Latest news with #NgeeAnnPolytechnic
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New campaign by Singapore charity TomoWork spotlights persons with invisible disabilities
Mr Thaddaeus John Tham Yong Yi (right), who has dyslexia, and Ms Lai Su Ying, who is hard of hearing, at the launch of the Infinity Within Campaign at Republic Polytechnic on June 12. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO New campaign by Singapore charity TomoWork spotlights persons with invisible disabilities SINGAPORE – In secondary school, Mr Thaddaeus John Tham Yong Yi struggled in spelling and grammar. While his classmates were were doing well , he was barely passing his English composition essays. Unknown to them, Mr Tham has dyslexia, an invisible disability that affects his reading and writing skills. Unaware of his condition, his peers were confused as to why he was poor in the English language. When he later entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic to study biomedical engineering, the feeling of isolation deepened. This changed when he found help from TomoWork, a Singapore charity which advocates for disability inclusion in companies. Mr Tham, 20, has now taken a further step by helping to raise awareness of people with invisible disabilities like himself. The recent polytechnic graduate is part of a group of youth who worked with TomoWork to help shape a new campaign called Infinity Within. The year-long campaign, announced at Republic Polytechnic at the Tomo Day 2025 event on June 12, calls for greater support for people with invisible disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and partial hearing or vision loss in Singapore. The campaign will feature a mix of online and offline initiatives, such as videos and articles available at and talks at TomoWork's corporate partners such as insurer Singlife to raise public awareness. As part of the campaign, TomoWork has produced an 'imVISIBLE pin'. In the shape of an infinity symbol, the pin is half-purple and half-transparent. The purple on the imVISIBLE pin represents allyship with persons with disabilities, while the transparent portion represents the unseen challenges of invisible disabilities. The infinity symbol is used as it has been a long-standing symbol associated with neurodiversity. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO The pin is meant for individuals to identify themselves with an invisible disability, for allies to show support for inclusion and to foster conversations about such disabilities. Speaking at the event, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said: 'The pin represents not just disability, but also our collective commitment to build a more empathetic, caring and inclusive Singapore where everyone can truly contribute and thrive.' Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development & Ministry of Law, speaks at the launch of the Infinity Within Campaign. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Mr Tham, who helped design the pin, hopes that it will remind persons with disabilities that they are not alone. He said: 'I hope that the pin becomes a powerful, lasting symbol that shows people with invisible disabilities do exist, and that they deserve to be seen, heard and respected.' Mr Tham found a stronger sense of belonging after meeting peers with similar experiences, after joining TomoWork's Talent Accelerator Programme in 2025. The stint is a 12-week programme that aims to bridge the gap between education and employment for graduating polytechnic and ITE students with disabilities, by preparing them for work and helping them learn soft skills. During the programme, groups of students are attached to an organsation to come up with a solution to a problem. The programme's participants helped to produce all online content for the Infinity Within campaign. The pin will be given to all 33 participants of the 2025 programme, which ends on June 13, as well as donors who donate S$60 and above to TomoWork. Now in its fifth edition, 118 students with special educational needs have benefitted from the Talent Accelerator Programme since 2021. And nearly 80 per cent of them have found jobs within six months of completing the programme. Ms Lai Su Ying, 21, a participant of the programme in 2024, helped create videos for the campaign, sharing her experiences and challenges with her disability. Ms Lai, who is hard of hearing, hopes that the campaign will bring more attention to persons with disabilities and that general public will be more inclusive towards them. She said: 'We're not just disabled people. We are persons with disabilities. We are not disability focused first, we are still people first. We are all still people, and we are all still human.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
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
CNA
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
This 987 Star finalist is a real-life Nigerian prince
When you think of royalty, you would probably imagine bodyguards, a chauffeur, and maybe even a convoy? Well, consider slightly disappointed when we didn't notice an entourage tailing behind 987 Star finalist Aligwoekwe Kluivert Chimsomaga. In fact, the 20-year-old told us his mum dropped him off for this interview. Guess that's the life of a real-life Nigerian prince living in Singapore. 987 Star is a talent search for, you guessed it, 987's next big thing. The winner will receive S$5,000 in cash and a contract with the Mediacorp radio station. Going simply as Kluivert (the 'u' is silent), he animatedly launches into story mode when we asked about his… royal status. 'My title hails from a village in the Imohe state of Nigeria where my grandfather is the chief. My dad who is also a prince, is first in line, making me second-in-line to the position,' he said. Chimsomaga's parents – his mum is Singaporean-Chinese – met and got married in Singapore. They are both in their 50s now. He is also the second of their four children and the only boy. Like him, his sisters are in school as well. Chimsomaga, who is also fluent in Mandarin, was born right here in Singapore and studied at Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and Assumption English Secondary School. He is now a final year Mass Communications student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Thanks to his Nigerian heritage, Chimsomaga naturally stood out in school, often drawing curious stares, and had his fair share of Black Panther jokes. 'They started calling me Prince T'Challa (the real name of Black Panther) after I told them about my title,' he laughed. However, Chimsomaga who is currently single, said royal responsibilities are not on his to-do list. 'I like my life here and I am Singaporean after all. Honestly, I am more 'Prince of Bukit Panjang' at the moment," he laughed. In fact, Chimsomaga said he is due to enlist for National Service sometime next year. Can't get any more Singaporean than that if you ask us. At press time, we found out that Chimsomaga didn't make it into the top four of 987 Star. However, he was optimistic during our chat and said he was open to whatever comes his way. He told us he has already started applying for internships, a prerequisite before he can graduate from Ngee Ann Poly. And yes, Chimsomaga is still applying to be part of 987. 'Even if I don't win, I already went further than I expected. I believe I have that X-factor that sets me apart from the rest of the contestants, and I'll be leveraging on it whether it's on radio or an online personality,' he said.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Together, these sisters will run for health and a good cause at Great Eastern Women's Run
(From left) Sisters Nadhirah Roslan, Nadhrah Roslan and Nadia have signed up for the 10km race at the Great Eastern Women's Run on Nov 9. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Together, these sisters will run for health and a good cause at Great Eastern Women's Run SINGAPORE – The Great Eastern Women's Run on Nov 9 will be a special day for Nur Hiryanty Roslan, Nadhirah, Nadhrah and Nadia – who are 33, 30, 24 and 19 respectively – as it will be the first time that the four sisters are running a race together. It took some persuasion from Nadhirah and Nadia to get Nadhrah to sign up for the 10km race as she does not enjoy running. But the 24-year-old, who is the fifth of six siblings – they have two brothers – agreed to take up the challenge to fulfil her personal workout goals. Nadhrah said: 'This year I wanted to start running again. I used to run in secondary school, but I've never participated in running events like this. So I thought maybe this year I could try again. I ran (5km) in the 2XU Compression Run, then they (her sisters) told me about the Great Eastern run and they are the ones that have been encouraging me to join all these running events. 'I am quite active in working out, but not really running. I was leaning towards the 5km but maybe in November I can do a 10km because I might have more time to practise.' Her sisters Nadhirah and Nadia were in the queue for the May 26 event launch at Asia Square Tower 1, where the first 117 participants received two free slots to the race, along with a goodie bag. Event organisers are expecting about 12,000 runners for the 2025 edition. Both Nadhirah and Nadia took part in several runs in 2024 and the duo were happy that they managed to rope in Nadhrah and their oldest sister Nur Hiryanty for the Great Eastern Women's Run. Nadia, a final year nursing student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said: 'I feel that she's (Nadhrah) very busy with her schoolwork, so it took a lot of convincing to get her to join us. Aside from health goals, we are also trying to contribute to society. 'Aside from the volunteering work that I do in school, these kinds of events made me feel that there are other aspects I can contribute to, while enjoying myself.' The event, which also drew over 12,000 participants in 2024, raised a record $388,000 for the Singapore Cancer Society and Daughters Of Tomorrow, a charity that works with underprivileged women. Nadhirah added: 'For me, I feel like I need to be more active now, because I feel like my fitness level is going down. So joining this kind of event sets a goal for me. 'I want to do something better, set my priorities straight, and to be a healthy mum for my kids also.' The first 117 participants at the May 26 event launch received two free slots to the race, along with a goodie bag. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG The 2025 race will feature a new invite-only category for elite runners from tertiary institutions to compete in the 21.1km half-marathon. Eunice Chin, 20, a first year communications student at the Nanyang Technological University, plans to sign up. Chin, who ran competitively for almost 11 years, said: 'My view towards competitive running has changed slightly. I no longer have the desire to chase personal bests any more. But it's more about making friends… And really just enjoying running as a sport in itself. 'It's exciting that it's an all-women's run, because most of the time in track and field, a lot of the top runners are men. It's really like a space for women to be able to inspire and empower each other and to really grow within that sisterhood.' Eunice Chin, 20, has run competitively for almost 11 years. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Education, and Digital Development and Information, who was the guest of honour at the launch, said in a speech: 'The Great Eastern Women's Run has become more than just a race. It's a platform that uplifts women through movement, community and purpose. 'I'm very excited that there's a new tertiary category this year, because it gives young women a chance to shine and to grow through sport. 'From the Princess Dash (for girls 3-6 years old) to the half marathon, every step taken builds a culture of inclusion, resilience, and giving.' Ms Jasmin Lau (centre), Minister of State for Education, and Digital Development and Information, running on a treadmill to raise $20,000 at the launch. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Interested participants can enjoy early bird rates from May 26 to June 8, and registration is open till Oct 5. Visit for more information. Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Me and My Money: Striving for financial stability, she started a side hustle at age 9
Ms Claire Tan went from selling paper stars to classmates at age nine to running her own make-up business. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE Me and My Money: Striving for financial stability, she started a side hustle at age 9 SINGAPORE - Becoming self-sufficient and achieving financial stability has always been the holy grail for Ms Claire Tan. From the age of nine, she has been on the hustle train, from selling paper stars to her classmates to baking goods for sale during special occasions. Now, Ms Tan, 26, also has two money-generating gigs going, as a real estate agent with ERA but also as the owner of her own Korean-style make-up business. It all began when she started doing bridal make-up to earn some cash at age 17. By the time she was 20, she had left Ngee Ann Polytechnic to focus on setting up her own business called Ladyy Claire Makeup, which provides make-up and hairstyling services specifically designed for sensitive skin. Her desire to achieve financial self-sufficiency started at a young age due to her family background. 'I grew up in a single-parent, low-income family and in that environment of scarcity, I knew that I had only myself to depend on for survival. From a very young age, I was focused and prudent about saving, earning and investing money because, unlike many of my peers, I was starting from a deficit,' she said. 'Therefore, making smart decisions, especially in making my money work hard for me, was essential.' When she was younger, she had only $2.50 to buy lunch for her younger brother and herself, she added. 'We could only order one fish burger from the Western food stall because that was the cheapest option. We didn't even have enough to order a drink. My brother was a sweetheart and reassured me that the burger was yummy, but I felt really useless at that moment,' Ms Tan said. 'It was then I realised that money is really important to provide for our loved ones. 'I promised myself to become self-sufficient so he would have someone to rely on if life became difficult. This commitment has been my main motivation for working hard and remains so to this day.' Ms Tan, who is single, said her difficult background has taught her money habits that last till today. 'After receiving my profits or earnings, I prioritise setting some aside for my savings and investments before spending,' she said. 'Additionally, I commit to substantial investment plans to plan for my retirement and am also saving money for my ideal property in the meantime.' Q: What do you invest in and why? A: I invest in stocks and reinvest back into my businesses. I also have several investment plans with my financial adviser, and am looking into property investments soon. My approach centres on diversification. While people often compare between stocks and property, I advise clients that these two are not mutually exclusive; having both is essential. This belief guides my own investment strategy as well. Q: How did you get interested in investing? A: My first exposure to investing was at 17, when I started a $250 savings plan to begin saving for my retirement. Q: What has been your biggest financial mistake? A: My biggest financial mistake was engaging in short-term trading without a strong understanding of the market. During a brief three-month period at the peak of Covid-19, I lost about $8,000. I realised that having a deeper knowledge of the market would have been beneficial before making such investments. Q: What has been your best financial decision to date? A: My best financial decision has been reinvesting profits back into my businesses. While this step can sometimes be overlooked, it is often the most important investment for ensuring continued growth and success. Q: Where's home for you? A: I live in an apartment in the east. Q: What do you drive? A: I prefer taking Grab due to the convenience. Q: What was your childhood dream? A: My childhood dream was to be a professional dancer. I fulfilled this dream in my teenage years, becoming a dance instructor at 17. I continued teaching until two years ago. Q: What was your first job? A: My first job was at a quaint bookstore when I was nine years old, where I helped the auntie arrange pens and pencils for sale, handling basic stock-taking and performing cashier duties – earning $3 an hour. I never stopped working since that age. After working and earning some capital from my bookstore job, I used that money to buy origami paper and star paper strips to make cranes and foldable stars, which I sold to my classmates for a profit during special occasions such as Mother's Day or Father's Day. I also picked up baking out of interest, but because we did not have an oven at home, I could only experiment with non-bake recipes and honed my skills from there. When I was 11 to 12 years old, I ran a pre-order blogshop for Domo and Elmo merchandise (T-shirts mainly) for a profit. It was going well until one day I found my wallet empty; my father had taken the money to gamble, and I cried. In secondary school, with another blogshop venture, I also bought an oven and made brownies to sell for profit during Valentine's Day and Mother's Day to my schoolmates. I continued these activities ad hoc, at a slow pace, until I was 16, the legal age to start working. I finally landed my first official job as a retail assistant and make-up artist with Estée Lauder. That's when I experienced a job with a commission structure. I worked almost every day after my O levels, did not travel and fought for sales. I was the top salesperson every single month for six months before starting polytechnic. My time in polytechnic was hectic. I started learning professional make-up and entered the bridal industry, doing freelance work to build my portfolio. I also taught two genres of street dance at four different studios. At the same time, I juggled a freelance marketing and business development role, helping an eyelash salon with its marketing efforts. Additionally, I completed a tax internship at a local company and a marketing and accounting internship with a recruitment firm in Shanghai. When I came back, I decided not to pursue my studies further, as I wanted to focus fully on working and seizing business opportunities, so I dropped out. That's when I started Ladyy Claire Makeup, and a few years later, once that was stable, I ventured into real estate. One of the things I am proud of in my real estate career is participating in property reality series Home Run: Singapore, where I won the title of top agent. Q: What would your perfect day look like? A: To me, a perfect day would be waking up at a quiet resort with a linear sea view and a pristine sandy beach, with no to-dos on my list. Money Matters Q: What would you do if you suddenly had a windfall of millions? A: I would immediately make a down payment on my next property. Q: If you suddenly only had $100 to your name, what would you do with it? A: I've been there before. I'd use that $100 as capital to make more money through low-cost businesses such as baking. Sue-Ann Tan is a business correspondent at The Straits Times covering capital markets and sustainable finance. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
