In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key driver to improve efficiency and innovation across various fields. Through useful resources such as GovTech’s Prompt Engineering Playbook, anyone interested in exploring Large Language Models (LLMs) can pick it up quickly.
But first, what is prompt engineering? At its core, prompt engineering involves crafting detailed instructions, so that generative AI (Gen AI) systems can produce desired outcomes. For instance, you can ask Gen AI to suggest five popular science fiction books and present them in a table:
By giving specific instructions to Gen AI, you can get your required output in the form of text and images. PHOTO: PROMPT ENGINEERING PLAYBOOK PRODUCED BY GOVTECH DATA SCIENCE & AI DIVISION
To generate interest and nurture proficiency in this emerging field, competitions such as SCDF’s Prompt-a-thon and GovTech’s Prompt Royale X have been introduced, encouraging participants to solve real-world problems using prompt engineering.
Among the participants were three SCDF officers - WO1 Md Na’im Zahari, SGT3 Khairul Roshdie Bin Mohd Roslan, and LTA (NS) Ryan Wee Khai Boon. They shared their journey from learning prompt engineering as beginners to competing at the highest level.
SGT3 Roshdie (left), a HazMat Specialist, and WO1 Na’im (right), a Fire and Rescue Specialist and Emergency Medical Technician (FRS-EMT), from Tampines Fire Station. They learnt prompt engineering and participated in competitions together, pushing each other to continue learning. PHOTO: SCDF
SGT3 Roshdie and WO1 Na’im’s journey into Gen AI began with GovTech’s Data Arcade Tournament (DAT) X ImpactiViz in 2023. Using data analytics tools, the duo analysed how survival outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases could be improved by training bystanders in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Despite having no prior knowledge of data analytics, SGT3 Roshdie and WO1 Na’im found the learning curve to be quite manageable, with help from Gen AI.
“We self-learnt data visualisation despite being new to it,” SGT3 Roshdie shared, noting that Gen AI facilitates learning for everyone, even in unfamiliar subjects. “For instance, you can ask ChatGPT to explain concepts in simple terms and it will tailor its responses to help you understand.”
“It is like talking to a person. You can ask questions, and the AI will guide you step by step until you master the subject,” WO1 Na’im added.
Their efforts paid off, with the duo securing second place out of 400 teams. This success spurred them to deepen their knowledge of Gen AI. “After the competition, we got serious and enrolled into courses to learn prompt engineering properly,” SGT3 Roshdie shared with a laugh.
LTA (NS) Ryan, a Staff Officer from the Human Resource Department at HQ SCDF, initially used prompt engineering to learn more about unfamiliar subjects. Gradually, he incorporated prompt engineeering into his work. PHOTO: SCDF
Meanwhile, LTA (NS) Ryan learnt prompt engineering during a workshop organised by SCDF. “I learnt how Gen AI produces words, images, and even audio by following structured prompts,” LTA (NS) Ryan explained. He referenced frameworks such as CO-STAR (Context, Objective, Style, Tone, Audience, Response) developed by GovTech.
“For me, I prefer the GCSE framework,” he added, breaking it down as Goal (desired outcome), Context (purpose of the prompt), Source (relevant samples or information that the AI can use), and Expectations (how the outcome should be presented). “It’s impressive how Gen AI can deliver results within minutes when given detailed instructions.”
Inspired by their newfound skills, the trio decided to participate in SCDF’s Prompt-a-thon, an initiative by SCDF's Transformation and Future Technology Department (TFTD), to upskill SCDF officers in Gen AI.
As part of SCDF’s Prompt-a-thon, WO1 Na’im and SGT3 Roshdie used Gen AI to analyse SCDF’s response to medical emergencies. “In the simulated scenario, we saw how Gen AI can streamline our workflows, potentially saving 3,000 man-hours per year which allows us to focus on other operational duties,” WO1 Na’im explained.
Their journey did not stop there. “When we came to know about GovTech’s Prompt Royale X in November 2024, we were intrigued by its gamified format and how it took prompt engineering to the next level. We were determined to take part in it,” SGT3 Roshdie shared.
In SCDF’s internal Prompt Royale X challenge, about 80 participants from the various SCDF units went through a simulated scenario, in which they had to establish a new fire station using Gen AI.
In SCDF’s internal Prompt Royale X challenge, participants had to write comprehensive proposals, conduct data-driven analysis to identify the optimal location for a new fire station, and build chatbots. PHOTO: SCDF
At 19 years old, LTA (NS) Ryan was the youngest and the only full-time National Serviceman in SCDF’s internal Prompt Royale X competition. Yet, he was unfazed by it. When asked about his thoughts on being the youngest participant, he said, “As long as you are willing to learn, you can achieve what you initially thought was impossible.”
In SCDF’s Prompt Royale X challenge, WO1 Na'im clinched the top spot, with SGT3 Roshdie and LTA (NS) Ryan coming in second and third, respectively.
Over 1,000 officers from 75 agencies participated in GovTech’s Prompt Royale X competition. Successfully advancing to the finals, WO1 Na’im competed against two other agencies.
In front of a live audience, the three finalists demonstrated their prompt engineering skills through tasks such as generating images, data analysis, and designing webpages. PHOTO: GOVTECH
Recalling the challenges that he faced, WO1 Na’im said, “As some tasks were beyond my areas of expertise, I had to constantly adapt my prompts to generate data that is concise and factual.”
SGT3 Roshdie and LTA (NS) Ryan were among the audience to cheer on WO1 Na’im. “I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. WO1 Na’im was trailing behind the leader in the initial rounds, and I knew that the tasks would ramp up in difficulty over the next few rounds,” SGT3 Roshdie shared.
After five intense rounds, WO1 Na’im (fifth from left) emerged as the Prompt Royale X Champion. PHOTO: GOVTECH
“When WO1 Na’im emerged as the winner, we erupted with joy,” SGT3 Roshdie said with a smile. “We have watched as he first learnt Gen AI and developed his skills. Now that his efforts have truly paid off, we are incredibly proud of him.”
Reflecting on their journey in learning prompt engineering, the trio appreciated the support from their colleagues. “Our Commander at Tampines Fire Station, MAJ Goh Eng Khye, constantly encourages us to keep learning and exploring innovative solutions,” SGT3 Roshdie shared.
“In SCDF, collaboration is not confined to a single fire station. Officers from different units often come together to brainstorm and explore ways to solve problems,” WO1 Na’im added, nodding in agreement.
“Recognising how technology can significantly improve our operational efficiency, we also shared more about Gen AI with various departments, highlighting how it can improve productivity and workflows,” LTA (NS) Ryan said, noting that this experience was a fitting conclusion to his National Service with SCDF.
Looking ahead, WO1 Na’im, SGT3 Roshdie and LTA (NS) Ryan plan to further integrate AI into their work, while sharing their knowledge of Gen AI with colleagues to further encourage collaboration and the innovative use of technology.