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Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and
Temasek Polytechnic (TP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
Federation of National Colleges of Technology of Kyushu and Okinawa (FNCT) on 3
August 2006 (Thursday) in Singapore's Carlton Hotel. This MOU was initiated with
the intention of establishing a framework for understanding and cooperating in
the areas of research, education and the promotion of international cooperation
and understanding through staff and student exchanges, further studies
opportunities, and internships in relevant industries.
With the recent shift in its focus to globalization, Japan’s education system
now puts greater emphasis and resources on exposing its students to the world.
Their College of Technology, which consists of 55 national colleges, offers an
education similar to that of Polytechnics in Singapore. After five years, their
students graduate with an associate degree and can further their education in
Japanese universities or at the National Colleges of Technology to obtain a
bachelor’s degree.
The Federation of National Colleges of Technology in Kyushu and Okinawa
participating in this MOU comprise the Kumamoto National College of Technology,
the Kurume National College of Technology, the Yatsushiro National College of
Technology, the Ariake National College of Technology, the Kitakyushu National
College of Technology, the Sasebo National College of Technology, the Oita
National College of Technology, the Miyakonojo National College of Technology,
the Kagoshima National College of Technology and the Okinawa National College of
Technology. Representing the Japanese for the signing ceremony are Dr. Kono
Iichiro, President, Institute of National Colleges of Technology; Dr. Ebata
Masanao, Chairman of the Federation of National Colleges of Technology in Kyushu
and Okinawa, Japan and President of Kumamoto National College of Technology.
For RP, SP and TP, in addition to the global exposure, this
MOU presents fresh opportunities for staff and student exchanges as well as
greater access to Japanese industry links. Representing the local
Polytechnics are the principals of each Polytechnic, namely, Professor Low Teck
Seng, Principal & CEO of Republic Polytechnic; Mr. Low Wong Fook, Principal of
Singapore Polytechnic; and Mr Boo Kheng Hua, Principal & CEO of Temasek
Polytechnic.
1st project between RP and FNCT
A group of 32 students and 3 professors from Kitakyushu National College of
Technology (KNCT) will visit RP on 28 September 06 to find out more about RP and
to have a cultural exchange with RP staff and students. The KNCT students will
have a chance to sit in classes in RP to experience the problem-based way of learning.
KNCT students will then be led by RP
students to go on a campus tour. They will explore the Sports Complex, Learning Hubs and
the
Library. KNCT students will also have the chance to join RP students from the badminton, judo, wushu
and rock-climbing Interest Groups (IGs) for some sporting fun. Following the campus tour, staff
and students from both
institutions will enjoy a sumptuous dinner together at RP’s very own Agora. This
visit sets the beginning of more enriching and interesting projects between the
two institutions.
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