MAY 2022 — RP's Graduating Class of 2022 exceeds expectations in their pursuit of excellence and lifelong learning.
From 4 to 11 May, 4,477 graduands across 75 Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes received their diploma certificates at a series of on-campus graduation ceremonies.
This year’s cohort includes the pioneer graduating batches from four CET courses: Diplomas in Applied Science (Urban Agricultural Technology), Engineering (Vehicular Technology and Operations), Health Sciences (Health Management), and Specialist Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring for Workplace Learning.
Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, graced the keynote session on 4 May.
Defying Expectations, Exceeding the Norm
During this session, special awards were conferred to seven PET graduates for academic and community-based achievements.
Two of the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science recipients, Chee Wei En and Austin Seah, stood out not only for their accolades but also for the academic path they took.
Wei En was a Normal (Academic) stream student in secondary school, while Austin entered RP via the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) after his GCE N-Level. This one-year programme allowed Austin to receive a provisional place in his chosen diploma course, allowing him to get an edge in his studies.
With grit and determination, the two Special Award recipients excelled. Austin has been accepted to study Biomedical Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), while Wei En plans to pursue a business degree after completing his National Service.
Advancing Careers Through Upskilling
On the other hand, a pair of graduates from RP’s CET courses found opportunities in their careers through upskilling.
Rina Evianna, a manager in the public sector who was employed in the aviation sector pre-pandemic, pursued a Specialist Diploma in Aviation Management despite the challenges the industry faced over the past two years.
The RP graduate is open to opportunities and hopes to return to a career in the aviation sector, believing that what she has learnt after completing the specialist diploma will empower her to make a strong contribution to Singapore’s aviation industry.
Similarly, Muhammad Suhaimi Bin Mohamed, an employee from Rolls-Royce, enrolled in a part-time diploma to expand his engineering knowledge. His acquired skills in manpower planning, risk management, and inventory management enabled him to secure an expanded role in his company.
Shaping Futures Through Lifelong Learning
Suhaimi’s story was spotlighted by Minister Chan in his speech at the ceremony, highlighting the importance and relevance of lifelong learning in today’s market.
Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister of Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service, delivering his speech at RP’s 17th Graduation Ceremony
He also emphasised that the value of one’s diploma is not a label or marker of success attained, but a foundation to build on.
Three poignant questions were raised in his speech to graduates: how long knowledge and skills will be valid; will the RP brand help in future careers; and will they find their dream jobs?
Perhaps lifelong learning provides an answer in the form of adaptability. Through continual efforts in encouraging lifelong learning and development, RP hopes that students and mid-career workers will be eager to upskill, upgrade and remain competitive in an ever-changing world. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, it is meaningful that this 17th Graduation Ceremony was marked by the largest cohort of CET graduates to date. Our 958 CET graduates are well-positioned to take on new challenges as they embark on the next stage of their lives.
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A well-received announcement was also made at the graduation ceremony this year: from Academic Year 2023, eligible students will be able to enrol in minor programmes in business, digitalisation or sustainability.
Taking on a minor area of study is an expansion beyond the core academic disciplines that are already available for the PET students. Through these minor programmes, the students get to pursue additional interests while being equipped with relevant multidisciplinary skills that will prepare them for today’s ever-evolving environment.
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