O

rchard's recent brush with flash floods might have proven problematic and even traumatic for some, but rest assured that Singaporeans are making sure the pace of life returns to normal in this city-state as soon as the problem gets rectified.

Especially during this school holiday season, organizers have confirmed that programs and events will go ahead as planned to keep residents and holidaymakers fully entertained.

One event that's not to be missed by self-proclaimed techno-geeks is RoboCup 2010, the world's largest robotics event making its premiere debut in Southeast Asia this June.

Witness as some 3,500 "roboticists" from over 40 countries gather in Singapore to vie for the prestigious RoboCup championship title. Entrants are divided into four categories - RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue, RoboCup@Home and RoboCupJunior, each of which showcases the magic of artificial intelligence alongside an equally thrilling series of symposiums and exhibitions.

The championship was kicked off last week to last until June 25, 2010 at Suntec Singapore. Visit robocup2010.org to find out more.

Just as one event closes, here comes another: Singapore's very own International Water Festival returns with a big splash of week-long activities between June 26 and July 4.

Held at the Marina Barrage, this is the chance for those not too fond of water-based elements (especially in the aftermath of the Orchard flood!) to overcome their fears and stand a chance to win more than S$10,000 in cash and prizes.

Don't forget to check out demonstrations and competitions taking place on the first two days of the festival, with heart-stopping stunts by jet skiers, wakeboarders and rescue boats.

New activities introduced in 2010 include rowing by the bay and sailing joyride, while other highlights to catch will be the dragon boat and canoeing competitions, raft races, "walking" on water sessions, arts contest, rock climbing race and some colorful kite flying. Log on to siwf.sg for more information.

Last but not least, football fans across Singapore should feel right at home at the World Cup Festival 2010 lasting from June 26 to July 12, which guarantees to set the whole of Sentosa on fire.

The idyllic football paradise island will have live World Cup screenings, a beach soccer tournament with S$25,000 cash prize, live band entertainment, video gaming zones and much more. There is even a 2010 FHM Models Finals with its gorgeous beach babes to drool over!

No good things in life come for free, however, and tickets are required to join the festival. Check 2010fwc.sg for details on how to obtain one.

Just in case the events mentioned above do nothing to quench your appetite for adventure, the Julia Gabriel Center for Learning is having its annual Express Your Best Self Contest to let participants unleash their wildest superhero imagination.

The "Unleash Your Inner Superhero" contest invites you to create your very own superhero, complete with name, visual identity and superpowers. Submissions can be in the form of drawings, paintings, poems, storyboards, comic strips or even photographs of themselves dressed up in character.

The contest is open to everyone of any age in Singapore until the end of August, and entries are acceptable both in English or Mandarin. Three winners will be chosen to win a cash prize of S$500.