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Republic Polytechnic
President

Shaping Confident Lifelong Learners: Malini Thyagesan Receives President’s Award for Teachers 2023

Our People and Impact

Staff Spotlights

31 August 2023

RP’s Malini Thyagesan receives the President’s Award for Teachers 2023 for her dedication to empowering students through growth mindset learning and holistic education.

For Malini Thyagesan, teaching is about helping every student discover their strengths and grow with confidence. The Senior Lecturer from RP’s School of Applied Science has been awarded the President’s Award for Teachers 2023—the highest accolade in Singapore’s teaching profession—in recognition of her passion for nurturing lifelong learners and creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

Every student is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, they must be given opportunities to take ownership of their learning to attain a holistic education and develop a growth mindset for lifelong learning.
— Ms Malini Thyagesan, Senior Lecturer, RP School of Applied Science, President’s Award for Teachers Winner 2023
Ms Malini Thyagesan, Senior Lecturer, RP School of Applied Science, receiving the President’s Award for Teachers Winner 2023 from President Halimah Yacob

As an educator, Malini believes learning goes beyond academic achievement. She encourages students to take ownership of their learning journey, helping them build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

Over the years, one of her greatest motivations has been witnessing students grow through challenges. From small breakthroughs to significant milestones, she finds fulfilment in supporting students as they develop into confident individuals ready to pursue their aspirations.

“It warms my heart when I see students taking baby steps and making progress in overcoming challenges. Seeing them grow and achieve their fullest potential as confident individuals is a powerful motivator for me.”

Receiving the President’s Award for Teachers is not something Malini sees as an individual accomplishment. Instead, she views it as a shared achievement that reflects the collective dedication of educators working together to create meaningful opportunities for students.

“Receiving the PAT is not just an individual achievement. It is also a representation of the efforts of many dedicated teachers who work synergistically to make initiatives beneficial for students.”

For Malini, the award also carries a deeper responsibility—to continue inspiring others, uplifting those around her, and staying connected to her purpose as an educator.

Her journey reflects RP’s commitment to empowering students through holistic education, meaningful learning experiences, and a culture of lifelong growth.

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