I totally geeked out at the inaugural Singapore mini-maker faire. The maker movement is defined by wikipedia as “… a contemporary subculture, representing a technology-based extension of DIY culture. Typical interests enjoyed by the maker subculture include engineering-oriented pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3-D printing, and the use of CNC tools, as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, and traditional arts and crafts. The subculture stresses new and unique applications of technologies, and encourages invention and prototyping. There is a strong focus on using and learning practical skills and applying them creatively.”
The Singapore mini-maker faire was supported by the same people behind the maker movement in America, most notably the Make magazine. It was held over the weekend of 4-5 August at the Singapore Science Centre. There were a lot of DIY exhibits ranging from electronics, robotics, paper/cardboard handicraft to music tinkerers and toys of all sorts. It was a celebration of the spirit of DIY and the open source culture. I was most impressed by the hardcore technological know-how that was behind some of the stuff presented (like PCB boards and 3D printers designed and manufactured from scratch), done by real engineers who have applied their expertise for the DIY hobbyist in mind rather than mass production. I hope to see more of such events in future and a vibrant maker community take root in Singapore.
lohjianhui 