For the Editor’s Diary 30 January 2007
[Not for publication] [ 3 pages only]
REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC SIGNS HISTORICAL MOU WITH IES
Launch of Joint IES - Republic Polytechnic Mentorship scheme
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) will be signed on Friday 2 February 2007 at RP. On this auspicious occasion, the joint IES – RP Mentorship scheme will be launched, making RP the first polytechnic to have its graduating students mentored by the highly prestigious professional body of engineers when they carry out their Final Year Projects, in fulfillment of their graduation criteria.
In line with RP’s unique adaptation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), RP’s Engineering students will work on projects tackling real-life problems with guidance from both RP’s staff and experienced engineers within the industry. The students, all of whom are IES student members, will be able to leverage on the expertise and capabilities of the various technical committees in IES.
The inaugural project which IES and RP will work on is for RP’s students to look into the widely-known problem of long queues at some polyclinics. The students will be working with Woodlands Polyclinic, applying concepts in operations research, scheduling and identifying possible process improvements in order to reduce the waiting time for patients.
IES, the national society of engineers in
Given the fact that 60% of local poly graduates went on to pursue engineering degrees, IES felt that it is timely to broaden and deepen its engagement with polytechnics. Thus with this MOU, IES will grant all RP’s students from the School of Engineering IES student membership. Once the student members graduate, they will be offered Associate Membership, and thereafter a Full Membership when they obtain their first Engineering degree.
Republic Polytechnic, now in its fourth academic year, has a 5600 strong student population, of which a quarter is made up of Engineering students. The IES-RP Mentorship scheme brings about mutual benefits, and serves as an endorsement of RP’s distinctive approach to Engineering education which focuses on self-learning and solving open-ended real world problems.
“Our students are excited about working with their IES mentors who are established professionals. The mentorship scheme will give them a headstart in their chosen field of specialisation. The industry will also gain when our graduates join the workforce as they will emerge more experienced and better trained, “said Mr Fong Yew Chan, Director of School of Engineering, Republic Polytechnic.
The same sentiment is echoed by IES President Er. Tan Seng Chuan: “It is our mission to promote the profession of engineering. Together with Republic Polytechnic, we look forward to moulding the next generation of engineering talents and making an impact on society. The inaugural project with Woodlands Polyclinic is a fine example of how we can collaborate together to contribute to society.”
We invite members of the media to join us on Friday, 2 February 2007, at 4.30 pm, LR W4(B), Republic Polytechnic to witness the MOU Signing Ceremony and the launch of the IES-RP Mentorship scheme. Please see attached map for exact location.
Please RSVP latest by Thursday 1 February 2007 to the following persons. We look forward to welcoming your representatives at the event.
To RSVP or for further information, please contact any of the following persons:
Ms Shirleen Lu
Republic Polytechnic, Office of Corporate Communications
HP : 97663514
Email : shirleen_lu@rp.edu.sg
Ms Erushi Menik Ranasinghe
Republic Polytechnic, Office of Corporate Communications
Tel : 65171899
Email : erushi_ranasinghe@rp.sg
Ms Valerie Neo
The Institution of Engineers
Tel : 6461 1229
Email : valerie@iesnet.org.sg
Campus Map
Please go to Lecture Room at W4 (Circled in the illustration below)
If you are driving please park in the Basement Car Park at RPC
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