MEDIA RELEASE 7 APRIL 2009
Fourth Graduation Ceremony at Republic Polytechnic
School of Sports, Health and Leisure (SHL) produces first batch of graduates
SINGAPORE, 7 April, 2009 – Republic Polytechnic (RP), the tertiary institution that approaches learning with a difference, is awarding 2106 diploma certificates to graduands at its Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC) over two days. Today, the School of Sports, Health and Leisure (SHL) also produced their first batch of graduates.
Ang Jin Long Eugene, together with 184 graduands from SHL received their diploma certificates this morning. Eugene, 25, is the first graduate from SHL to receive the top Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science. The award is given to students with outstanding academic results throughout their studies at the Polytechnic.
From Left: Mr. Ang Keng Loo Senior Director (Student Affairs), Republic Polytechnic,
Mr. Ang Jin Long Eugene Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science, Diploma in Sports Exercise Sciences with Distinction, Mr. Richard Seow, Deputy Chairperson, Board of Governors, Republic Polytechnic Chairman, Parkway Holdings Ltd and Mr. John Chao HOD Humanities Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
Eugene has consistently performed well both academically and in Student Life Activities. He was part of the Organising Committee for the Flag Presentation for South East Asia (SEA) Games. In addition, he was the Liaison Officer for volunteers at SEA Games. Eugene has set his sights on getting a place in the pioneer batch of students at the Nanyang Technological University’s Sports Science and Management undergraduate programme, which will go to fulfil his aim of becoming the first-ever graduate in his family.
“I love sports and have always been interested in sports-related studies,” said Eugene, who plays football, swims and runs regularly.
While aspiring to contributing to the local sports industry with all the knowledge that he has garnered at RP in the near future, Eugene also hopes to become a TV sports presenter. “I’ve spent the last three years learning about sports science and hopefully, will continue to do so in university. But I would love to have the opportunity to put my studies in sports media to good use one day,” he said.
Maximillian Tan Chern received the loudest cheer when presented with his diploma in Technology and Arts Management. The active sportsman represented Singapore in Para-Equestrian at the first World Para-Dressage Championships 2007, and won two gold medals in the Guangdong CPEDI competition in 2008. His outstanding achievement in sports is significant because he was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects his fine motor skills, leaving him physically challenged. He was also named the CPEDI Millfield Young Rider of the Year in 2008.
Maximillian Tan Chern
Born into a family where excellence in sports and academic are traits, Max, 22 years old, Max said that he is fortunate to have supportive family, principals, teachers and classmates in his pursuit for happiness.
“I have never looked at my disability as a disadvantage,” he said. “Everyone has some form of disabilities except mine is visible.”
Cerebral Palsy affects Max’s movement and his learning ability. A former EM3, Normal (Technical) stream student and NITEC in Digital Media Design graduate, Max has always wanted to pursue performing arts.
At RP, Max lived his dreams and realised his potential. He graduated with a diploma in technology for the arts in April 2009, specialising in arts and events management. He has since produced a promotional film for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Singapore.
It may seem impossible for Max who is aware of his limitations but he hopes to inspire others with his achievements. He urges others to dare to dream and live it.
For further details, kindly contact:Republic Polytechnic
Benjamin Chow
Tel: 31001779
Email: benjamin_chow@rp.sg
Mileage Communications Pte Ltd
Ooi Kelly/ Ronald Wong
Tel: 62221678
Email: kelly@mileage.com.sg / ronald@mileage.com.sg
About Republic Polytechnic
The first educational institution in Singapore to adopt the Problem-Based Learning approach for all its diploma programmes, Republic Polytechnic has six schools and one centre offering thirty diploma courses in Information & Communications Technology, Engineering, Applied Science, Technology for the Arts, Sports, Health & Leisure, Events and Hospitality, Innovation and Enterprise, and Culture and Communication. Republic Polytechnic is committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial learning in an environment that develops problem-solving process skills and a life-long learning attitude. Its holistic, broad-based curriculum, covering culture, enterprise development and cognitive processes, prepares students for an active and meaningful role in society. Republic Polytechnic strives for excellence by achieving various national and international accreditations, including People Developer Standards, ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS 18001, Singapore Quality Class, Singapore Innovation Class, and the Singapore Health Awards (Gold). For more information, visit http://www.rp.sg.