REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC LAUNCHES FIRST EVER

‘HYBRID’ SPECIALIST DIPLOMAS CATERING TO

TODAY’S MULTI-SKILLED, TIME-TIGHT WORKERS

THE REPUBLIC PIONEERS NEW CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMME FRAMEWORK

IN COLLABORATION WITH COMMERCENET SINGAPORE (CNSG) & IdEA

 

SINGAPORE – 19 NOVEMBER – In an initiative reflecting the drastically evolving economic climate of today, Republic Polytechnic has launched its continuing education series to benefit students with industry-driven curricula, integrating cross-specialisation of subjects for enhanced marketability and industry relevance. This continuing education programme will be launched at this year’s Singapore Learning Expo, held at Suntec City from 21 to 23 November 2003.

Together with CommerceNet Singapore (CNSG) and the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Association (IdEA), The Republic is pioneering an entirely new approach to the concept of continuing education focused on meeting the needs of workers who are required to handle more than their stated job scope. With the downturn, companies are scaling back on recruitment whilst trying to offer more goods and services at more competitive rates, leaving employees to undertake more roles and responsibilities.

Offering a highly flexible and innovative approach for mature students to attain its post-graduate diplomas & certificates, The Republic aims to fulfil the learning needs in today’s vastly different marketplace. Most employees are also finding that current market conditions demand that they be cross-trained both technically as well as industrially in other ‘soft’ skills which might not be part of their initial job scope.

“Our post-graduate diploma series is specially tailored to provide timely, relevant and holistic education to adult learners. This Enterprise Series covers knowledge and skills of practical relevance in both technical and enterprise domains which is an industry-first as no other institution has ever blended the two elements as we have done,” comments Dr W A M Alwis, Director of Office of Academic Affairs.

The first programme to be rolled out under this scheme is the Enterprise Series of Specialist Diplomas and Certificates. The Enterprise Series is developed in participation with industry players and industry associations through a special partnership that The Republic is forming with CNSG and the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Association (IdEA). In this manner, the Enterprise Series will be able to keep pace with industry trends and benchmarks while maintaining a rich industry network.

The curriculum of each diploma/certificate is expressed in terms of baskets of Learning-Units, grouped on the basis of special subject focus areas. The maximum number of attendees per Learning Unit session is limited to 25 persons to ensure effective learning in a small-group setting, characteristic of the Problem-Based Learning pedagogy adopted at The Republic.

RP will establish the academic framework of the Enterprise Series whereas CNSG and IdEA will collaborate with RP to develop relevant curricula and to engage and involve industry practitioners, entrepreneurs, and other suitable parties in the Enterprise Series on activities that include charting of industry trends, benchmarking, conducting learning activities, and arranging of networking opportunities in a manner that benefits the Enterprise Series and its participants.

Noted Mr Roderick Chia, First Vice-President, Innovators and Entrepreneurs Association (IdEA), “IdEA is proud to be part of the Enterprise Series of the Continuing Education programme by Republic Polytechnic. In this fast changing economy, academic excellence is no longer enough. Possessing an innovative and enterprising mindset and skillset is the key to success in this new economy. IdEA's seminars and workshops as well as networking activities provide participants with such knowledge and immerse them fully in the ecosystem.”

Remarking on CommerceNet's participation in Republic Polytechnic's Enterprise Series, Wong Jeh Shyan, CEO, said, “This partnership signals a closer industry collaboration with the academic fraternity than ever before. CNSG has been actively involved in initiatives that pioneers and advances tomorrow's technology. Students will be exposed to first-hand interaction with the industry, including participation in exploratory pilot projects, industry documentation, seminars, conferences, training and funding.”

 

The areas of technical specialisation initially addressed would be biomedical sciences, engineering and info-comm technologies. The following diplomas are being planned for the initial kick-off period commencing from April 2004:

 

1. Specialist Diploma in IT Security Enterprise

2. Specialist Diploma in Biotech Enterprise

3. Specialist Diploma in Wireless Communication Enterprise

4. Specialist Diploma series in Industrial Systems

o Specialist Diploma in Industrial Engineering & Management

o Specialist Diploma in Logistics Enterprise

o Specialist Diploma in Quality Engineering & Management

 

For any enquiries regarding this press release, you may either contact:

 

Ms Theresa Teo

Centre for Innovation & Enterprise

DID: 6376 8175

theresa_teo@rp.edu.sg

 

or

 

Ms Lim Le-Anne

Office of Corporate Communications

DID: 6376 8012

lim_le_anne@rp.edu.sg