| 31st of January marked another milestone in Republic Polytechnic (RP)’s bold step into the future. Many of RP’s staff, Student Ambassadors, as well as members of the arts, technology, and media communities were present to witness the event at the Singapore Art Museum’s Glass Hall.
At 9.30 a.m., the launch was kicked off with a speech by Professor Low Teck Seng, RP’s Principal and CEO, who shared the vision behind STA’s conceptualization, and how the dynamic and synergistic blend of arts and technology, underpinned by creativity, is an example of RP’s way of thinking out-of-the-box.
With the media in attendance, everyone was then introduced to this dynamic and exciting new school by Dr. Gan Su-lin, Director of STA. Many of the guests were also pleasantly surprised to be addressed via plasma TV by RP’s very first cyber emcee, Ms. Serene Chen from the institution’s Centre for Culture and Communication.
In addition, our very own Student Ambassadors demonstrated old ways of presenting art via chalkboard, drawing block, magna doodle and canvas, and how these were transformed with creativity and innovation by RP’s Ms. Diana Soh into bold new mediums of artwork done on 4 tablet PCs. Furthermore, two of our Student Ambassadors demonstrated a vivid example of how much computers have revolutionized our everyday living—virtual chess sets are now taking the place of physical ones.
Dr. Terence Chong, the Director of RP’s School of Applied Science introduced the school’s two newest offerings—the Diploma in Material Sciences as well as the Diploma in Biotechnology, while Mr. Tay Kheng Tiong, the Director of RP’s School of Information and Communications Technology unveiled the new Diploma in Business Applications.
Mr. Glen O’Grady, Director of RP’s Centre for Educational Development, was the moderator for the question-and-answer session. Professor Low also used this opportunity to introduce Mr. Graham Perkins, STA’s newly-appointed Specialist Consultant and Professor Edward Bakst, the school’s Creative Director. With their vast experience, they will be invaluable additions to RP’s dynamic team of academic staff, injecting creativity and new ideas into our curriculum.
The event ended on a high note as many guests walked away knowing they had witnessed what is an important turning point in Singapore’s arts community. Looking back many years from now, there is no doubt that they will have witnessed the birth of a dynamic new school contributing to Singapore’s growing arts and technology development, making a difference to the community in the process.
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