THE JOURNEY SO FAR AND THE WAY FORWARD - Singapore Institute of Technology
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2 0 2 0
R E P O R T
A N N U A L
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
A N D T H E WAY F O R WA R D
COVER ABOUT SIT
2 0 2 0
R E P O R T
A N N U A L
FY2019 was a significant year for SIT. We celebrated our ‘5+5’
milestone, reflecting on significant dates in our 10 years as an
institute of higher learning, and the last five years as an
WE
ARE
autonomous university. We also took time to review our plans for
the next five years, establishing new strategic goals that will take us
into the future.
The theme for this annual report signifies the SIT journey – looking
THE JOURNEY SO FAR back on our past achievements, appreciating the present situation OUR UNIQUE PEDAGOGY:
APPLIED LEARNING
A N D T H E WAY F O R WA R D
we are in, while being mindful of a future that is uncertain.
SIT
Since its incorporation in 2009, SIT has been offering
applied degree programmes targeted at growth sectors
of the economy with a unique pedagogy that integrates
work and study. SIT aims to provide diverse pathways and
skillsets to prepare students for the disruptive future. Its
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / About SIT
applied learning model allows students to spend part of
their curriculum in work-study or industry placements.
CONTENTS
Built upon a solid foundation of industry collaborations,
SIT’s curriculum is designed to enhance students’ industry-
readiness. Its signature Integrated Work Study Programme
(IWSP) exemplifies the best of the university-industry
collaboration. Students are immersed in the real working
world for up to 12 months, allowing them to gain practical
01 About SIT 42 Industry job skills and be work-ready.
APPLIED RESEARCH
02 SIT at a Glance 46 Community Applied research is weaved into students’ applied learning
experiences, where they work on real industry problems
04 Chairman’s Message 52 Support for Students
and create solutions to meet industry needs. By working
closely with the industry, students gain insights and emerge
as deep specialists in their chosen fields.
06 President’s Message 54 Donor SIT’s degree programmes are grouped into five clusters
Acknowledgement – Engineering (ENG), Chemical Engineering and Food
Technology (CEFT), Infocomm Technology (ICT), Health and
08 Senior Management Social Sciences (HSS), as well as Design and Specialised
56 Corporate
Businesses (DSB).
09 Board of Trustees Governance WORK-LEARN CONTINUUM
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is Singapore’s SIT strives to strengthen its applied learning focus to
University of Applied Learning. SIT’s vision is to be a prepare students to not only be work-ready, but also
12 Highlights of the Year 60 Board Committees leader in innovative learning by integrating learning, understand the importance of learning throughout their
& Internal Audit industry and community. working lives. By blurring the boundary between formal
and lifelong education, SIT is moving towards a work-
22 Key Moments in the Its mission is to nurture and develop individuals who learn continuum for life and a greater emphasis on skills
SIT Journey 62 Financial Statements build on their interests and talents to impact society needed by industry.
in meaningful ways.
Once students enter SIT, they embark on their lifelong
journey to learn, unlearn and relearn, so that they are
34 Academic Year in Review 67 SIT – The Next Lap equipped with skills to prepare for the future.
36 Applied Learning
01
SIT AT A GLANCE 9 OVERSEAS UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
6
CAMPUSES
SIT@DOVER
SIT@NP BUILDING
SIT@NYP BUILDING
Newcastle Technical University University of Massey DigiPen Institute
SIT@RP BUILDING University of Munich Glasgow University of Technology
SIT@SP BUILDING
SIT@TP BUILDING
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / SIT at a Glance
5
PROGRAMME CLUSTERS*
Trinity College University of The Culinary The Glasgow
Dublin Liverpool Institute of America School of Art
18 Undergraduate
Programmes
4 Undergraduate
Programmes
9 Undergraduate
Programmes
8 Undergraduate
Programmes
8 Undergraduate
Programmes
Chemical Engineering Infocomm Health and Design and
THE SIT-DNA
Engineering
and Food Technology Technology Social Sciences Specialised Businesses
THINKING
TINKERERS
SIT aims to produce work-ready graduates
armed with more than just paper qualifications,
GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT 46 UNDERGRADUATE + 9 POSTGRADUATE
ABLE TO LEARN, but with skills that can energise industries and
SURVEY 2018 PROGRAMMES UNLEARN AND RELEARN the wider community.
SIT Programmes The SIT-DNA serves as necessary guiding
92.5%
principles that steer our curriculum design,
16 Undergraduate 9 Postgraduate
Overall pedagogical approach, student interaction and
Employment CATALYSTS FOR SIT culture. These, in turn, nurture students to
TRANSFORMATION embody the SIT-DNA.
SIT-OU Joint Degree Overseas University
Programmes Programmes
82.9%
Fulltime
18 Undergraduate 12 Undergraduate
Permanent
Employment
GROUNDED IN
THE COMMUNITY
*BEng (Hons) Telematics (Intelligent Transportation Systems Engineering) undergraduate programme is included in both
Engineering and Infocomm Technology Clusters.
02 03
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
FY2019 was an extraordinary and momentous year for SIT as we celebrated our ‘5+5’ milestone, which culminated in the EMBRACING CHALLENGES, STAYING UNITED
Groundbreaking Ceremony for our Punggol Campus last September. That event marked a significant point in a journey
which began as a concept, just over 10 years ago. Today, SIT has carved out a credible niche for itself, championing examinations. We will continue to render support to
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented
applied learning in Singapore. Coupled with a strong culture and ‘can do’ work ethic, the current leadership has started students who are facing financial hardship, as well as
disruption. Adapting to the new normal is going to
to redefine the meaning and purpose of higher education in Singapore – that obtaining a degree is not necessarily the assist graduating students in their job searches and
be challenging. The disruption to our economy has
end, but merely the start of a lifelong learning journey. upskilling. We will need the same agility to conduct
resulted in the need for everyone to rethink what a
career means in a post-COVID-19 world. For SIT, this our programmes and meet the needs of our students
With construction having commenced on our new home in Punggol, faculty members and staff have begun to test-bed as Singapore emerges progressively from the circuit
means having to rethink how we continue to deliver
initiatives and projects so that we will hit the ground running by the time we move in. Our SIT@NYP Building has been breaker measures.
applied learning through the use of technology,
repurposed into a living lab, where various projects involving Internet of Things (IoT), and Industry 4.0 keep faculty and
without losing that all-important human element
students on the forefront of developments. It is this pioneering spirit and ethos of always wanting to learn that will We have come through a challenging period. With
that comes from the mentoring experience between
enable us to achieve what we are beginning to set out in the next chapter of our journey. the support of our strategic partners – the Ministry of
faculty and students. It calls for all of us to be versatile,
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / Chairman’s Message
adaptable and resilient. Education, polytechnics, overseas university partners,
industry partners, government agencies and community
SIT has responded swiftly to the COVID-19 circuit leaders – we will continue to forge ahead to establish
breaker measures. We came together quickly and SIT as a premier University of Applied Learning in the
APPLIED LEARNING – SIT’S NEXT LAP efficiently as one to support our students, especially years to come.
in mounting full home-based learning and online
Our Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) disrupted
the traditional internship model when it was launched and
remains a salient feature of the SIT experience. Through the
IWSP, our students are able to take a deeper dive into their
specialised professions and are empowered to make decisions
in a real work setting. Moving forward, we believe that the
next area of focus in higher education requires an innovation
“
mindset – one that embraces disruption and generates
solutions that fuel progress. Our increasing engagements
with industry partners continue to provide opportunities for OUR INCREASING ENGAGEMENTS
faculty and students to innovate and transform the lives of
the community around us. This is evident in the strategic WITH INDUSTRY PARTNERS CONTINUE TO
collaborations we established during the year, in various fields
including accounting, energy, food technology, healthcare
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY
and telecommunications. AND STUDENTS TO INNOVATE AND
TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF THE
”
I am heartened to note that demand for our programmes
continues to remain high, with an overall application rate
of 4.5 times. Today, our staff and faculty work hard to help COMMUNITY AROUND US.
nearly 8,000 enrolled students achieve their dreams as they
look forward to joining more than 9,500 alumni who have
received degrees from SIT or one of our overseas university
partners. I am especially proud of the recent cohort of MR NG YAT CHUNG
graduates from the Health and Social Sciences cluster, who forge collaborations with various government agencies and CHAIRMAN
were deployed immediately upon graduation to the various close industry partners, to ensure that as we move forward,
healthcare institutions and community care facilities to help our students’ learning journeys are constantly enriched and
at the frontlines during the circuit breaker period. empowering. While striving to sharpen our competitive
edge, we will remain focused on educating our SITizens to be
One of the main tenets of the work-learn continuum is that nimble, adaptable and able to thrive in their chosen careers.
learning should be continuous and for life. As a growing As SIT continues to grow, we will have to adroitly navigate
organisation, we continue to explore new ground and the ever-changing and fluid economic landscape.
04 05
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
FY2019 has been a year like no other. The first part of the year marked the climax of SIT’s ‘5+5’ celebrations, where be infused back into their teaching. Applied research Take, for instance, the end of FY2019, which took an
we commemorated SIT’s five years as an Institute of Higher Learning and five years as an Autonomous University. will also allow students a first-hand experience in unexpected turn due to the COVID-19 outbreak. SIT
solving industry problems. staff, students and partners displayed unity and resilience
through this unprecedented time, often going above
To support applied research and deepen linkages and beyond their regular work to ensure that business
THE LAST 10 YEARS – CELEBRATING OUR MILESTONES with industry, SIT has set up a number of Technology went on as usual. After the Circuit Breaker measures
Innovation Centres in the past year. They include the were implemented, staff from various divisions worked
Since our inception in 2009, we have achieved many things employment rate respectively. This is a clear sign that we Accounting Technology & Innovation Centre, a joint tirelessly to implement full home-based learning and
we can rightly be proud of. We have graduated over 9,500 are on the right track. initiative between SIT and the Singapore Accountancy conduct examinations online – the first time that online
students since 2012, established a successful Integrated Work Commission; Energy Efficiency Technology Centre, a examinations were conducted on such a large scale.
Study Programme (IWSP) that now has over 500 local and At the turn of the decade, it seemed fitting that the ‘5+5’ collaboration with the National Environment Agency; In addition, with the support from our philanthropic
foreign companies offering full-time work attachments to our festivities culminated in the Groundbreaking Ceremony for and Food Technology Innovation Centre, a shared partners and donors, the Student Relief Fund at SIT
students, and our graduates are well-received by industry. SIT’s future campus in Punggol, held on 10 September 2019.
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / President’s Message
food production facility for small batch production, (COVID-19) raised more than $800,000 in less than
We were honoured to have Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in partnership with Enterprise Singapore and JTC two months, in aid of students who were impacted by
We will continue to grow by launching quality degree officiating this ceremony and attendance from numerous Corporation. These Centres are pivotal in paving the pandemic. In the face of these challenges, I am
programmes that are valued by industry, after close ministers. We have the opportunity to build a campus the way for exchange of knowledge, sharing of heartened to see how our people here at SIT have
consultation with them and attracting talented applicants that is approachable and aspirational, fostering a vibrant manpower and resources in applied research, training risen up to the challenge.
who see the value in our applied learning pedagogy. In environment that is both inviting and inspiring. It is indeed and education.
2020, we launched two new degree programmes in Speech a rare opportunity to re-imagine what a university campus The next five years of SIT’s journey will certainly have
and Language Therapy, and Digital Communications and of the future will be and work towards realising it. SIT has come a long way. In our next chapter towards its ups and downs, but it is these values that will keep
Integrated Media. Both programmes are the first to be Punggol, it is timely that we are taking steps to us grounded and take us through any challenges that
offered by an autonomous university in Singapore, and Our co-location with JTC’s Punggol Digital District will strengthen our position as Singapore’s premier may come our way.
developed by our dedicated faculty, many of whom come facilitate the cross fertilisation of knowledge and collaboration University of Applied Learning, especially given how
from industry to impart their valuable knowledge to the opportunities among students, faculty and industry increasingly volatile the world has become.
next generation of practitioners. professionals. It will also be a ‘living lab’ that integrates
applied research and innovation for SIT and its partners.
SIT graduates continue to be highly sought-after by industry. The borderless, highly integrated learning environment will
“
Our GES results continue to validate our approach to strengthen SIT’s position as an industry-focused university of
learning – thanks, in no small part, to our supportive industry applied learning with a close nexus to the community. The
partners. We continue to set new benchmarks each year in campus can accommodate up to 12,000 students, and will GIVEN OUR CLOSE TIES WITH INDUSTRY,
spite of a tough economy. In the 2017 and 2018 Graduate serve to support Singapore in becoming a regional hub for
Employment Survey, we achieved a 92.3% and 92.5% overall digital advancements and talent development. SIT IS WELL-POSITIONED TO PIONEER THE
WORK-LEARN CONTINUUM – TO BECOME
THE NEXT FIVE YEARS – DEEPENING APPLIED LEARNING A UNIVERSITY THAT CAN PROVIDE
As we looked back on SIT’s 10-year journey, we also had the Given our close ties with industry, SIT is well-positioned to RE-SKILLING AND KNOWLEDGE
ENHANCEMENT FOR THOSE WHO ARE
future in mind. At the annual Strategic Planning Workshop pioneer the work-learn continuum – to become a university
held in August 2019, SIT updated its 5-Year Strategic Plan that can provide re-skilling and knowledge enhancement
after many months of lively debates and brainstorming
to lay out the roadmap for the next five years till FY2024.
for those who are already in the workforce, through the
facilitation of authentic learning at the workplace. To do this, ALREADY IN THE WORKFORCE, THROUGH
a National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning, or
THE FACILITATION OF AUTHENTIC
”
Over the years, SIT has established itself as a thought- NACE@SIT, has been set up in collaboration with SkillsFuture
leader in applied learning. Moving forward, we will deepen
applied learning by pioneering the work-learn continuum
Singapore to develop workplace learning capabilities for
leading companies. In the near future, SITizens as well as
LEARNING AT THE WORKPLACE.
and strengthening applied research. The concept of a work- Singaporeans will have many opportunities to enhance their
learn continuum resonated at the second Applied Learning lifelong learning journeys. As we say here at SIT: “Once a
Conference, hosted by SIT in January 2020. The discussions SITizen, always a SITizen.”
revolved around developing future-ready talents in an era of PROFESSOR TAN THIAM SOON
disruptive changes. One key takeaway was the importance of At the same time, strengthening applied research will also PRESIDENT
learning, unlearning and relearning throughout our working be our key focus in the next five years as this will enable SIT
lives in order to keep up with uncertainties and changes faculty and academic staff to anticipate changes in industry,
in today’s world. and the experience and best practices gained will, in turn,
06 07
SENIOR MANAGEMENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020 FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
Mr Ng Yat Chung - Chairman
Professor Tan Thiam Soon (appointed on 23 September 2009)
President Chief Executive Officer
(appointed on 1 February 2013) Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Dr Chia Tai Tee - Trustee
Professor Chua Kee Chaing (appointed on 16 September 2018)
Deputy President (Academic) & Provost Chief Risk Officer
(appointed on 1 September 2019) GIC Private Limited
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / Senior Management
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / Board of Trustees
Dr Richard Charles Helfer - Trustee
Mr Ronnie Tay
(appointed on 23 September 2009)
Deputy President (Administration)
& Chief Financial Officer Chairman
(appointed on 1 July 2019) RCH International Pte Ltd
Mr Chan Wing Leong Prof Heng Chye Kiang - Trustee
(appointed on 16 September 2015)
Deputy President (Campus Development)
& Chief Investment Officer Lum Chang Chair Professor,
(appointed on 1 July 2019) School of Design and Environment
National University of Singapore
Professor Loh Han Tong Ms Melissa Khoo - Trustee
Deputy President (Technical Development) (appointed on 1 December 2019)
(appointed on 1 September 2019)
Deputy Secretary (Policy)
Ministry of Education
Associate Professor Ivan B.H. Lee Dr Benjamin Koh - Trustee
Vice President (Industry & Community) (appointed on 16 September 2018)
(appointed on 1 October 2015)
Deputy Secretary (Development)
Ministry of Health
Mr Tsoi Mun Heng
Vice President (Planning) The Board of Trustees includes 3 Trustees who have served for more than 10 years. These Trustees have broad experience
(appointed on 1 April 2015) and are eminent leaders in their respective fields and their active engagement continues to contribute significantly
to SIT’s growth and strategic direction, offering continuity through critical periods. All appointments of Trustees were
endorsed by the Ministry of Education.
08 09
Mr Kwee Liong Keng - Trustee Mr Nagaraj Sivaram - Trustee
(appointed on 1 November 2017) (appointed on 16 September 2015)
Managing Director
Pontiac Land Pte Ltd
Dr Lim Khiang Wee - Trustee Mr Soon Sze Meng - Trustee
(appointed on 23 September 2009) (appointed on 16 September 2018)
Executive Director, CREATE President, International
National Research Foundation JD.com
Mrs Margaret Lui - Trustee Professor Tan Thiam Soon - Trustee
(appointed on 16 September 2015) (appointed on 1 February 2013)
Chief Executive Officer President
Azalea Asset Management Pte Ltd Singapore Institute of Technology
Mr Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor - Trustee Ms Tammie Tham - Trustee
(appointed on 16 September 2015) (appointed on 16 September 2018)
Group Chairman Chief Executive Officer
InfoFabrica Holdings Pte Ltd Ensign Infosecurity Pte Ltd
Ms Gail Ong - Trustee Mr T K Udairam - Trustee
(appointed on 16 September 2018) (appointed on 16 September 2012)
Partner, Equity Capital Markets Chief Operating Officer
WongPartnership LLP Sheares Healthcare Management Pte Ltd
Mr Quek Gim Pew - Trustee Mr Wen Khai Meng - Trustee
(appointed on 16 September 2018) (appointed on 16 September 2015)
Chief Defence Scientist Senior Advisor, Group Strategy
Ministry of Defence CapitaLand Limited
Mr Ravinder Singh - Trustee
(appointed on 16 September 2018)
President
ST Engineering Electronics Ltd
10 11
1 JUNE 2019
CAPTAIN’S BALL
2 MAY 2019
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR MAPLETREE CHALLENGE
GRAND FINAL
The Mapletree Challenge aims to equip SIT students with job
SIT has had a fruitful year filled with significant achievements and milestones. It celebrated interview and presentation skills while providing them with a
its ‘5+5’ anniversary, commemorating its 10th year of incorporation as an institute of higher test-bed to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas. Supported by
Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd, the inaugural Challenge, which
learning and fifth year as an autonomous university. began in October 2018, culminated in The Grand Final, as six
teams of students with entrepreneurial ideas for sustainable
innovations presented their business ideas before a panel of
distinguished judges. Team Trolley presented a flexible trolley
10-17 APRIL 2019
27 APRIL 2019
design to improve the workflow in a healthcare setting, and
STUDY TRIP TO CHINA clinched the Mapletree Gold award and a cash prize of $5,000. This friendly game of Captain’s Ball, held at the SIT@Dover
THE ART OF MINGLING AND Sports Hall, was the first in a series organised by the SIT
Representatives from various divisions NETWORKING WORKSHOP Alumni Sports Network. Alumni who came together for a
participated in a study trip to China, good game scored in something else too – the discovery
led by Mr Chan Wing Leong, Deputy How does one present oneself better 30 MAY 2019 of new friends who shared the love of the game.
President (Campus Development) & at the workplace through deportment
CHEERS IT’S THURSDAY!
Singapore Institute of Technology / Annual Report 2020 / Highlights of the Year
Chief Investment Officer, SIT, to visit and etiquette? At this SIT Alumni Career
technology companies and universities Network workshop held at Pan Pacific
in Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The trip The very first CheerS IT’s Thursday, a social event
Singapore and conducted by Etiquette
presented opportunities to observe the where SITizens could unwind together after work
& Image International, SITizens got some
use of smart and emerging technologies without the pressures of formal networking, drew
great tips on the importance of making
that could be deployed in SIT’s future over 50 alumni. At the Japanese gastrobar Kuro
a good first impression, as well as the
campus in Punggol, in the areas of Izakaya, they reconnected with old friends and
basic approach to the art of mingling.
IT infrastructure, library operations, made new ones from different academic clusters,
financial services, as well as innovative while enjoying a buffet dinner and drinks in the
software applications. cosy environment.
MAY
APRIL JUNE
3 MAY 2019
24 APRIL 2019 SIT SCHOLARS’ TEA SESSION 3 JUNE 2019
CXO LEAN SUMMIT 2019 INAUGURAL PHARMACEUTICAL
The SIT Scholars’ Tea Session is an annual ENGINEERING OVERSEAS
‘Transform Fire-Fighting into Lean Leadership’ was the event aimed at strengthening the bond
theme for the fourth CXO Lean Summit. It saw over 400 between SIT scholars and the university. INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT DAY
participants who heard from keynote speaker Mr John Guest speaker Thaddeus Lawrence shared
Shook, Executive Chairman, Lean Global Network (LGN), The outreach session was organised to
on ‘Resilience and Grit: Life as a Multi-Day
USA. Companies such as Four Seasons Group, Shalom provide Pharmaceutical Engineering
Marathon’ – his journey taking on multi-day
Movers Pte Ltd, and Particle Measuring Systems, Inc., who undergraduates with opportunities to work
marathons in the Sahara and Antarctica.
have embarked on Lean Transformation Innovation Centre in China for their Overseas Integrated Work
SIT scholars walked away from the event
(LTIC)’s Lean Skills Development Programme (LSDP), also Study Programme (OIWSP). Participating
understanding their key role in building
shared their lean transformation experiences and how companies GenScript showcased jobs
the name of SIT and how through sheer
they apply the five core principles of Lean and strive for available and Tessa Therapeutics shared
resilience, they can help to cultivate a
stability within their organisations. insights on living in China from a
strong student culture.
Singaporean perspective.
12 13
19-22 AUGUST 2019 10 SEPTEMBER 2019
SIT ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT 22 AUGUST 2019 SIT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
20 JUNE 2019 PROGRAMME (EDP) LAUNCH OF ACCTECH CENTRE
FSG ROADSHOW
50 SIT students and alumni attended the third SIT and Singapore Accountancy Commission jointly
run of the EDP together with 20 students from set up the Accounting Technology & Innovation (AccTech)
the Shanghai Institute of Technology. During Centre to help the accountancy industry adopt technology.
the five-day programme, the participants It is a resource centre that catalyses collaboration
shared and learnt about the development of among accounting firms, technology partners and SIT
e-commerce in China and its ‘One Belt, One to experiment and prototype innovative ideas. The Centre
Road’ initiative. The EDP also featured sharing will also provide networking opportunities with thought
by entrepreneurs from Boogle, Nimbus UAV leaders and technology partners. In addition, accounting
and Tueetor. professionals can benefit from workshops and symposiums
on advanced accounting technologies, as well as attend
training and attain certifications to upgrade their skillset.
More than $73,000 was raised in support
1 JULY 2019
of the SIT Bursary through the Faculty HO BEE AUDITORIUM NAMING CEREMONY Officiated by Guest-of-Honour, PM Lee Hsien Loong, the
& Staff Giving (FSG) initiative in 2018,
making possible 24 bursaries for
AND APPRECIATION LUNCH 20 AUGUST 2019 Groundbreaking Ceremony for SIT’s future campus in Punggol
marked the beginning of construction. The future campus will
financially disadvantaged students at Held in appreciation of the $3.25 million endowed gifts from STUDENT LEADERS be part of the Punggol Digital District that will feature a fit-for-
SIT. In appreciation of this warm-hearted Ho Bee Land, this naming ceremony and appreciation lunch TOWN HALL 2019 purpose campus, where the reimagining of higher education
support, the sixth FSG roadshow was marked the very first time that a gift was made in support of can take place within a community setting.
held at SIT@Dover. SIT faculty and SIT’s future campus in Punggol. In appreciation of Ho Bee The biannual Student Leaders Town Hall is
staff got the chance to hear from past Land’s philanthropic leadership, the future auditorium at an important platform to engage SIT student Distinguished guests at the event included Mr Teo Chee
recipients on how the SIT Bursary made Punggol (and the auditorium at SIT@Dover) was named the leaders through communication of key initiatives Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National
a difference to them. This roadshow also Ho Bee Auditorium. and a dialogue to exchange ideas. Security; Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence; Mr Ong Ye
marked the first time that FSG donors Kung, Minister for Education; Mr Ng Chee Meng, Minister,
had the choice of directing their gifts to Ho Bee Land’s generous support also made possible the Ho Participating student leaders were from various Prime Minister’s Office; Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister
AdventureLearn – a new holistic student Bee Scholarship for academically promising undergraduates Student Management Committees, Special of State, Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Communications
development platform to help students from nine degree programmes. Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister Interest, Arts & Culture, Sports Clubs and & Information; Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Parliamentary Secretary,
better understand and improve their for Education, was the Guest-of-Honour, with Dr Chua Thian Service-Learning groups. Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National
personal learning traits and approaches Poh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ho Bee Land, Development; and Mr Zainal Sapari, Member of Parliament.
to learning. among the distinguished attendees.
JULY SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
12 JULY 2019
28 JUNE 2019
PRESIDENT HALIMAH YACOB’S VISIT TO SIT
LAUNCH OF INTEGRATED 23-25 AUGUST 2019
WORK-STUDY DEGREE STUDENT ORIENTATION 2019
SIT had the honour of hosting
The new work-study pathway was launched The freshmen’s journey at SIT began with a three-day, two-night camp, connecting them
President Halimah Yacob at
in July 2019 by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for across different degree programmes and forging a sense of identity as a community of
SIT@Dover, where she spent the
Education. The Integrated Work-Study Degree SITizens. Over 1,000 students attended the orientation, which aimed to cultivate a sense
morning interacting with SITizens
is a “through-train” programme for polytechnic of belonging through experiential learning activities. Specially curated games and activities
and checking out their projects.
students aspiring to obtain a degree. Students introduced freshmen to the SIT-DNA and the university’s approach to applied learning.
These included the ‘Light Track
on this pathway may obtain both a diploma and Highlights of the camp included the Escape Room, which tested the freshmen’s teamwork
Inspection Vehicle’, a low-cost
a degree within five to seven years. The pioneer and trust in one another, as well as the inaugural Amazing Race, where freshmen had to
innovation that improves inspection
degree programme under this pathway is complete tasks across three SIT@Poly Buildings to win.
of train tracks, as well as ‘Troll-E’,
Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering.
a personal mobility device that
The first batch of seven students from Temasek
doubles up as a shopping trolley
Polytechnic have commenced their Integrated
in three quick steps.
Work-Study Degree in April 2020.
14 15
28 SEPTEMBER 2019 3 OCTOBER 2019
LEATHER CRAFT WORKSHOP DIALOGUE WITH SITIZENS 2019 18-20 OCTOBER 2019
SIT SCHOLARS’ LEADERSHIP CAMP
12 OCTOBER 2019
EXPRESSIT 2019
Our alumni seized the opportunity to join the
Leather Craft Workshop at Bynd Artisan’s
atelier in Holland Village. Presented by the SIT
Alumni Leisure Network, this turned out to be Organised by SIT students, the second Dialogue with SITizens The SIT Scholars’ Leadership Camp was held at the
one of the most popular alumni workshops was a platform for the SIT community to engage with notable West Coast Campus of the National Community
yet. The response was so overwhelming that political figures on contemporary issues facing the nation. Leadership Institute. The three-day, two-night camp saw
a second session had to be organised on Speaking on ‘Catalyst for Economic Growth: Competitive 32 newly-minted SIT Full Term and Mid Term Scholars
Organised by and featuring student artistes from the participate in workshops and team-building activities
the same day – at the end of which, SITizens Skillset’, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and
Arts and Culture clubs, the annual production promoted designed by the senior batches of SIT Scholars. Aside
proudly took home a leather cardholder that Industry, shared how the youth of today could best equip
skills and knowledge sharing among all performers. from building a sense of continuity amongst different
they had learnt to make from scratch, under themselves with the necessary skillsets to navigate their way
Themed ‘Seasons’, ExpresSIT 2019 encouraged batches of SIT Scholars, the camp also offered a platform
the guidance of experienced craftsmen. in today’s disruptive environment.
students to collaborate innovatively with one another for SIT to share its vision for its student leaders and how
to create a narrative around the four seasons – Spring, they can help in the building of SIT’s reputation.
Summer, Autumn and Winter.
OCTOBER
3 OCTOBER 2019 16-18 OCTOBER 2019
17 SEPTEMBER 2019 LAUNCH OF EETC SIT GRADUATION CEREMONY
INAUGURAL STAFF APPRECIATION DAY
The Energy Efficiency Technology Centre (EETC)
Held over six sessions at The Theatre at MediaCorp, the 2019
The inaugural Staff Appreciation Day was established by SIT in collaboration with the
Graduation Ceremony marked several records. An all-time high
was held for the SIT family as part National Environment Agency (NEA) to drive energy
of 1,868 graduates received their degree scrolls – 1,401 from
of the ‘5+5’ celebrations. A total of efficiency initiatives for Singapore’s manufacturing
SIT-conferred and SIT-joint programmes, as well as 467 from
88 staff received five- and 10-year industries. Companies can work with EETC to
programmes conferred by overseas university partners. A record
long-service awards – the first time conduct energy assessments of their facilities to
number of 13 degree programmes produced 372 pioneer graduates,
that 10-year awards were given out. establish their energy consumption standards, as
including those from Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering
A ‘Moments Exhibition’ was also well as to upskill their engineers through courses.
(Building Services), Telematics (Intelligent Transportation
put together to showcase significant EETC will also build a pipeline of engineering
Systems Engineering), and Pharmaceutical Engineering.
milestones during SIT’s journey. undergraduates with experience in energy
assessments for the industry.
16 1730 OCTOBER 2019
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE 2-4 DECEMBER 2019
INAUGURAL LOCAL
EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME
1 NOVEMBER 2019
29 OCTOBER-1 NOVEMBER 2019 NEW ALUMNI WELCOME PARTY
WELLNESS WEEK 2019
Now in its fifth year, the Recognition of Excellence
(ROE) celebrates the achievements of SIT students
and honours the generous donors whose support had
nurtured student excellence. Held at the SIT@Dover
Sports Hall, the year’s turnout was the largest yet. Close The Local Experience Programme (LEP) is part of the Aircraft
to 800 attendees, including SIT’s donors and friends, Systems Engineering (ASE) degree programme developed
SIT’s eighth New Alumni Welcome Party was back at
SIT senior management, faculty and staff, as well as the by SIT, in collaboration with SIA Engineering Company.
the Hard Rock Café Singapore at Orchard, where more
award and scholarship recipients and their loved ones, The LEP provides ASE students with an opportunity to learn
To raise awareness on the effects of stress on mental than 280 new alumni, SIT senior management, faculty
came together for this key university event. A total of about the broad spectrum of industrial work and gain a better
health and to build a sense of community and peer and staff, as well as representatives from SIT’s overseas
98 Book Prizes, Awards and Gold Medals, and 168 non- understanding of the aerospace community in Singapore.
support, a series of activities was held across all six SIT university partners had a rolling good time. Over a
bonded scholarships were given out by Prof Tan Thiam During their LEP, the students visited seven MRO companies
campuses. Students shared messages of support and sumptuous buffet dinner, the merrymakers enjoyed
Soon, President and Prof Chua Kee Chaing, Deputy – ST Engineering Aerospace, Eagle Services Asia, GE Aviation,
contributed songs that helped them through hard times energetic performances and took part in party games.
President (Academic) and Provost. Honeywell, Singapore Component Solutions, Thales and SAESL
to a shared Spotify playlist – poSITive Vibes. They were Lucky party-goers also won attractive prizes such as an
also given tips on coping with stress as well as various Apple Watch Nike+, Dyson Supersonic Dryer and DJI – to understand the technologies, processes, and career paths
support resources. Osmo Pocket Camera from the lucky draw. within the aerospace industry.
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
29 OCTOBER 2019 13 NOVEMBER 2019
24 OCTOBER 2019 SINGAPORE ENERGY AWARD (SEA) 2019 SIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS AND APPRECIATION CEREMONY
5 DECEMBER 2019
COMMUNITY CARE INDUSTRY
SIT was presented with the Singapore Energy Award (SEA) Close to 300 guests, including Mr Ng Yat Chung, LINKEDIN 101 WORKSHOP
NETWORKING DAY 2019 2019 for Capabilities Development for its pioneering Chairman, SIT Board of Trustees, SIT senior
role in leading manpower development in power management, SIT Scholars, as well as their More than 50 alumni and graduating
To raise awareness of careers in the community care setting, engineering. Held in conjunction with the Singapore students visited the LinkedIn offices
invited guests, attended this flagship event.
the Community Care Industry Networking Day was organised International Water Week 2019, the biennial SEA recognises at Marina Bay Financial Centre for an
The ceremony welcomed 32 newly-appointed
by SIT with support from the Agency for Integrated Care and outstanding contributions to Singapore’s energy sector informational workshop on the popular
SIT Scholars, and celebrated the achievements
National Council of Social Service. The event saw participation in the areas of capabilities development and innovation. social platform for professional networking
of its 19 graduating scholars as well. At the same
from 24 organisations, and was attended by the first cohort SIT was acknowledged as the first local institute of higher and career development. Participants
time, as part of SIT’s ’5+5’ celebrations, the
of Dietetics and Nutrition students, as well as Year 1 students learning to offer a dedicated Electrical Power Engineering learned how to optimise their LinkedIn
event saw more than 20 graduated SIT Scholars
from the Allied Health and Nursing programmes. undergraduate degree, which has helped groom talent profile to benefit their careers.
attending the event and sharing their industry
for the sector. experiences with their juniors.
18 193 JANUARY 2020 15 JANUARY 2020
SITIZEN AMBASSADOR INVESTITURE 2020 CAREER NEXUS 2020
12 MARCH 2020
SITizen Ambassadors are students who embody the core For the first time, Career Nexus 2020 was MAPLETREE INNOVATION AND
values of the SIT-DNA, who help co-create the present organised as a single event offering both
and future of SIT as a premier University of Applied IWSP and full-time employment opportunities ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM
Learning. In September 2019, the first group of SITizen for students. The largest SIT career event to
The second edition of the Forum – part of The Mapletree Challenge
Ambassadors was selected through a rigorous interview date saw participation from 177 companies
organised by SIT and supported by Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd –
process. This multi-divisional programme calls for the and over 1,700 students from 24 degree
featured a hybrid structure due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A panel of
SITizen Ambassadors to serve and represent the university programmes. Highlights of Career Nexus
top industry leaders came together for an evening of idea-sharing on
through hosting networking events, as well as outreach included industry sharing and networking
entrepreneurship and innovation held before a group of about 50
and facilitation programmes. The event marks the start sessions, as well as a series of recruitment
participants at SIT@Dover. ‘Watch parties’ were also held among the
of their journey. talks and career-essential activities for
SIT community, as the forum was streamed live to the public via the
graduating students.
SIT Facebook page, with viewers sending in their questions during
the audience participation segment.
11-12 JANUARY 2020
10 DECEMBER 2019 SIT OPEN HOUSE 2020
30-31 JANUARY 2020
NIGHT@THE PROJECTOR The SIT Open House, held at Suntec Convention
and Exhibition Centre, marked the start of the 2020
APPLIED LEARNING CONFERENCE 2020
At The Projector, one of Singapore’s Admissions Exercise. The flagship event highlighted
hidden cineplex gems, SITizens were three elements of SIT – range of undergraduate and Organised by SIT and held at Sands Expo and Convention
treated to a special cinema experience. postgraduate degree programmes, outstanding Centre, the second Applied Learning Conference was graced
There, they enjoyed a delicious student projects, and state-of-the-art lab equipment. by Guest-of-Honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education, and
buffet spread and networking session SIT also continued to feature ‘Stories of SITizens’ as was attended by more than 400 local and overseas academia and
before settling in to find out all about well as ‘Singularly Talented SITizens’, which presented industry partners. Compelling discourses revolving around the
‘Parasite’, the acclaimed South Korean narratives of its current students, scholars and alumni, theme of ‘Developing Future-Ready Talents in An Era of Disruptive
film that would go on to win the Oscar as well as endorsements from parents of SITizens. The Change’ were facilitated. Featuring renowned thought leaders, the
and several major awards. event saw close to 5,000 visitors over the weekend and conference provided a platform for various education trends and
a record 7,600 attendees at the talk sessions. perspectives, concepts of applied learning
and international best practices to be shared.
JANUARY
MARCH
9-14 MARCH 2020
6-31 JANUARY 2020 17 JANUARY 2020 SIT DISCOVERY SERIES
INSTITUTE-VARSITY-POLYTECHNIC LEADERSHIP APPRECIATION
The inaugural SIT Discovery Series was
GAMES (IVP GAMES) Held for the first time at SIT@Dover, this conceptualised in view of SIT’s precautionary
inaugural ceremony celebrated the measures to safeguard the community against
IVP Games 2020 was a celebratory year in the university’s sporting calendar. philanthropic leadership of SIT’s donors COVID-19. It replaced the annual SIT Discovery
SIT athletes competed against 12 other institutions and clinched its biggest who nurture students through various forms Day event and provided an opportunity for
achievement to date, with a total of eight podium finishes. It was history of financial aid. In the decade preceding, prospective students, and their parents, to
in the making for the Track and Field team as they bagged SIT’s first Gold these donors had made possible 2,572 find out more about SIT’s degree programme
medal at the IVP. The Bowling team also achieved an individual Gold and a bursaries, grants and other forms of offerings and the admission processes through
team Bronze in the Women’s category with an impressive display of strength financial aid for our less privileged but a series of webinar sessions. The virtual series
and precision. The SIT Women’s Floorball and Netball teams also made deserving students, many of whom were saw over 11,000 unique prospective students
their debut in the competition after qualifying through the Singapore University the first in their families to attend university. and parents tuning into the webinars via Zoom
Games (SUniG) for the first time. Close to 200 attendees participated in the and Facebook. The week-long event was held in
afternoon’s festivities. tandem with other online efforts such as the ‘Let’s
Get Real’ talk show series on Facebook, which
averaged 10,000 views per programme.
20 212019 was a milestone year for SIT as we
celebrated our 10th year of incorporation as an
institute of higher learning and our 5th year as
an autonomous university.
We have accomplished much because of the
passion, enthusiasm and hard work of all those
who have been, and continue to be, a part of
the SIT story.
Here are 10 key moments in our ‘5+5’ history.
22 23As for boosting employment, he This is how he explained what it helped retrenched workers get back on
sought not just to draw groups like had set out to do at the start of the their feet quickly.
AFTER a year of being on the defen- Said Mr Lim: “Even though we had
sive, the labour movement now wants women and older workers back to year: “Less pain for the worker, less
work, but also make better use of pain for the companies, less pain for not been able to keep retrenchment ze-
to go on the offensive. ro, we made every effort possible to
Yesterday, labour chief Lim Swee PMETs. the Singapore economy in a downturn
“We hope the re-employment rate and hopefully, more gain for the work- make sure not every retrenched work-
Say gave a bullish outlook for the job er has to end up being unemployed. So
market in the coming year, saying the can be further increased, the structur- ers, businesses, economy in an up-
al unemployment can be further re- turn.” if you are retrenched, very quickly we
National Trades Union Congress retrain them and get them back to
duced and more importantly, un- On both counts, he said, the NTUC
(NTUC) wants to get Singapore back work again.”
KEY MOMENTS IN THE SIT JOURNEY
der-employment among the mid- had been largely successful.
to full employment next year as well dle-aged PMETs can be further avoid- NTUC’s Employment and Employa-
He noted that Singapore was
as ramp up efforts for groups like the ed through retraining, reskilling,” he among only a handful of countries bility Institute (e2i) found jobs for
PMETs (professionals, managers, exec- said. that can boast a low unemployment 16,000 of the 27,000 that went to it
utives and technicians), who have Mr Lim, NTUC’s secretary- rate (less pain) and a quick recovery for help.
been severely hit in this downturn. general, was speaking at a press confer- from the downturn (more gain). For 59-year-old Sim Bai Hai, “less
“This year was the year of the de- ence, alongside his colleagues, to re- The Singapore economy grew by pain” was the story of his year. He lost
fensive play – save jobs and keep re- view the labour movement’s work this 14.2 per cent in the third quarter over his job in the textile industry in Au-
trenchment down,” he said. year and to give a peek into its plans the second quarter. Latest official fig- gust, but was back in the workforce as
“The year 2010 is going to be the for the year ahead. ures put the unemployment rate at 3.4 a security guard by October after at-
year of the offensive play. We are go- Details of its plans will be unveiled per cent. In contrast, the United tending courses in e2i.
ing all out to score goals, to pursue in February when it holds its Work- States economy grew by only 2.8 per “I just stayed positive and tried to
higher economic growth, to pursue plan Seminar. It decided to wait until cent during the same period, while its learn new things,” he said.
stronger job creation, to lower the un- the Economic Strategies Committee re- unemployment rate hit 10 per cent. jeremyau@sph.com.sg
Board to chart
home budget debate
THE STRAITS TIMES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 2010 PAGE B10
SIT’S JOURNEY BEGAN
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Degrees for poly
ates every year.
Dr Ng said that with the opening of the
Singapore University of Technology and De-
sign next year and the expansion of SIT pro- Courses offered by 5 top institutes path for poly grads
seeking degrees
grammes, the Government will be on track
grads launched
to meet the 2015 target of having 30 per cent Technical University of Munich The two degrees it will offer
of a cohort attend university. (Technische Universitat are: Bachelor of Science,
Noting that SIT’s partners were picked Munchen) has produced 15 Nobel specialising in real-time
for their high academic standing and strong
Prize winners and 10 recipients of interactive simulation/game
industry links, he said all institutes of higher
the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz design and Bachelor of Arts,
learning must strive to be the best in their
Prize, the highest German specialising in production
class globally. “This is the best way to serve
Singaporean students, because they are then research prize. animation/game design.
assured that their graduation certificates are It is among nine elite schools
Admission process begins universities. Fees will be about $18,000 over
the two years. worth something and will not diminish over that receive national funding for
research under the German
The Culinary Institute of
America is among the best and its
today for 8 courses from The SIT’s five partner institutions are
top-notch in their fields of specialisation.
time,” he added.
The Education Ministry said faculty mem- Universities Excellence Initiative. students have become leading
chefs and restaurant owners as A 14-MEMBER high-level board has been appoint-
IN 2009 TO PROVIDE
bers from partner universities will be in- TUM will offer three
5 top foreign institutions They include the Technical University of Mu-
nich, the German science and engineering in- volved in teaching students. specialisations: microelectronics,
well as media personalities.
Its alumni include Anthony ed by the Education Ministry to chart new direc-
stitution which has produced 15 Nobel prize Students will also enjoy industrial attach- integrated circuit design and
Bourdain (author, chef and TV
tions for polytechnic graduates seeking a university
BY SANDRA DAVIE winners; the Culinary Institute of America ments, internships and exchange pro- automation.
01
host) and Roy Yamaguchi
SENIOR WRITER (CIA), consistently ranked as the best culi- grammes at partner universities. (author, restaurant owner and
Dr Ng also revealed that his ministry will Newcastle University is a
nary school in the United States; and the
THE Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) DigiPen Institute of Technology, dubbed the
Harvard for video game developers.
invest up to $1 billion to increase capacity at
the five polytechnics.
member of the Russell Group, an
association of leading
former TV Iron Chef).
Details of the degree course education, with a strong industry focus.
will start running foreign university degree research-intensive universities in will be confirmed soon.
programmes for polytechnic graduates in Au-
gust, earlier than originally planned.
The other two are the University of Ne-
vada, Las Vegas, ranked in the top two for
This means that by 2015, 45 per cent of a
Primary 1 cohort can access polytechnic edu-
cation, up from the 42 per cent now.
Britain.
The Bachelor of Engineering in
The University of Nevada, Las Heading the board of the new Singapore Insti-
hospitality programmes in the US; and the Vegas William F. Harrah College
SIT initially planned to start offering the
courses next year.
University of Newcastle, part of the prestig-
ious Russell Group of universities in Britain.
The five polytechnics took in about
25,000 students last year.
Marine Technology programme it
will offer has three
of Hotel Administration is
consistently ranked in the top
tute of Technology (SIT) is Mr Ng Yat Chung, a sen-
But Education Minister Ng Eng Hen said specialisations: naval
yesterday “good progress” had been made
and as a result, SIT can start its degree pro-
The SIT, now headquartered in North
Bridge Road, says the admission process will
Polytechnic graduate Terence Chuah,
who studied culinary management at Te-
masek Polytechnic, was impressed that SIT
architecture, marine engineering
and offshore engineering.
two for hospitality undergraduate
programmes in the United States. ior managing director at investment house Temasek
take a student’s grades, extra-curricular ac-
Holdings.
grammes ahead of time. Its alumni include Mr Scott
tivities and personal qualities into account. was able to bring in the renowned CIA.
The admission process for eight degree DigiPen Institute of Sibella, president of Mirage Hotel
Work experience will be key and all candi- The 22-year-old, who is now in national
programmes from five top institutions rang- Technology’s graduates are and Casino, and Mr George
The institute will manage and implement degree
dates will be subject to interviews. service, said: “I used to dream of going to
highly sought after by top game Maloof, owner and chief
ing from culinary arts to video game design Dr Ng made the announcement when he CIA. It would have cost at least $200,000 in
fees and living expenses over four years. My developers and publishers such as executive of The Palms Casino
will now start today. spoke about expanding university places fur-
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
The Government will provide a roughly 75
per cent fee subsidy for the two-year degree
ther this year.
The SIT will add more degree pro-
parents don’t have that kind of money.
“But with CIA here and the subsidy, it is
Nintendo, Electronic Arts,
Lucas-Arts, Sony, Microsoft and
Dreamworks.
Resort.
It will offer a Bachelor of
Science in hotel administration.
programmes offered by foreign universities in part-
nership with the five polytechnics.
courses – the same as the subsidies it pro- grammes over the next few years and eventu- within my reach. I can’t wait.”
vides for undergraduates at the three local ally offer 2,000 places to polytechnic gradu- sandra@sph.com.sg
The SIT board, made up of key individuals from
Language teaching will not ‘swing to extreme’
“So, I hope the MOE does not adopt a
defeatist attitude when reviewing the
teaching of mother tongues and end up
eroding our language environment to our
medicine, telecommunications, law and Govern-
BY CLARISSA OON nese, Malay and Indian homes. those who speak Malay or Tamil languag- ing how Chinese language proficiency is
own detriment,” she said.
The call to have more creative meth- ment, has also appointed Professor Tan Chin Tiong
The review, led by the Director-Gener- es as markets in Indonesia, Malaysia and tested, taking a leaf from overseas exami- ods of teaching Chinese, rather than low-
CHINESE language teaching will remain al of Education Ho Peng, will be complet- India expand,” he added.
ed at the year’s end, said Dr Ng.
nation models tailored for students with
A perennial hot-button issue, Chinese little or no exposure to Chinese at home.
ering standards, was also made by Work-
ers’ Party leader Low Thia Khiang (Hou-
as its president.
tailored to students’ abilities, with oral
skills emphasised for the majority, and
ample opportunity for the best to go as
It will redesign the mother tongue cur- language standards have resurfaced as a But Mrs Josephine Teo (Bishan-Toa
riculum to recognise “the wider range of topic of debate in recent months. The Payoh GRC) warned yesterday against
gang), Nominated MP Teo Siong Seng
and Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tanjong Pagar Prof Tan was the founding member of the Singa-
pore Management University and has been its prov-
far as they can. starting points and prior backgrounds of Ministry of Education (MOE) had said it basing the review “on the assumption GRC).
Education Minister Ng Eng Hen gave our pupils, and devise customised ap- was reviewing the curriculum now that that (the mother tongues) have become Replying, Dr Ng said Singapore would
this reassurance yesterday to four Mem- proaches”, Dr Ng said. six in 10 ethnic Chinese students entering more like foreign languages in Singa- not swing to the extreme of teaching the
ost and deputy president since 1999.
FOR POLYTECHNIC
bers of Parliament, who cautioned Far from losing its bilingual edge, Sin- Primary 1 come from predominantly Eng- pore”. mother tongues as foreign languages. He
gapore wants to strengthen it by not alien- lish-speaking homes. urged teachers to take advantage of the
Wagainst
E D N lowering
E S D AChinese
Y M Alanguage
R C H stand-
10, 1 0 the● majority of M
2 0ating I C A with
( P ) moth-
1 0 7 / 1 2The
/ 2 0last
0 9Chinese language
W E B Sreview pThe
a p MP,
e r . who
I T E :sixm yParliamentary chairs the Government
s gCommittee
ards across the board.
The exchange came amid an ongoing
students for Education,
er tongue lessons pitched at too difficult years ago introduced a modular curricu- noted the popularity of Chinese-language
mass media and pop culture to encourage
students to use these languages daily. “Over the years, more and better students are
review of how the three mother tongues a level for them, he clarified. lum pegged to students’ abilities. media here, as well as how Mandarin and More details on how language teaching
are taught in schools, given that the moth- “With the rise of China, being bilin- New changes in the pipeline, revealed Chinese dialects can be heard every day and curriculum will be tweaked will be an- opting for polytechnic education. SIT will offer new
er tongue is now used less often in Chi- PARL I AMENT
gual is a valuable cachet. Similarly too for by Dr Ng last December, include modify- in public places.
NAVIGATOR
nounced in Parliament today.
degree opportunities in Singapore to this large pool
New institute: Diplomas to degrees Possible use of
Medisave for
of students,” Prof Tan said.
“I look forward to the many challenges ahead for
health screenings
BY SIA LING XIN timates for the Education Minis-
OVERSEAS UNIVERSITY PARTNERS under study SIT and believe that it will contribute significantly
try (MOE) yesterday, he said
A2 to the new landscape of higher education in Singa-
A
that the SIT and other higher in- Overseas University Programme Offered
NATIONAL institute, stitutes of learning will act as en-
pore.”
GRADUATES
set up to help diploma gines to power Singapore’s next Technical University of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
holders upgrade their Munich (TUM), Germany and Information Technology
qualifications to a degree from
phase of growth as a knowl-
edge- and innovation-driven University of Newcastle Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Technology Romanian embassy SIT will work with the foreign universities to of-
foreign universities, will start economy. upon Tyne (NU), UK with Honours in Naval Architecture driver got series fer degree courses but the classes will be mostly
classes from August – a year The renowned universities Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Technology of phone calls
ahead of schedule.
The Singapore Institute of
that the SIT is partnering will
“add value and recognition to
with Honours in Marine Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Technology from Silviu Ionescu conducted at the five polytechnic campuses.
Technology (SIT), which was es-
tablished last year, will be offer-
our polytechnic diplomas as
they provide advanced stand-
with Honours in Off-shore Engineering A3 The institute intends to offer places for 2,000
ing eight degree programmes –
in fields such as culinary arts
ing”, he said.
Polytechnic graduates will al-
DigiPen Institute of
Technology (DigiPen), USA
Bachelor of Science with specialisation in
Real-Time Interactive Simulation/Game Design full-time and 1,500 part-time students yearly by
and video-game design – from
five top overseas institutions.
so be able to obtain degrees af-
Bachelor1 students
Compassvale Secondary
Macbeth underProduction
of Arts Yeo
withJinspecialisation
the North StarAnimation/
Education Programme,
Game Design
in Gang, both 12, acting out a scene from Shakespeare’s
Hua (left) and Edmund
Indonesia’s
which aims to develop students David
holistically. ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM 2015. The full-time courses are expected to last two
ter only two years instead of
For a start, about 500 vacan- three or four years, he added. Culinary Institute of Bachelor of Professional Studies in Culinary Gurnani is Asia’s years while the part-time courses can take up to
cies in all will be available
across the eight courses, but the
Singaporean students will
have their course fees subsidised
America (CIA), USA Learning about confidence,
Arts Management
Madam Asvinder Kaur, who
Biggest
teaches EnglishLoser and literature to-
gether in a subject known as Lan- four years.
exact number for each course
will depend on the demand and
by the MOE.
Other than fresh polytechnic
University of Nevada,
Las Vegas (UNLV), USA character – from Macbeth A15
Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration guage Arts, noted that “lessons
now have a lot of hands-on activi-
ties” and are focused on the proc- Since 2007, six foreign universities have part-
ideal cohort size. graduates, those with work expe- ess of learning rather than just
nered three local polytechnics to offer niche de-
SOURCE: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
The institute aims to in- rience are encouraged to apply. BY YEO SHANG LONG Shakespeare play. the outcomes alone.
The Secondary 1 students then HOMEStudent Umairah
A2-A6
Saidon, 13,
crease this number to 2,000 in
five years’ time.
This is because “their maturi- Chua, 18, welcomes the SIT,
MACBETH, when overseas
as taught at Com- because
form groups,of each
theof which
high is allo- said: “Macbeth taught us how to grees in areas such as optometry and early child-
Singapore Institute of Applied Technology (SIAT) was incorporated
ty and real-world knowledge she does not want passvale costsincul-
Secondary School,
to go abroad. involved.
catedIt’s a great
a scene idea
from the play. They WORLD
respect others and not A8-A11
to only
Classes are starting ahead of
time because the SIT has made
will bring valuable perspectives
into the classroom and add val-
She plans to apply for its
literature, butho-
to bring
cates not only an appreciation
also character
grammes
brainstorm
for some ideas onpro-
of those acting out
the scene and getting props and
and here, and I like how
think about yourself.”
Yeo Jin Hua, 12, who played hood education.
tel-administrationconfidence.
course after they are tailored costumes. In the process, the stu- TECHNOLOGY A12
Macbeth, said his group was ini-
good progress on this major ef-
fort, said Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minis-
ue to the strong industry rele-
vance of SIT’s degree offerings”, graduating next year.
tion Programme –technic a schooleducation
to match poly-
Under the North Star Educa- dents learn how to work together
as a team. so that it
tially caught up in “complaining Currently, just 300 students are enrolled in the
MOTORING A13
about who was doing the most
ter for Education, yesterday. an SIT spokesman said. She said: “There arethatmany takes only
stu- twoTheir
years.”
efforts culminate in a work, and who was doing no
two-year degree programmes run by the six over-
in September 2009 to provide more opportunities for polytechnic
scheme aims to develop
In a debate on the Budget es- Polytechnic student Vanessa people who cannotdents holistically
afford lingxin@sph.com.sg
to go – students also play staged in class, giving them a work”. “But eventually we
ENTERTAINMENT A14-A15
learn about the pitfalls of greed chance to hone their public speak-
and jealousy when studying the ing skills.
stopped complaining and learnt
to work together,” he said. seas universities.
LIFESTYLE A16
Indonesia 4th varsity’s fees to go up progressively
Indonesian police’s counterter- and carry out the 2002 Bali
graduates to obtain recognised degrees. Just six months later,
rorism squad on an Internet kiosk bombings, which killed 202 peo- VIEWPOINTS A17
in Pamulang, Banten province. ple on the Indonesian resort is-
kills top most-wanted leaders
THE first few batches of students
Dulmatin wasentering
one theof Singapore
the land,
of the
of Technology
most of
University
The $11,000 in fees that the will, like leading American univer-
them
first SUTDforeign will pay ac- SPORTS
cohorts tour- A18-A19
sities, have a more equitable
ists.(SUTD) counts for 17 per cent of the total ing model based on endowment,
and Design
fund-
JI fugitive
Jemaah Islamiah will subsidised yearly fees of fees, Dr Ng said. But once facili- BUSINESS
(JI)paymilitant scholarships and grants. A20-A23
about $11,000 – but future“He under-wastiesshotare dead
set up, just fivewill pay
students Students in such institutions
SIT was launched to offer polytechnic graduates more choice
group. He was an Al-Qaeda- minutes
graduates will pay significantly after
morehe thanlogged onofto
25 per cent the fees. are asked to pay much higher fees
trained bomb-makingmore. special- fees for degree pro- as they would be the “prime bene-
the Internet,”Annual a counterterror-
Ja- Uni- IN CHINESE SECTION
ist with a US$10-million
This, Education Minister Ng grammes at the Nanyang Techno- ficiaries” after graduating from
ism-squad
is so that member told The
JAKARTA Eng Hen said
(S$14.6-million) bounty on yesterday,
his
States’ ofkarta
students bear a fair share
head under the United
for the recruitment
logical University,
Post newspaper.
National
top faculty pore Management University Which
of costs versity of Singapore and Singa-
these prestigious universities.
stocksschemes will
But he gave the assurance that
adequate financial
READ ALL
TV footage showed police tocar-
$10,000, will
be in take
ONE of the region’s most want- offwill still main- ABOUT
of obtaining a specialised degree, in collaboration with renowned
Rewards for Justice pro-
and for state-of-the-art facilities range from $6,000 place. “We
ed terror suspects, Dulmatin ali- gramme. at Singapore’s fourthrying an orange
university, body bag
but medicine and to an stu- tain our standing policy for SUTD
dentistry
as Joko Pitono, was yesterday SHOT DEAD: Dulmatin died in scheduled to open next year.
Believed to be in his
dents pay close to $19,000. with
that nothe IRs?
student who can benefit
The late 30s, currently sub-
killed in a raid conducted by the a police raid on an Internet kiosk. he is accused of helping
Government
sidises 75JIper cent of CONTINUED
plan course fees tute
at the three autonomous universi-
Using the Massachusetts Insti- from its education will be denied
ON ofWORLD A8 – which charg- B7
Technology
es about $53,000 yearly – as an
that opportunity due to lack of
means.”
IT IN DL
ties with students paying the rest. example, Dr Ng said the SUTD LEOW SI WAN
TOMORROW
overseas universities.
HIDDEN iPHONE SHORTCUTS
PARTNERING
Impress even veteran users
REPUTABLE
OVERSEAS
UNIVERSITIES
SIT’s first five Overseas University (OU) partners were reputable
names in the fields of engineering, game design and hospitality.
This approach set the foundations for offering specialised,
02
industry-relevant degrees.
24 25You can also read
