In SAS, we can achieve

Welcome to SAS. Welcome to the Republic.

I did not intent for my first welcome message to last the three years that it did. But it is time to start a new chapter in the history of the Republic Polytechnic, so it is time to reassess the journey that started in 2003. 

In 2003, the Republic Polytechnic, or simply, “RP” or the “Republic”, opened its doors at Tanglin Campus to a pioneering group of 800 students. Two years later we completed our first phase of growth when we took over Phoenix Park, the last part of the grounds that formed Tanglin Campus. If we wondered about the “voices of the pass and ghosts of memories that linger in the halls and corridors of Tanglin Campus” in 2003, I could not help but linger on what the place meant to all who came before us as I walked the corridors of eerie Phoenix Park. More significantly, in 2005 we welcomed 1,800 freshmen to Phoenix Park, a testimony to the efforts of many to make the Republic a success.

In three years of RP, a distinctive culture had taken root. A culture that stands on firm ground, for the curriculum offered is sound and relevant, though how it is delivered was radical and new. Now the radical is commonplace. PBL is entrenched. PBL and its ideas has become an enabler for many to find themselves. You know, when you see them rush by with sparkle and purpose. Evidence of life was found everywhere at Tanglin Campus.

Time and time again, visitors express how refreshing RP students are, in the way they argue their cases and use information. This, amongst others, is clear signs of the habits that will stand RP graduates in good stead as they take on the world.

How does one know that one is on the right track? Of course when the journey is over you will know, but when you are living the events, one has to trust in the evidence of arguments crossing and reinforcing. This ability is a hallmark of a knowledge worker. The constant challenge is the ability to discern a path in a continuum of choices. Getting each step right is the key to reaching ones goal.

At RP, all signs point in the right direction. Good support from stakeholders, continuing growth, milestones met and a mission unchanged with a vigor and passion matching how it was from day one. Perhaps most importantly, a growing group not afraid to take on the unknown is building on a confidence that will be capped by the success of the products of RP’s educational experience.

This is evident at SAS. There is a great sense that history is being made. It is a vigor that comes from believing in science and PBL as a way of learning. At SAS, science and PBL had twined, showing both to be compatible and supportive of each other. The school had taken the best traditions and ideas from either to establish a unique science educational experience.

In 2006, we look forward to welcoming 2,600 freshmen to our family, 600 alone for science. Together with the 3,000 or so seniors who survived Tanglin Campus, we will move into our brand new campus in Woodlands. Pity the pioneering 800 who will not spend any significant time at Woodlands Campus. Five thousand and six hundred strong will bring Woodlands Campus to life.

The memories from Tanglin Campus will join us at Woodlands. Ideas will breathe Woodlands campus to life when students and faculty inhabit the inspiring new campus. And it will be contagious, to the communities to the North and the freshmen who will join as the gates open in April 2006.

The Lawn, the Agora and the Republic Cultural Center beckons (click here for our Woodlands campus tour). Come in. Come up. Welcome to Woodlands Campus.

Dr Terence Chong
Director, SAS
December 2005