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An MOU between the 39 year-old Institution of Engineers (IES) and Republic Polytechnic was signed on 11 Jan 05 at the polytechnic’s Annex Hall. This makes Republic Polytechnic the first polytechnic to be granted student membership by the highly prestigious professional body of engineers.
IES, the national society of engineers in Singapore, was set up to advance and promote the sciences, art and the profession of engineering for the well being of mankind and national development of Singapore. Its members comprise largely Engineering graduates and professionals.
Given the fact that 60% of local poly graduates went on to pursue engineering degrees, IES felt that it is timely to broaden its student membership base. Poly student members of IES will be promoted to Associate Membership once they graduate with a diploma. When they get their first degree, Full Membership will be given.
Republic Polytechnic, now in its second academic year, has a 2000 strong student population, about a third of which made up of Engineering students. That IES should open its doors to its students first is greatly heartening news for the fledgling institution. Republic Polytechnic regards this as an endorsement of its distinctive approach to Engineering education which focuses on self-learning and solving open-ended real world problems. More importantly, it is in line with its objective to nurture Engineering talent which is crucial to the continued success of an open economy like Singapore.
“The decision to have poly student members is good news for our Engineering students. Many of them are excited and looking forward to joint activities with IES corporate members that will give them more insights into the Engineering profession and a headstart in their chosen field of specialization,” said Mr Fong Yew Chan, Director of School of Engineering, Republic Polytechnic.
The same sentiment is expressed by Mr Neo Kok Beng, IES Council Member and Chairman of its Membership Growth and Services Committee, “IES is glad to have set up the student branch in Republic Polytechnic. It is our mission to promote the profession of engineering. Together with Republic Polytechnic, we look forward to helping the next generation of engineering talents emerge and make an impact on society.”
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