Latest news with #EarlyAdmissionsExercise
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
First batch of polytechnic EAE students graduated five years ago. Where are they now?
Ms Vernice Vee, a pharmacist at Singapore General Hospital, entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic via the early admissions route. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – The polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) scheme that started in 2017 has provided an alternative admission pathway for students with strong aptitude and interest in an area. Around 14,500 students from secondary schools and ITE applied for early admission in academic year 2025, and around 6,000 applicants received an offer, an increase from 5,500 the year before. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Early bird: 4 tips to secure a spot in poly with EAE
Ms Shaanthinii Chandramogan (far right) took on the role of a producer during her internship at Resorts World Sentosa at Halloween Horror Nights 12 on Nov 2, 2024. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHAANTHINII CHANDRAMOGAN Early bird: 4 tips to secure a spot in poly with EAE The TL;DR: An ITE graduate who succeeded in the poly Early Admissions Exercise says it's critical to take advantage of every experience – even the bad ones – to make your application shine. During her final year at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Ms Shaanthinii Chandramogan got a second shot at securing her polytechnic placement via the E arly A dmissions E xercise (EAE), and made it count. In Secondary 5 , she successfully applied for Ngee Ann Polytechnic's early childhood development and education course through the EAE, but had her conditional offer revoked after failing to meet the admission criteria. She went to ITE instead. For two years, Ms Chandramogan was enrolled in the Higher Nitec in hospitality operations course and hoped to continue pursuing it in polytechnic. In 2021, she was offered her first choice – Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) diploma in hospitality and tourism management – through EAE. Current final-year ITE students can apply for the 2025 EAE from June 12 to 18. Ms Chandramogan, now 23 and set to start university soon , shares four tips on how to strengthen your EAE application. 1. It's good to prepare a portfolio, even if your desired course doesn't require one. Although a portfolio was not compulsory for her diploma, Ms Chandramogan created a simple website and Google D rive featuring photographs, certificates and reflections from past activities – such as her secondary school Girl Guides co-curricular activity (CCA) and community service leadership programme Mission X in ITE . 'Hospitality and tourism courses have a large chunk of event planning involved, so I wanted to show that I already had some relevant exposure. 'Even for non-art courses, you can still create a portfolio about your CCAs and experiences.' Ms Janice Neo, assistant director of communication and outreach at NYP, said: 'ITE students usually graduate with valuable hands-on experience and practical skills. 'They should showcase any course-relevant projects, internships, or work experience from their time at ITE in their application and interview.' At NYP, portfolios are mandatory only for all School of Design and Media courses. 2. No activity is too small when it comes to demonstrating your interest. Relating her experiences to the hospitality and tourism management industry, Ms Chandramogan listed a variety of roles in her application. These included leadership positions, participation in fund-raising projects, emceeing and volunteer work. 'For hospitality, people will also say that they helped their family host a dinner party, which might seem small, but it's the little things that add up. 'Even helping to design a poster for your classroom shows your genuine passion for the course.' She also recommended LinkedIn as a platform for ITE students to list their skills and knowledge. Ms Neo said : 'Students with relevant background have a great advantage, but unique experiences and passion can make any application stand out just as much.' 3. Be ready to elaborate on any points highlighted in your application. Ms Chandramogan focused on supplementing responses to possible questions about her portfolio. 'Whatever you include, be ready to substantiate it,' she said. Apart from talking about her six-month internship working at a hotel, she recalled having to briefly describe how she prepared for past emceeing gigs and overcame nervousness. She recommended formulating responses to potential interview questions in advance, but cautioned against having 'memorised' answers. Ms Shaanthinii Chandramogan delivering a speech during her polytechnic graduation ceremony in May 2025. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHAANTHINII CHANDRAMOGAN Despite applying to different polytechnics and courses, Ms Chandramogan and her twin sister, who both participated in the EAE in 2021 , would exchange feedback on their application write-ups, portfolios and interview answers. She noted that the way she spoke and presented herself during the interview mattered as well. 'Try not to use Singlish – the interviewers don't expect you to be perfect but make sure you get the basics right.' 4. Don't be afraid to talk about your flaws or negative experiences. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, which can be conducted solo or in groups. For Ms Chandramogan, it was an online meeting with two lecturers and around five other applicants from ITE. When requested to recount either a good or bad aspect of their internship, most of the other interviewees opted to share a favourable experience. 'It was the safe choice, so I almost did it too,' said Ms Chandramogan. However, she made the quick decision to bring up a difficult interaction she had with a customer who accused the hotel staff of stealing her wallet. Ms Chandramogan talked about how dealing with the customer over a phone call helped her become a 'better hospitality worker '. She recalled seeing the lecturers smile at her after hearing her response and felt that she stood a stronger chance afterwards. 'Don't shy away from talking about experiences that show growth. 'Lecturers also have experience in the industry so they appreciate the honesty and reflection over a perfect answer.' Ms Neo said: 'ITE students have solid foundations in skills-based learning and are encouraged to show their strong technical skills, good problem-solving abilities, and the ability to apply what they've learnt in real-world situations.' What you need to know about EAE applications Offers are given before the O-level examinations or the release of the final g rade p oint a verage (GPA) for Nitec or Higher Nitec. However, they are conditional – students must fulfil certain requirements to confirm their admission. Applicants must meet a net aggregate score (ELR2B2) of 26 points or better for all diplomas outside of nursing for the O-level examinations, as well as the minimum entry requirements of the course they are offered. Meanwhile, final-year ITE students have to attain a final net GPA of 2.0 or better for Higher Nitec, or 3.5 or better for Nitec . Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
New Paper
28-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Secondary school dropout, 36, graduates top of his cohort at Republic Polytechnic
When Mr Muhammad Haikal Nekla dropped out of secondary school at 16 due to family issues and began working full-time to help support them, he intended to go back to complete his education some day. He made good on the promise only many years later. "When I made the decision to drop out, I told my principal that I would continue my education one day, but I never got around to it," he said. A discussion with some Republic Polytechnic (RP) interns he was supervising at the restaurant chain where he worked spurred him to return to school at the age of 33, in 2021. "They shared that (polytechnics) took a more hands-on approach to learning, where theories are applied to real-life problems. That was what interested me the most," said Mr Haikal, who was then an assistant manager at Fish & Co. After more than 15 years of working as waiter, barista and manager in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, Mr Haikal enrolled in RP's diploma of restaurant and culinary operations programme in 2022 via the Early Admissions Exercise, which is open to working adults. In May, the 36-year-old became the valedictorian of RP's School of Hospitality with a grade point average of 3.79. He was among more than 4,500 graduates from 79 diploma programmes across the polytechnic. Mr Haikal was worried at first about fitting in with the other students, as he was more than twice the age of some of them. But he soon earned their respect, and his schoolmates affectionately called him "Uncle Haikal". He also had to make some sacrifices to go back to school. Mr Haikal, who is not married, had to dip into his savings during his time to polytechnic to care for his mother and grandmother. Fortunately, he received financial support to pay his school fees via a bursary in his first-year and the bond-free Sands Hospitality Scholarship for his second and third years. Still, he continued to work, clocking in 16 hours weekly as a part-time supervisor at Fish & Co to support his family. He said: "My mum was briefly hospitalised in 2022 and my grandmother had kidney failure in 2023, so I had a lot on my plate." Having to care for his family while working and studying meant that he would sometimes sleep for only four hours a day. "Some days, I would come home from work or school to complete my assignments. Then at midnight, I would take a taxi to my grandmother's place to take care of her." Mr Muhammad Haikal and his mother during his Republic Polytechnic graduation ceremony. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD HAIKAL When asked what got him through that period of time, he gave props to his family and friends: "I'm not too sure how I got through it either, but it helped that I had support from the people around me." Mr Haikal said that one of the reasons he succeeded academically in RP was his industry experience. "The curriculum was designed so that my experience gave me a strong foundation," he said. He also learnt from his younger schoolmates. "Even though they are much younger than I am, they can still do some things better than I can, and I've been able to absorb and learn from," he added. His biggest takeaway from his time at RP is this: "It doesn't matter how old you are - it's important to be open-minded. Whether you're young or old, there's always something to learn and take away from others." Mr Muhammad Haikal (second row, middle) and his friends during his Republic Polytechnic graduation ceremony. PHOTO: REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC With his diploma has come a chance for him to make a career pivot - Mr Haikal has been accepted into the National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences, where he plans to study for a bachelor's degree in social work. "I don't think that F&B and social work are that different. You're able to interact with and learn the stories of people from all walks of life," he said. "The main difference is that I'm able to walk with them through their journeys as a social worker."
AsiaOne
28-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Secondary school dropout, 36, graduates top of his cohort at Republic Polytechnic, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — When Muhammad Haikal Nekla dropped out of secondary school at 16 due to family issues and began working full-time to help support them, he intended to go back to complete his education some day. He made good on the promise only many years later. "When I made the decision to drop out, I told my principal that I would continue my education one day, but I never got around to it," he said. A discussion with some Republic Polytechnic (RP) interns he was supervising at the restaurant chain where he worked spurred him to return to school at the age of 33, in 2021. "They shared that (polytechnics) took a more hands-on approach to learning, where theories are applied to real-life problems. That was what interested me the most," said Haikal, who was then an assistant manager at Fish & Co. After more than 15 years of working as waiter, barista and manager in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, Haikal enrolled in RP's diploma of restaurant and culinary operations programme in 2022 via the Early Admissions Exercise, which is open to working adults. In May, the 36-year-old became the valedictorian of RP's School of Hospitality with a grade point average of 3.79. He was among more than 4,500 graduates from 79 diploma programmes across the polytechnic. Haikal was worried at first about fitting in with the other students, as he was more than twice the age of some of them. But he soon earned their respect, and his schoolmates affectionately called him "Uncle Haikal". He also had to make some sacrifices to go back to school. Haikal, who is not married, had to dip into his savings during his time to polytechnic to care for his mother and grandmother. Fortunately, he received financial support to pay his school fees via a bursary in his first-year and the bond-free Sands Hospitality Scholarship for his second and third years. Still, he continued to work, clocking in 16 hours weekly as a part-time supervisor at Fish & Co to support his family. He said: "My mum was briefly hospitalised in 2022 and my grandmother had kidney failure in 2023, so I had a lot on my plate." Having to care for his family while working and studying meant that he would sometimes sleep for only four hours a day. "Some days, I would come home from work or school to complete my assignments. Then at midnight, I would take a taxi to my grandmother's place to take care of her." When asked what got him through that period of time, he gave props to his family and friends: "I'm not too sure how I got through it either, but it helped that I had support from the people around me." Haikal said that one of the reasons he succeeded academically in RP was his industry experience. "The curriculum was designed so that my experience gave me a strong foundation," he said. He also learnt from his younger schoolmates. "Even though they are much younger than I am, they can still do some things better than I can, and I've been able to absorb and learn from," he added. His biggest takeaway from his time at RP is this: "It doesn't matter how old you are — it's important to be open-minded. Whether you're young or old, there's always something to learn and take away from others." With his diploma has come a chance for him to make a career pivot — Haikal has been accepted into the National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences, where he plans to study for a bachelor's degree in social work. "I don't think that F&B and social work are that different. You're able to interact with and learn the stories of people from all walks of life," he said. "The main difference is that I'm able to walk with them through their journeys as a social worker." [[nid:716610]] This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Secondary school dropout, 36, graduates top of his cohort at Republic Polytechnic
Secondary school dropout, 36, graduates top of his cohort at Republic Polytechnic The TL;DR: After talking to polytechnic interns, Muhammad Haikal Nekla went back to school. The valedictorian of the School of Hospitality now aims to be a social worker. SINGAPORE – When Mr Muhammad Haikal Nekla dropped out of secondary school at 16 due to family issues and began working full-time to help support them, he intended to go back to complete his education some day. He made good on the promise only many years later. 'When I made the decision to drop out, I told my principal that I would continue my education one day, but I never got around to it,' he said. A discussion with some Republic Polytechnic (RP) interns he was supervising at the restaurant chain where he worked spurred him to return to school at the age of 33, in 2021. 'They shared that (polytechnics) took a more hands-on approach to learning, where theories are applied to real-life problems. That was what interested me the most,' said Mr Haikal, who was then an assistant manager at Fish & Co. After more than 15 years of working as waiter, barista and manager in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, Mr Haikal enrolled in RP's diploma of restaurant and culinary operations programme in 2022 via the Early Admissions Exercise, which is open to working adults. In May, the 36-year-old became the valedictorian of RP's School of Hospitality with a grade point average of 3.79. He was among more than 4,500 graduates from 79 diploma programmes across the polytechnic. Mr Haikal was worried at first about fitting in with the other students, as he was more than twice the age of some of them. But he soon earned their respect, and his schoolmates affectionately called him 'Uncle Haikal'. He also had to make some sacrifices to go back to school. Mr Haikal, who is not married, had to dip into his savings during his time to polytechnic to care for his mother and grandmother. Fortunately, he received financial support to pay his school fees via a bursary in his first-year and the bond-free Sands Hospitality Scholarship for his second and third years. Still, he continued to work, clocking in 16 hours weekly as a part-time supervisor at Fish & Co to support his family. He said: 'My mum was briefly hospitalised in 2022 and my grandmother had kidney failure in 2023, so I had a lot on my plate.' Having to care for his family while working and studying meant that he would sometimes sleep for only four hours a day. 'Some days, I would come home from work or school to complete my assignments. Then at midnight, I would take a taxi to my grandmother's place to take care of her.' Mr Muhammad Haikal and his mother during his Republic Polytechnic graduation ceremony. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MUHAMMAD HAIKAL When asked what got him through that period of time, he gave props to his family and friends: 'I'm not too sure how I got through it either, but it helped that I had support from the people around me.' Mr Haikal said that one of the reasons he succeeded academically in RP was his industry experience. 'The curriculum was designed so that my experience gave me a strong foundation,' he said. He also learnt from his younger schoolmates. 'Even though they are much younger than I am, they can still do some things better than I can, and I've been able to absorb and learn from,' he added. His biggest takeaway from his time at RP is this: 'It doesn't matter how old you are – it's important to be open-minded. Whether you're young or old, there's always something to learn and take away from others.' Mr Muhammad Haikal (second row, middle) and his friends during his Republic Polytechnic graduation ceremony. PHOTO: REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC With his diploma has come a chance for him to make a career pivot – Mr Haikal has been accepted into the National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences, where he plans to study for a bachelor's degree in social work. 'I don't think that F&B and social work are that different. You're able to interact with and learn the stories of people from all walks of life,' he said. 'The main difference is that I'm able to walk with them through their journeys as a social worker.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
