MINISTERS TURN GRAFFITI WRITERS IN SUPPORT OF NEW KID
IN WOODLANDS

SINGAPORE – 5th JULY 2003 – Today, Republic Polytechnic, the fifth and newest polytechnic in Singapore, commemorates another milestone in its history. The Republic will mark the start of construction works at its permanent campus at Woodlands Avenue 9 with a groundbreaking ceremony as well as a spraypainting activity for all the Ministers and important guests attending the event.

Guest-of-honour, Minister for Education, RAdm (NS) Teo Chee Hean, will be accompanied by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister of State for Education and Acting Minister for Manpower, Dr Ng Eng Hen as well as Hawazi Daipi, Parlimentary Secretary, Ministry of Education. This occasion will also be graced by Republic Polytechnic’s Associate Professor Chin Tet Yung, MP for Sembawang GRC as well as other key community and industry leaders in the Woodlands area.

“At the Republic, we believe in doing things out of the box. Graffiti art is a form of expression that is very bold, colourful and creative. Republic Polytechnic embodies all these qualities in the way things are done as well as the Problem-Based Learning that our students will experience,” said Principal and CEO of Republic Polytechnic, Professor Low Teck Seng.

To be completed in 2006, Republic Polytechnic’s 20-hectare Woodlands campus will have facilities to allow it to cater to 5000 (to confirm no) students as well as residents of the community. Designed jointly by award-winning Japanese architect, Fumihiko Maki and DP Architects, The Republic’s Woodlands home has many special features. One of which is The Agora, which signified a place where people could exchange ideas and information in ancient Greece. The Agora @ The Republic will be huge open spaces where students can relax, connect and have fun.

Students can also enjoy studying in a open and lush “campus in a park” environment. With the wireless network, they will truly experience “learning without any boundaries”. There will also be an Auditorium that not only serves as a lecture hall for students but also as a place for cultural performances and arts events.

The Republic hopes to be a focal point for residents and alike in the Woodlands neighbourhood and will engage in activities to engage both residents and schools alike in the Woodlands area.

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