

Build future-ready AI and digital media skills in a safe, guided environment

Students will gain hands-on exposure to emerging Generative AI tools and learn about digital storytelling. Alongside the technical skills, they will learn the principles of responsible AI use, digital integrity, and ethical content creation which are critical competencies in an age shaped by synthetic media, deepfakes, and rapid technological change.

Create meaningful stories on a national platform

N.E.mation! offers students the opportunity to share and produce content that inspires their peers to appreciate the importance of individual responsibility in Total Defence and Singapore’s role within ASEAN. By communicating these narratives through engaging visual media, they contribute directly to strengthening public understanding of Total Defence.

Build a future-focused creative portfolio

Students will produce a digital story or short animation that showcases their creativity, teamwork, communication skills and digital fluency. This portfolio piece can support future applications to media, design and creative-related programmes.

Develop confidence and personal voice through a creative journey

The competition empowers students to express their ideas thoughtfully and responsibly. Through guided workshops, mentorship and hands-on practice, they gain the confidence to tell impactful stories that reflect Singapore’s security and resilience contribution to regional cooperation during the ASEAN Chairmanship.

Competition Timeline

N.E.mation! 2027 runs from mid-2026 to early-2027, with the award ceremony held in 2027.

Call for Entry: Mar 2026 onwards

Workshops, Production & Mentorship: July – September 2026

Award Ceremony: February / March 2027

Target Audience: School Category: Secondary School/JC Students; Open Category: Poly / ITE youth participants

Runtime: July 2026 – March 2027

Modality: In-person

Fee: Complimentary

Programme Capacity: Individuals or in Teams of 2 to 4 students

Mode of Registration: Register your team

Latest Updates: N.E.mation Webpage

Contact: Corporateprog@defencecollectivesg.com