Even before RP began operations, the vision was to have a polytechnic that was completely different in the way it utilised technology. Once the polytechnic opened, the distinction was evident. Not only is technology central to our campus, administration and learning, it is a way of life at RP.

An example of this is the campus-wide wireless infrastructure which opens up new possibilities for pioneering communication systems like Voice Over Internet Protocol and Instant Messaging. Complementing these initiatives is the 100% notebook/tablet PC ownership policy for staff and students, making for a truly mobile and IT-centric culture at the Polytechnic.

This has made possible the optimal usage of both synchronous and asynchronous time and space, meaning that even outside the classroom and campus, asynchronous learning can still take place, thanks to our comprehensive and advanced IT architecture. Even the conventional method of learning where teachers and students gather together is enhanced at RP through our educational approach, which emphasises interaction, active participation and peer learning instead of a passive, one-way intake of information.

Rather than compartmentalising topics with no relation to real life, as with traditional teaching methods, our Problem-Based Learning approach allows us to contextualise concepts so that our students may call on a whole gamut of cognitive processes, problem-solving skills and life skills towards coming up with a solution. In this way, we prepare them for real life better than most other classrooms can.

In complementing our educational approach, we practise a culture of openness and empowerment, where the students find true freedom in expression, in sharing ideas, in trying new enterprises. Thus, you will find many pockets of student activities blossoming within RP, creating not just intellectual but also social and emotional wealth.

Moving forward, the challenge is to continually capitalise on what technology can offer. As the world becomes even more connected and network-centric, we will need to keep one step ahead of technological advancements to maintain our competitive edge. How we do this is two-prong: first, by developing close partnerships with technology leaders; and second, to nurture a team that embraces technology and is willing and able to channel its capabilities to spur results in their own domains.

Our people are the true stars of RP. Whether we can fulfil our objective of nurturing innovators, professionals and entrepreneurs is wholly dependent on the ingenuity and passion of our staff and students to seize the opportunities that are set before them.

Low Teck Seng (Prof)
Principal & CEO
Republic Polytechnic