Latest news with #SingaporePolytechnic
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
From classroom to control systems: An educator's journey into engineering
A missed job opportunity didn't discourage Ms Ong Ai Lian – it motivated her. Back in 2018, Ms Ong, formerly a design and technology educator, began her journey of reskilling. She enrolled in two specialist diplomas consecutively – one in business and big data analytics, and the other in advanced networking. Her growing interest in Industry 4.0 technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data sparked this change. With new knowledge under her belt, she landed a role as a project engineer in the communications and networks group at a local polytechnic's engineering school. There, she found inspiration watching lecturers work on electronics and robotics projects. When her contract ended, she applied for a role that required Python programming and experience with the Robot Operating System – but didn't get it. Undeterred, Ms Ong took the setback as a sign to keep learning. In 2022, she enrolled in the part-time Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation) at Singapore Polytechnic. Singapore Polytechnic offers over 500 continuing education and training courses in high-demand areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, data analytics and engineering – empowering professionals like Ms Ong to shape their careers. Ms Ong considered several courses before choosing the Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation). What stood out for her was the course's strong foundation in analogue and digital electronics, control systems, robotics and smart sensors – all key technologies driving Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation of manufacturing. She was also drawn to its hands-on learning approach and Singapore Polytechnic's reputation for academic excellence. 'The quality of teaching was excellent,' said Ms Ong. 'The lecturers demonstrated strong subject expertise and our projects challenged us to develop real-world applications.' Coming from a non-manufacturing background, Ms Ong initially struggled with unfamiliar industrial equipment. But with support from her classmates and lecturers, she was able to keep up. As a former educator herself, she appreciated how the lecturers went the extra mile to help students fully understand the material. One example she highlighted was Dr Yang Zhizong, who taught digital manufacturing. Drawing from his industry experience, he showed how classroom concepts applied in real-world settings. Another was Ms Lu Hongli, who taught smart sensors and actuators. Ms Lu used creative teaching methods, such as explaining filter circuits using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals as an analogy. 'Instead of just telling us which frequencies were passed or blocked, she used the ECG example to show how three different filters – low-, high- and band-pass – could each improve signal quality in different ways,' explained Ms Ong. She also recalled Mr Clement Chew, who taught the AI for Automation module. He created additional video tutorials with clear instructions to help students prepare for tests. When some students had trouble installing the required software for a lab test, Mr Chew even organised an extra Zoom session – outside class hours – together with another lecturer to troubleshoot their computer settings. Ms Ong found one of the most rewarding parts of her learning journey to be the diverse mix of classmates she met along the way. Her peers came from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds – holding qualifications from NITEC and diplomas to degrees and even a doctorate – and working across fields like research, engineering and manufacturing. 'It was an interesting mix. Everyone had their own strengths – some were better at hands-on tasks and working with equipment, while others excelled at understanding theory,' she noted. Collaborating with her teammates on projects gave her fresh perspectives and the opportunity to tap into a rich pool of skills. One teammate, a PhD holder in the bioscience industry, brought sharp research and critical thinking abilities. Another, a chemical engineer, provided practical knowledge about processing equipment such as valves and pumps. 'Each of us contributed our own expertise to make the projects a success,' shared Ms Ong. Her own background in teaching proved useful, too – especially when studying for semester tests. She often helped classmates by explaining concepts in simpler terms, using peer teaching techniques to reinforce learning. 'After reviewing the material, I'd teach it to a classmate. Once they understood, they would explain it to someone else. It helped us all deepen our understanding,' she explained. She also used teaching techniques like mnemonics to help a classmate remember equations. 'That experience reminded me how important it is to find the right way to communicate ideas to different learners,' she said. Having attained her Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation), Ms Ong hopes to apply her enhanced skills to create smart, sustainable and automated solutions in fields like healthcare and logistics. She's also grateful to her classmates, some of whom have even shared job opportunities with her. Looking ahead, Ms Ong plans to further her education at the degree level. Students from this diploma programme are eligible for credit exemptions when applying to the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Electrical Power Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology – making it easier to continue studying while working. 'I believe in lifelong learning,' said Ms Ong. 'Balancing work, studies and personal life can be tough, but it's doable – and definitely worthwhile. It keeps you relevant, builds resilience and helps you adapt in a fast-changing world.'
Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
S'pore Poly valedictorian aims to be clinician-scientist after observing doctors at work
Mr Donavan Tan, valedictorian of Singapore Polytechnic's School of Chemical and Life Sciences, will be studying at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN S'pore Poly valedictorian aims to be clinician-scientist after observing doctors at work The TL;DR: Mr Donavan Tan Jia Jie, valedictorian of Singapore Polytechnic's Chemical and Life Sciences cohort, e-mailed over 300 doctors for job-shadowing opportunities. More than 10 said yes, sparking his ambition to become a clinician-scientist. Between December 2022 and January 2023, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) biomedical science student Donavan Tan Jia Jie e-mailed more than 300 doctors individually asking them if he could shadow them at work to gain first-hand insight into the profession. Thirteen of them said yes. F rom February to April 2023, Mr Tan rotated through more than six medical specialities, including general medicine, neurosurgery, palliative medicine, and oncology, spending two to five days at each placement, typically from 8am to 6pm. His behind-the-scenes look at life as a doctor inspired him to want to study medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The soon-to-be 20-year-old recently graduated from SP with a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA) and was awarded the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Award, which is presented to outstanding course gold medallists from technology or computer-related disciplines at each of the polytechnics. He has applied for deferment from national service to study medicine at the National University of Singapore, where he has been offered a place. Looking back at his experience of observing doctors at work, he said one moment stood out. At the National Cancer Centre, he met a teenage patient, not much older than himself, who was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer . 'It was difficult for me, because he was someone around my age, a teenager who hadn't had the chance to fully experience life, to pursue his passions, start a family or contribute to society,' Mr Tan said. 'He had a prognosis of less than a year.' That experience ignited a sense of purpose in him – what began as a passing interest in medicine became a committed pursuit of oncology. His final-year project was a seven -month research on breast cancer at NUS Medicine. 'I realised I wanted to do more for patients like him, to help them live their lives to the fullest,' said Mr Tan, who was a research intern at the Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore from March to May 2025. 'The path to medicine definitely hasn't been easy,' he said. 'But what kept me going is knowing that, soon, I will have the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the community around me.' One of Mr Tan's lecturers, Mr Goh Tong Hng, also guided him to consider medicine as a career, as well as regularly checked in on his academic progress, offered advice, and helped him prepare for interviews. After graduating from SP, Mr Donavan Tan worked as a research intern at the Cancer Discovery Hub, National Cancer Centre Singapore. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN Mr Goh 'was always there not just as a lecturer, but as a mentor', he said. Mr Tan, who achieved an L1R5 (raw) score of 7 at O levels, chose the polytechnic path for its practical learning and specialised curriculum, even though it meant a more challenging route to university. To bolster his application to study medicine at NUS, he also volunteered for community work. At Presbyterian Community Services, he connected with elderly residents living alone. At Meet-the-People sessions in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, he assisted residents in drafting case letters to agencies, gaining exposure to the struggles faced by underprivileged families . Under the Family of Purple Heart programme, which supports caregivers' emotional and mental well-being, he managed volunteers and coordinated outreach efforts. 'I wasn't sure where my interests truly lay, so I wanted to cover as many aspects of society as possible,' he said. 'Each experience touched a different need in the community, and I was keeping an open mind about where I could make the most impact.' Mr Donavan Tan did his final-year project and internship at the Department of Pharmacology, NUS Medicine, helping to develop targeted treatments for an aggressive type of breast cancer. PHOTO: COURTESY OF DONAVAN TAN His dedication was recognised when he was awarded the SP service-learning award for two consecutive years, in recognition of his commitment to supporting vulnerable and underprivileged communities through active engagement in service projects. While he acknowledged the importance of a strong portfolio, he said his community involvement stemmed from a genuine desire to serve, not just to impress medical school interviewers. 'I did all these because I genuinely wanted to do something meaningful for the community,' said Mr Tan. He said: 'For me, it's always been about the bigger picture.' 'I want to do good with my life, not just for myself but for others as well. Medicine offers me the best opportunity to have a lasting, positive impact on the community.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
CNA
30-05-2025
- General
- CNA
From classroom to curriculum: How one educator is rethinking teaching for today's learners
As director of the Media, Arts & Design School at Singapore Polytechnic, Mr Mark Lu believed that giving students creative freedom in their learning was the best way to impart knowledge. Interestingly, not all his classmates at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore), saw it the same way. Two fellow students in the Master of Education (Curriculum and Teaching) programme – one from the military and the other from healthcare – shared a contrasting perspective. In their fields, strict adherence to instructions was often critical, with real consequences in life-or-death situations. This eye-opening insight into the need for different teaching approaches deepened Mr Lu's interest in education. Mr Lu had enrolled in the part-time graduate programme at NIE after a conversation with his supervisor sparked a realisation: He wanted to better understand education policy, pedagogy and curriculum, and how he could better support lecturers in their work. LEARNING FROM MANY, TEACHING FOR ALL With over 30 graduate programmes and courses designed to sharpen critical thinking, enhance professional skills and open up new career paths, NIE attracts a growing number of students from a wide range of industries and countries. Their diverse perspectives and experiences enrich classroom discussions and learning for everyone. This diversity mirrors the changing student population in polytechnics. Mr Lu observed that today's polytechnic students come from increasingly varied educational backgrounds and life stages. Many are working adults returning as full-time students or trainees, each with their own goals and life experiences. As a result, polytechnic lecturers must adopt a flexible mindset and be equipped to teach both technical and soft skills. 'They need to design meaningful classroom experiences that inspire and motivate students from all walks of life and help them work toward their aspirations,' Mr Lu explained. 'At the same time, they have to balance a rigorous curriculum that builds resilience with an awareness of students' well-being.' In such a setting, having a wide-ranging community of fellow educators is important. Mr Lu, who graduated in January this year, said that the diverse student body at NIE was his favourite part of the programme. 'I met classmates from countries like China and Vietnam, and others from fields like the military, nursing, human resources and private education. Each of them is an educator in their own way, and they brought very different yet valuable perspectives on curriculum and teaching.' Mr Lu added that his NIE chat groups remain active. One of his classmates even works in the same polytechnic, though in a different school, and they've explored opportunities to collaborate. For Mr Lu, the graduate programme at NIE offered more than just academic knowledge – it refined his understanding of the many factors and stakeholders involved in shaping curriculum decisions and education policy. 'The course on globalisation and curriculum reform gave me a broader view of Singapore's education landscape and helped me better understand why schools are structured and managed the way they are,' he shared. He especially appreciated how classroom assignments encouraged students to apply what they learned to real-world contexts. Rather than working through fixed case studies, Mr Lu and his classmates were asked to explore how key concepts played out in their own workplaces. 'This pushed me to think more critically about my work and how I can better support both lecturers and students in my school,' he said. Before taking on the role of director, Mr Lu led his school's transdisciplinary unit – a team focused on developing a curriculum that helps students build transdisciplinary skills. This approach encourages students to draw from different disciplines and integrate multiple perspectives when solving problems. With insights gained from NIE courses on curriculum development, Mr Lu and his team designed a series of transdisciplinary studio projects, where students from different creative disciplines worked together to solve social issues and industry briefs innovatively. These projects received positive feedback from industry partners, who were impressed by the students' ideas. Thanks to the research courses he took at NIE, Mr Lu was also able to collaborate with his colleagues on developing a three-year longitudinal study examining the impact of his school's transdisciplinary curriculum. The study has since been presented at both local and international academic conferences. 'Through the transdisciplinary curriculum, our students are becoming more comfortable with ambiguity and more willing to take creative risks – traits that are essential in any creative field,' Mr Lu noted. 'We're now working on developing our own instrument to measure transdisciplinary thinking.' Enrolling in NIE and becoming a student again has reshaped Mr Lu's perspective. Once focused mainly on day-to-day teaching, he now views his work through a broader, more philosophical lens. He is also keen to continue an educational journey that he finds deeply fulfilling. 'I believe continuous learning is a fundamental part of our work. We don't just teach for others to learn – we learn to teach, and we keep learning while we teach. Though I've completed my Master's programme at NIE, I am excited to learn more when I embark on my PhD in August.' Applications for the January 2026 graduate intake at NIE NTU, Singapore, are now open. Apply by Jun 19, 2025, for coursework programmes, and Jul 24, 2025, for research programmes.
CNA
29-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Collaborate to Innovate - Providing Hands-On Support
01:24 Min The panel explains the benefits of having a hands-on approach in different levels of management when working with project collaborators. Collaborate to Innovate About the show: Winners of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Awards share how collaboration has driven innovations—from AI-powered medical tools for the hearing-impaired to transforming a brownfield site into a zero-energy certified building. This panel discussion explores key takeaways from partnerships involving organisations such as Schneider Electric, Singapore Polytechnic, Kajima Corporation, SMT Technology, and FingerDance.
CNA
29-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Collaborate to Innovate - Shared Ambitions, Greater Impact
01:38 Min Business leaders explain how shared goals and ambitions facilitate better understanding of challenges and solutioning amongst partners. Collaborate to Innovate About the show: Winners of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Awards share how collaboration has driven innovations—from AI-powered medical tools for the hearing-impaired to transforming a brownfield site into a zero-energy certified building. This panel discussion explores key takeaways from partnerships involving organisations such as Schneider Electric, Singapore Polytechnic, Kajima Corporation, SMT Technology, and FingerDance.
