Statistical Computing

**ANNOUNCEMENT – Registration via this [link](http://go.gov.sg/stackmeetup-23apr2026-mc) only.** * Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. * For admission into our event space, please register beforehand via GovEntry only. * Please present the QR code within your registration confirmation email upon check-in at our event space. **About this Meetup** In this edition of STACK Meetup [Data], move on to the next stage in your data journey - engineering trustworthy data quality. Hear about MDDI’s standards and metrics, which allow the SG Gov to enhance data quality and availability, manage data inter-dependencies, and ensure that data errors are corrected ASAP. Discover how GovTech Singapore applies AI-enabled tools for intelligent metadata and data quality rule generation to scale data management beyond reactive to proactive. Explore how to thrive in an AI-first reality with agentic AI agents and learn about an open source, data quality validation SDK by GovTech’s Data Practice team. The highly popular Panel Discussion segment will feature Panellists from the SG Gov and DBS Bank as they deep dive into strategic data management that allow scaling at the enterprise level. Join us for an evening of dynamic mingling with peers and experts in the data field and stay on for insightful Q&A segments, where our speakers can answer your burning questions. **[Snag your seat today](http://go.gov.sg/stackmeetup-23apr2026-mc)**! Who should attend: Data analysts, data architects, data and project managers, data engineers, data scientists, and data practitioners who are in the business of maintaining data systems and use data regularly. **Programme** 6:30pm: Networking 7:00pm: Introduction By STACK Community 7:05pm: Opening By ​Yap Ghim Eng, Head of Data Practice, GovTech Singapore 7:10pm: Data Provisioning Standards (DPS) and Data Reconciliation Protocol (DRP) for WOG By Lo Zhi Zhan, Deputy Director, Data Assets and Use, Smart Nation Group, MDDI​ 7:30pm: From Chaos to Confidence: Scaling GovTech’s Data Management with AI-Driven Data Quality By Anders Tay, ICT & SS Policy Specialist, Chief Data Office, Chief Information Office, GovTech Singapore; and Hyqel Razali, Data Analyst, GovTech Singapore 7:50pm: Data Engineering in the Agentic Era [Data Quality Edition] By James Teo, Data Engineer, Data Practice, GovTech Singapore 8:00pm: Panel Discussion Moderated by Yap Ghim Eng, Head of Data Practice, GovTech Singapore With Panellists: * Lo Zhi Zhan, Deputy Director, Data Assets and Use, Smart Nation Group, MDDI​ * Sachin Tonk, Deputy Director, Engineering Management, Chief Data Office, Chief Information Office, GovTech Singapore * Florent Juglair, Head of Data Management, DBS Bank 8:20pm: Rapid-fire Q&A By speakers: * Lo Zhi Zhan, Deputy Director, Data Assets and Use, Smart Nation Group, MDDI​ * Anders Tay, ICT & SS Policy Specialist, Chief Data Office, Chief Information Office, GovTech Singapore * Hyqel Razali, Data Analyst, GovTech Singapore * James Teo, Data Engineer, Data Practice, GovTech Singapore 8:30pm: End of STACK Meetup Click **[here](http://go.gov.sg/stackmeetup-23apr2026-mc)\*** to sign up! \*Registration will be accepted via GovEntry only.

Join us for SG Agentic Nights, a monthly meetup series spotlighting real-world AI implementation stories and community-driven learning — right here in Singapore. Each month, we bring together practitioners, builders, and curious minds to explore how AI is being applied across industries. Whether you're experimenting with agentic AI, deploying intelligent systems, or just starting your journey, this is your space to learn, connect, and grow. What to Expect: Talks by Practitioners - Learn from experts working on real AI implementation projects in Singapore and beyond. Community Q&A - Bring your questions and get direct insights from speakers and peers. Networking & Collaboration - Meet fellow AI enthusiasts, developers, and organizers shaping the local AI ecosystem. To attend this event please register here: [Agentic Nights](https://konfhub.com/sg-gai-apr-2026-meetup)

**Black Hat Asia 2026** is returning to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from **April 21–24,** bringing together global security leaders, researchers, and practitioners for of Briefings, training, and cutting-edge insights. **Division Zero (Div0)** is proud to support this year’s event as a partner. Members can **redeem code DIV0500 for S$500 off a Live Briefings Pass** or a complimentary Business Hall Pass. Black Hat Asia continues to be one of the most influential cybersecurity gatherings in the region—featuring world-class research, hands-on learning, and unmatched networking opportunities. **Registration is open: [https://blackhat.com/asia-26/registration.html](https://blackhat.com/asia-26/registration.html)** Don’t forget to come visit us at the **Div0 booth** on 23-24 April! Looking forward to seeing the community come together in Singapore. See you there!

Join us for SG Agentic Nights, a monthly meetup series spotlighting real-world AI implementation stories and community-driven learning — right here in Singapore. Each month, we bring together practitioners, builders, and curious minds to explore how AI is being applied across industries. Whether you're experimenting with agentic AI, deploying intelligent systems, or just starting your journey, this is your space to learn, connect, and grow. What to Expect: Talks by Practitioners - Learn from experts working on real AI implementation projects in Singapore and beyond. Community Q&A - Bring your questions and get direct insights from speakers and peers. Networking & Collaboration - Meet fellow AI enthusiasts, developers, and organizers shaping the local AI ecosystem. To attend this event please register here: [Agentic Nights](https://konfhub.com/sg-gai-apr-2026-meetup)

**Novel Biological Aging Clocks** Prof. Jan Gruber from NUS will introduce aging clocks - research tools that estimate biological age rather than just calendar age. These clocks are built from measurable biological signals, such as patterns in DNA methylation, blood biomarkers, and metabolic data, that change in predictable ways over time. In this talk, he will explain how aging clocks are developed, what they can and cannot tell us about health and lifespan, and how scientists use them to study disease risk, lifestyle effects, and interventions that may influence the rate of aging. This talk is designed for everyone who wants to take their health into their own hands, making informed decisions. Opening remarks by: Dr. Hisham Badaruddin Kamil Pabis, MSc 23rd of April, 7 pm (please be on time) Location: TSquared Health, L9 SBF (level 9, rootftop) 160 Robinson Rd, #05-02 · 8749 5846 We thank [https://xandrolab.com](https://xandrolab.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopQnhnmh3hWOnQzwAg3j8t7Hemy0SWxXa6trkrGjnrnj9jJD4Ra) for the refreshments. Notes: Please remember that the venue has limited capacity and the event is first come first serve. For reference, our new venue is slightly larger than the last one.

🎓 Offset Your Course Fee with SkillsFuture Credits for Eligible Singaporeans! 💼 NTUC Members Enjoy Up to 50% Subsidy with UTAP **Click here for more WSET course dates, fees and information** [https://www.finewines.com.sg/wset-level-1-wine-course-singapore/](https://www.finewines.com.sg/wset-level-1-wine-course-singapore/) ## **MASTER THE ART OF SAKE WITH WSET LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION COURSE** Embark on an elevated journey of sake exploration with the WSET Level 2 Sake course – a captivating odyssey for those seeking a deeper understanding of this exquisite Japanese beverage. Envision a glass filled with a pristine, chilled elixir, releasing a bouquet of enticing aromas that promise an unparalleled experience. Each sip transports you to the heart of Japan, where centuries of perfected sake craftsmanship unfold. If you are currently working in the sake industry or possess basic sake knowledge and are keen to enter into the F&B or sake trade, our WSET Level 2 sake course furthers your sake knowledge in a more in-depth programme. For professionals, knowledge is the key to success. In the realm of sake, a nuanced comprehension of production, diverse flavor profiles, and adept food pairings can shape the trajectory of your career. The WSET Level 2 Sake course has been meticulously crafted to provide you with a comprehensive grasp of sake's intricacies, spanning its illustrious history, production processes to prepare you to be come a sake sommelier. ## **WHAT YOU WILL LEARN** * Explore main sake styles and classifications. * Understand the types of rice that influence sake flavors. * Understand the role and production of Kōji * Tasting over 20 different sakes. * Describe sakes using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Sake® * Develop analytical tasting skills while exploring the sake style and quality. * Identify different categories & grades of sake ## **WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE** * Knowing the key stages in sake brewing and it’s unique processes. * Recognise the distinct features and styles of sake from various regions. * Understanding the art of appreciating sakes. * Be able to properly store and serve sakes * Feel more at confident arounds sakes and learn to buy only the best. * The art of pairing food and sake. ## **YOU ARE NOT ALONE** Many individuals struggle to comprehend the intricacies of sakes, leading to disappointment despite years of experience. Our two-day course provides guidance in developing techniques to train your palate and memory, enhancing your ability to detect sake aromas, flavors, and labels. Become a Sake Connoisseur or Sommelier – it's not an innate gift, but an achievable expertise through training and practice. *Let us help you achieve your dream with the WSET Level 2 Sake course!* 🎓 Offset Your Course Fee with SkillsFuture Credits for Eligible Singaporeans! 💼 NTUC Members Enjoy Up to 50% Subsidy with UTAP **Click here for more WSET course dates, fees and information** [https://www.finewines.com.sg/wset-level-1-wine-course-singapore/](https://www.finewines.com.sg/wset-level-1-wine-course-singapore/)

### **📚 Wiser & Faster Club - Apr 2026 Meetup** See you at our April 2026 book sharing & discussion meetup. For regular participants, please note this Apr edition will be on a Sun (Versus our usual Sat) due to venue availability For anyone new to the group, Wiser Faster is a space for curious, growth-minded people to come together, share what they’ve learned from a great non-fiction book, and spark deeper conversations. Join us to build a quality network and accelerate your own growth! ### **What To Expect** **📍 Date:** Sun, 26 Apr 2026 **🕙 Time:** 11am–1pm **📌 Venue:** OCBC Bookxcess Level 4, Wisma Atria, Orchard Rd ( https://www.ocbc.com/personal-banking/ocbc-wisma-partners-bookxcess.page ) **👥 Group Size:** Small & focused (15-20pax) so everyone gets to contribute Rather than the _typical_ book club where everyone has to read the same book beforehand, WFC is a relaxed brunch-time huddle with 2-3 “Book Sharers” taking 15min turns to present insights from a piece of non-fiction that they’ve read which is followed by open discussion. Bring your curiosity and let’s bounce ideas around. ### **How You Can Join** **🙋 Learner**-Sit in, listen actively, and join the discussion if you feel like it **📚 Sharer**\- Read a non\-fiction book \(Or Podcast\, TED Talk\, etc\.\) that blew your mind? Present your key takeaways in 15min\-s\. **🎙️ Host**-For returning members keen to try light facilitation or emceeing *"We become good by reading. We become great by writing. We gain mastery by teaching"* ### **Agenda** * Introduce yourselves (15mins) * Sharer A (15mins) * Discussion A (30mins) * Break (15mins) * Sharer B (15mins) * Discussion B (30mins) * Group selfie and break off * Post-event meal, buy your own (OTOT) **[RSVP etiquette]** • Update your RSVP if you can’t attend to help with planning. • No-shows are unfair to those on the waitlist. • Consistent no-shows may result in blacklisting from future events 📩 *Interested in being a future sharer or Host? Let us know via this form https://forms.gle/8U3oJ64sfrieYxNb9* _Join our Telegram channel to talk to other WFC members and get the latest updates https://t.me/+Im6CfPzD60RlNTA1_ Let’s get Wiser, Faster - Together.

Are you walking correctly? Walking is one of the most natural human activities, but most of us aren't optimizing our stride for health and fitness. It’s time to turn your daily steps into a powerful, fat-burning tool. Join us early for the MetaWellness Fat-Burning Walking workshop. This session goes beyond a casual stroll; it is an active workshop designed to teach you the biomechanics of mindful, effective movement. Led by **JJ Mok, Accredited Mindfulness Coach**, you will learn how to align your body and mind to increase fitness, aid weight loss goals, and completely transform the way you walk. **What You’ll Learn in This Session:** * **👣 Proper Walking Technique:** Forget lazy strolling. We will teach you how to develop strong posture and an engaging, powerful stride that protects your joints and engages more muscles. * **🔥 Fat-Burning Principles:** Discover the specific techniques that turn a regular walk into a calorie-torching workout, helping you burn more energy with every step you take. * **🧘‍♀️ Breathing & Mindfulness:** Learn to integrate mindful breathing with your movement. This enhances mental focus, reduces stress, and helps naturally boost your metabolism. **Who Should Attend:** This session is perfect for anyone looking to improve their physical health, lose weight sustainably, or simply gain more energy from their daily routine. All fitness levels are welcome. **Event Details:** * **Time:** 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM * **Location:** [Entrance](https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html "https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html")/[Exit A](https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html "https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html") - [Botanic Gardens MRT Station](https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html "https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html") ([CC19](https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html "https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html") / [DT9](https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html "https://www.streetdirectory.com/sg/entranceexit-a-botanic-gardens-mrt-station/106578_1.html")) * **Instructor:** JJ Mok, Accredited Mindfulness Coach **What to Bring:** * Comfortable walking shoes or trainers * Water bottle * Sun protection (hat/sunscreen) if outdoors * An open mind ready to learn! **Start your weekend with intention, movement, and vitality. Secure your spot today!**

Where does genuinely new stuff come from, and what does the answer obligate us to do? We are primates, evolved for the African Savana, with meat machines in our heads. These meat machines can do something curious: they can imagine. Even further, they can be “creative”; that is, they can imagine something “novel”. At first glance, imagination seems like a cute quirk. We can imagine fantasies, tell fun stories, paint pictures, make gadgets. Some of these stories we deem “creative” or “novel”. But what actually counts as “new/creative”? The commonly used notion for “creative” in various domains of study is the creation of something “novel” and “useful/appropriate”. “Novel” ensures the new idea/invention is not just a basic recombination of old things. “Useful/appropriate” ensures that the idea is meaningful, reveals something interesting, and is not just a random mess. Both of these terms are broad and contentious (intentionally so). Who defines what is “novel” or useful/appropriate”? Should it be defined by the individual who originated the idea, or by the social judgment of peers, or specifically by experts, or by history/those who come later? The **Systems Model** recognizes that “creativity” is not a property determined by individuals, but through an interaction between the domain/field of innovation, the social ecosystem (gatekeepers, institutions, etc.), and the innovation itself. Other views emphasize the **cognitive mechanisms** of creativity. New ideas do not emerge “de novo”, they emerge from a recombination of past ideas, with a novel “transformation of the problem space”. Hence, an individual needs to make the creative leap with regards to themselves (their past experiences, cultural knowledge, etc.); it is a mental operation. Even if their new idea might already be known to someone else/the public, if they themselves did not know it, it is still a novel creation for them. Thus the question: Is there a rigorous notion that can tell whether something is “truly novel”, or even quantify how much? And who decides? Beyond the domain of fiction and art, our meat sack brains can also imagine things like multiple dimensions, 4D space, invisible forces, and other notions that at the time were heavily criticized as fanciful thinking (imaginary numbers, non-euclidian geometry, microscopic germs). Our minds were shaped by natural selection to solve savanna-scale problems — predators, social hierarchies, thrown objects. There's no selection pressure for imagining or grasping 11-dimensional string theory or quantum field theory. Feynman himself suspected we might not be able to understand wavefunction collapse or superposition. And human working memory is sorely limited. It is surprising that these ideas turn out to be “*real”*. They explain the physical world and give us tremendous power over it. Sometimes, increasing our power over the physical world depends on creating ever more “novel” ideas/absurdities (e.g. Infinite dimensional vector spaces. Subatomic particles. Quantum phenomena. etc.) Outlandishness is not sufficient for scientific success, but those ideas that yielded the greatest increase in understanding/power were often the most outlandish. In other words, the degree of “creative novelty” in science is proportional to the degree of increased physical power we gain. Is there a limit to what our brains can conceive? Science and art are very different domains. But therein lies the puzzle: the process of creativity deployed in science seems no different from the process of creativity deployed in art; so perhaps the same process is generating novelty in both. This suggests a tantalizing unity of what it means to be “novel”. If the same process generates “novelty” in 2 (seemingly) different branches: art and science, and one branch leaves physical traces, then “novelty” might not be mere arbitrary social judgment. Discussion Questions: * What counts as “creative”/”novel”? Who judges this? Is it an individual or social or objective judgment? How do we know whether something is “new” or not? Are we just “doing whatever we do?” * Operationally, how does creativity work? How does creativity “create new things”? Where does the newness come from? * Is the process of creativity in art, social science, natural science, engineering, technology, all the same underlying process? * If it is the same underlying process, how does “novelty”/creativity in science relate to creativity in art? * What’s the difference between imagination, creativity, and knowledge? * Is society obligated to create the conditions necessary for people to engage their creativity? If we disable people’s creativity, is that a form of mind control?

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month Chris Pazsint will be talking about Agentic Coding. How does one use CLI Based Agents, and Agentic IDEs such as Cursor, Kiro, Antigravity? How to include agentic coding plugins for IDEs you already love such as Visual Studio Code. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is powerful, but what if you could scale from a solo AI assistant to an entire team of specialized agents working in parallel? This session introduces Squad: an open-source framework for multi-agent orchestration that lets you define teams of AI agents with specific roles, responsibilities, and expertise. We'll progress from Copilot basics to the Copilot CLI, explore how Agents add autonomy, and see how Instructions and Skills let you customize agent behavior. Then, the climax: a live demo where a Squad team of 3 agents (Lead, Developer, Tester) stands up and builds a working application in real-time, showcasing true multi-agent collaboration. Whether you're new to AI or exploring how to scale your use of Copilot, this session will show you what's possible when agents work as a team. **YouTube Link** TBD

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

The May Ohio North Database Training user group meeting will be held on **May 5th, 2026 at 5:00PM**. This will be a **HYBRID** event and we will be joined in person by **Sam Nasr.** You're welcome to come meet in-person at our meeting location, the offices of Improving at **[6000 Freedom Square Dr,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Unit 110,](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** **[Independence, OH 44131](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Improving/@41.4004167,-81.6614462,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x8830e5b8255c5919:0xd8297060eb68fe04!4m6!3m5!1s0x8830dc7a0fe35dc9:0xbfc4710ecadfc5c!8m2!3d41.4004127!4d-81.6588713!16s%2Fg%2F1hm3hkqp3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQzMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** [Teams Link ](https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/287759659366576?p=kCaammjECnUCvZzEJv)if anyone needs it after RSVP-ing for in person. If you would like to subscribe to our email list outside of Meetup, we have changed platforms recently and you will need to register [here in Kit ](https://ohio-north-data-training.kit.com/b8f036f615)instead to receive emails. Agenda: **5:00 PM EST**: Online and in-person meeting begins with a social hour. This is an unstructured hour where you can join us to catch up and meet other group members before the session starts. There will be food brought in for in-person attendees. **6:00 PM EST**: Elections, announcements, followed by our feature presentation. See below for presentation details. **7:30 PM EST**: Optionally after the main presentations, the in-person crowd may go out for snacks and drinks at a local establishment. We hope to see you there! Session Abstract ### Data Cleansing using Data Bricks Machine Learning is highly dependent on adequate data. Not only does quantity matter, but more importantly quality. In this session we’ll cover how to build a custom automated process using Data Bricks. This will provide methods for cleaning data in a data lake using functions in Azure. \*Please note, that we will be using Microsoft Teams for the online portion of this meeting. You may want to join a few minutes early to ensure you do not have any issues. If you are attending in person, there are large TVs at the office, and you do not need to bring a laptop or use Teams.