incoRPorate Issue 1 / 2017

Transforming Health Through Science Pg.11 Feature Fighting for a ‘Diabetes-Free’ Nation

Pg.2 Partnerships Creating opportunities for our students as RP continues to expand and deepen ties through overseas and local collaborations

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Issue 1 / 2017 Published for industry partners of Republic Polytechnic

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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s Republic Polytechnic (RP) celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2017, we look back on our commitment to nurture youths into passionate citizens. Indeed, RP has come a long way in providing a path for our students to discover their strengths, and cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship.

In this issue of incoRPorate, we are pleased to share with you many significant milestones over the years – from when we first opened our doors at the interim Tanglin campus in 2003, to the recent launch of the Republic Polytechnic Industry Centre (RPIC) on 3 August 2016. Find these milestones and achievements on pages 9 and 10.

We are also pleased to share that RP has joined our nation’s fight against diabetes, and you can read about our efforts on page 12.

Get to know our featured profile, Dr Ho Phui San, a lecturer at RP School of Applied Science who has won notable awards for her breakthrough diagnostic kit (page 18).

CONTENTS PARTNERSHIPS Creating opportunities for our students as RP continues to expand and deepen ties through overseas and local collaborations

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HEART Paying it forward with kindness

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MILESTONES Looking back at RP’s history and achievements

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FEATURE Fighting for a ‘Diabetes-Free’ Nation

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NEWS & UPDATES Keep up with RP’s latest activities and happenings

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PROFILE Dr Ho Phui San: Inspiring Ingenuity

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Advisor Seto Lok Yin Editor-in-Chief Ronald Wong

On page 17, find out how RP prepares our students for the working world through the recently launched SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) targeted for the Hotel Sector.

To all our industry partners, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support in building a lasting partnership with us, as we summed up 2016 with several significant collaborations with established organisations such as Raffles Medical Group, Rolls-Royce, Jetstar Asia, as well as Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism (page 2).

Cheers to a great 2017 ahead!

Ronald Wong Director, Office of Corporate Communications Republic Polytechnic

Editors Renee Loh, Charlene Soh and Fiona Chia Publishing Consultant Verztec Consulting Pte Ltd

Contributors Alicia Chia Alex Hong Amelia Heng Chaitra Jagdish Cindy Neo David Lee Eileen Yong Elsie Lock Eric Teo Esther Chng Fahreeq Fattah Goh Phaik Lan

Grace Loo Hong Ling Tim James Tham Janice Aw Jason Tey Jeff Goh Junainah Badron Lim Boon Hong Morgan Heijdemann Ng Tek Ming Nicole Shi Patrick Seng

Pong Yoke Fong Ritu Bhalla Seeneth Hanifa Seow Khee Wei Serene Anne Tan Shaaron Tan Sharon Ng Sidharta Hidayat Urvi Maniar Vincent Tey

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

The views and opinions expressed or implied in incoRPorate do not necessarily reflect those of Republic Polytechnic or Verztec Consulting Pte Ltd. Information is correct at time of print. OCC / FEB 2017

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incoRPorate

Partnerships

Collaborating to Develop Tourism Capabilities

(from left to right) Dr Komang Mahawira, Director, Politeknik Pariwisata Makassar; Drs Anang Sutono, Director, Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata (STP) Bandung; Mr Faisal Kasim, Director, Akademi Pariwisata (Akpar) Medan; Mr Wayan Warta, General Manager, Amadea Resort & Villas; Mr James Lee, Director, School of Hospitality, RP; Drs Dewa GN Byomantara, Director, STP Nusa Dua Bali; Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), RP; Dr Wisnu Tarunajaya, Deputy Assistant for Human Resources Development of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia; Mr Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation International; Dr Terence Chong, Director, Office of International Relations, RP and; Ms Dewi Hendriyani, Deputy Director, Partnerships STP Nusa Dua Bali

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epublic Polytechnic (RP), along with Temasek Foundation International, has partnered Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to launch a 36-month Hospitality and Tourism Capability Development Programme.

and industry partners in Indonesia’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Benefiting about 150 Indonesian participants, the new training programme will enhance teaching and learning approaches as well as promote best practices and strategies on tripartite collaborations among governments, institutions

Mr Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive of the foundation, said, “We hope that this will be a positive start to developing networks of cooperation between Singapore’s and Indonesia’s tourism industry experts.”

Temasek Foundation International has also committed a grant of S$494,500 towards the programme.

Through the programme, RP will share our Problem-based Learning (PBL) pedagogy, social media and branding knowledge, and quality and productivity management skills with the participants.

RP and four National Tourism Institutions under the purview of Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry will also work together to solve location-specific issues in Bandung, Makassar, Medan, and Bali.

IN THE NEWS In November 2016, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met Indonesian President Joko Widodo for the SingaporeIndonesia Leaders’ Retreat in Semarang, Indonesia. RP also attended the Leaders’ Retreat to carry out the commemorative signing on Hospitality & Tourism Capability Development Programme.

Principal/CEO of RP, Mr Yeo Li Pheow presenting a commemorative gift to Director for Tourism Institutional Relations of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, Ms Ani Insani

(from left to right) Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, RP; Mr Faisal Kasim, Director, Akpar Medan; Dr Komang Mahawira, Director, Politeknik Pariwisata Makassar; Drs Dewa GN Byomantara, Director, STP Nusa Dua Bali; and Drs Anang Sutono, Director, STP Bandung

(from left to right) Drs Dewa GN Byomantara, Dr Wisnu Tarunajaya, Mr Seto Lok Yin, and Ms Dewi Hendriyani marking the official launch of the three-year programme

The agreement was signed by Principal/CEO of RP Mr Yeo Li Pheow and the directors of the four National Tourism

Institutions, and witnessed by ministers from Singapore and Indonesia.

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Partnerships

4-way Partnership for Cybersecurity R&D (UGS) to establish a joint research and development (R&D) laboratory within RP’s campus.

The laboratory will focus on topics such as cybersecurity for the Internet of Things, data analytics and Industry 4.0.

(Front row, from left to right) Mr Boo Chong-Han, Director, School of Infocomm, RP; Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), RP; Mr Paul Lim, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Secura; and Professor Muffy Calder, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Science and Engineering, and Professor of Formal Methods, UofG (Back row, from left to right) Mr Arthur Tham, Director, Infocomm Technology, Secura; Mr Ong Kok Leong, Chief Operating Officer, Secura; Professor Christopher Johnson, Head, School of Computing Science, UofG; Dr Fannon Lim, Acting Director, UGS (School of Engineering); and Professor Trevor Hoey, Professor of Numerical Geoscience, TNE Director (School of Geographical and Earth Sciences), UGS

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o tackle the lack of skilled manpower in the cybersecurity arena, RP signed a Memorandum

of Understanding with Secura Group Limited, the University of Glasgow (UofG) and the University of Glasgow Singapore

Mr Paul Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Secura, said, “This collaboration is an opportunity for Secura to work with some of the best minds in academic research to enhance our expertise and develop our own house brand of cybersecurity products and solutions.”

This partnership creates a unique ecosystem of talents, knowledge and resources in which our students from RP School of Infocomm as well as computing science and engineering students from UGS work on cybersecurity projects and conduct research that are aligned with Singapore’s Smart Nation objectives.

Teaming Up with Beyonics for Engineering Training

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ollowing a long-standing partnership, RP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Beyonics International Pte Ltd, Asia’s leading precision engineering, electronics and plastic parts manufacturing firm, in September 2016.

Beyonics representatives, Mr Scott D. Smith, Chief Executive Offer (CEO), and Mr Sean Ng, Director of Operations, graced the signing ceremony with RP representatives, Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services) and Mr Tan Heap Jui, Deputy Director, School of Engineering.

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RP and Beyonics have been working together on the Industry Immersion Programme (IIP) for our students. Through this programme, our students benefited from industryrelated learning opportunities.

The collaboration strengthens our relations and allows for more student internship prospects for various diplomas. Our students can also look forward to enhanced educational opportunities through industrial visits, sponsorships of student scholarships and book prizes, and industry mentorship programmes.

(from left to right) Mr Tan Heap Jui, Deputy Director, School of Engineering, RP; Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), RP; Mr Scott D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Beyonics; and Mr Sean Ng, Director of Operations, Beyonics

incoRPorate

Partnerships

Raffles Medical Group and Reaching New Heights RP Join Forces to Nurture with Jetstar Asia Well-rounded Students “In the last three years, Jetstar Asia has seen more than 60 RP students take up internship assignments with the airline and (we observed that) RP’s Problem-based Learning approach has equipped the students with real-world skills to work through specific challenges.”

Mr Chan Choy Kee, Head of Flying Operations, Jetstar Asia

(from left to right) Dr Mok Ying Jang, General Manager, RMG; Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, RP; Mr Yong Yih Ming, General Manager, RMG; Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), RP; and Mr Ashley Chua, Director, School of Applied Science, RP

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he alliance between RP and Raffles Medical Group (RMG) began back in 2011, when RMG provided internship opportunities at their clinics, pharmacy and laboratory to our students from RP School of Applied Science.

Since then, RMG has expanded their internship engagement to students from RP School of Engineering and RP School of Sports, Health and Leisure. At present, there is a sizeable group of RP graduates working under various RMG departments.

In addition, RMG and RP collaborated in several Final Year Projects last year.

In July 2016, RP and RMG inked a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise our efforts in ensuring a fulfilling healthcare education for our students.

In addition to a 20-week internship programme for our students, RP and RMG will co-organise events to promote networking and knowledge transfer.

A second agreement was penned for clinical placements to support the delivery of a skills-based course in Phlebotomy. These placements provide an authentic learning environment for our students to develop and hone their skills.

Mr Barathan Pasupathi, CEO, Jetstar Asia (left) and Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/ CEO, RP (right) signing the Collaboration Agreement

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he partnership between RP and Jetstar Asia Airways Pte Ltd (Jetstar Asia) began three years ago, with Jetstar Asia offering our students cabin crew internships. Over the years, this opportunity expanded to encompass other job functions such as Ground Operations and Safety, Training, Human Resources, Customer Service, and Network Operations.

On 31 October 2016, RP and Jetstar Asia renewed our Collaboration Agreement (CA).

Ms Aliza Ramli, Assistant Programme Chair, Diploma in Biomedical Sciences, School of Applied Science, RP, leading guests around for a tour of the Anatomy Museum at RP

Through this partnership, our students can engage in Final Year Projects (FYPs) that examine issues related to the airline industry. Both our staff and students, particularly those from RP School of Engineering, gained useful knowledge

and experience from completed FYPs, especially in the areas of costing and process improvement.

The renewal of the CA value adds to RP’s aviation and aerospace programmes.

Our students will embark on an applied learning journey through internships and projects with Jetstar Asia.

RP also hopes to create potential employment for our students at Jetstar Asia through this partnership.

At the signing ceremony, Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO of RP, succinctly concluded his hopes for the partnership, “RP looks forward to a continued and long-term working relationship with Jetstar Asia. Together, let us work towards taking our partnership to new heights.”

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Partnerships

McDonald’s-RP Partnership to Upgrade Skills

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cDonald’s Singapore entered a Memorandum of Understanding with RP to offer Post-Diploma and PartTime Diploma programmes to their full-time employees.

The first programme, RP’s Part-Time Diploma in Business Practice (International Human Resources Management), is administered by Academy for Continuing Education and has commenced in October 2016.

(from left to right) Mr Faz Hussen, General Counsel & Director, Government Relations and Communications, McDonald’s Singapore; Ms Lynn Hong, Director, Human Resources & Office Services, McDonald’s Singapore; Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), RP; and Mr Albert Toh, Director, Academy for Continuing Education, RP

“This diploma will equip managers with sound business fundamentals that enables them to progress as F&B professionals,” said Ms Lynn Hong, Director of Human Resources of McDonald’s Singapore.

Classes are scheduled on weekdays to better accommodate the work schedule of McDonald’s operation and front-line staff. In addition, classes are conducted one and a half days a week, instead of the regular three half-days a week.

McDonald’s Singapore employees can pursue their academic aspirations while they continue working through our partnership. Furthermore, the diploma’s curriculum complements McDonald’s existing structured training programme to upgrade their employees’ skills.

Collaborating with CCAS for Customer Experience Training

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(from left to right) Mr Chris Thomas, Programme Chair, Diploma in Customer Experience Management with Business (DCXB), School of Hospitality, RP; Mrs Patricia Yeo, Assistant Programme Chair, DCXB, School of Hospitality, RP; Mr Tui Jurn Mun, Director, Office of Industry and Collaboration, RP; Dr Michael Koh, Deputy Principal (Academic Services), RP; Mr Kenneth Chong, Chairman, CCAS; Ms Rosaline Oh, Honorary Secretary, CCAS; and Mr Lawrence Luan, EXCO Member, CCAS 5

o ensure a continued relevance to our curriculum in contact centre management, RP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Contact Centre Association of Singapore (CCAS).

Under the partnership agreement, both parties hope to share respective customer experience expertise and facilities, collaborate in a range of initiatives for RP’s graduating cohort, as well as encourage staff exchanges.

The CCAS is an educational organisation that focuses on technologies, operational approaches, and business issues of local and global contact centres. For the past three years, our students from RP School of Hospitality have benefited from collaborations with CCAS through their provision of guest lecturers, off-site visits as well as industry events.

Being a member of CCAS also means that our students will be presented with opportunities in contact centre based scholarships from wellknown organisations such as DBS Bank Ltd, Singtel and Teleperformance.

incoRPorate

Partnerships

Rolls-Royce and RP Team Up to Equip Students with the Right Skills offers potential productivity improvements to Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce will lend its aerospace and technological expertise to co-develop and enhance RP’s curriculum for Pre-Employment Training (PET) students and Continuing Education and Training (CET) adult learners in the field of advanced materials and composites.

Selected students from DMTS will also undergo internships or Final Year Projects with Rolls-Royce to deepen their knowledge of NDT. RP and Rolls-Royce will jointly organise learning activities and events including industry talks, workshops and excursions to composite-related industries.

(from left to right) DMTS students Amirul Adli B. Sazali and Lim Jun Ji, Royston showcasing their project with their project supervisor, Dr May Sim, Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Science, RP

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o ensure a more holistic learning experience and opportunities for deeper industry immersion in the area of failure investigation and NonDestructive Testing (NDT), RP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rolls-Royce on RP’s annual Diploma in Materials

Science (DMTS) Industry Engagement Day. Dr Bicky Bhangu, Singapore Director of Rolls-Royce, expressed that while the MOU develops the experience and knowledge of RP students and staff on real industry challenges and issues, it also

(from left to right) Mr Ashley Chua, Director, School of Applied Science, RP; Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services), RP; Dr Bicky Bhangu, Singapore Director, Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte Ltd; and Ms Tan Li Lian, Country HR Manager, Rolls-Royce Singapore Pte Ltd

Hospitality Beyond Borders with HPL Hotels & Resorts The collaboration saw several joint efforts including HPL offering overseas internship opportunities to RP students at their various overseas properties.

RP’s management team represented by Mr Seto Lok Yin (fifth from left), Deputy Principal (Industry Services), with HPL’s management team represented by Mr Andrew Khoo (fifth from right), Vice President, Operations

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he first partnership between RP School of Hospitality and HPL

Hotel & Resorts Pte Ltd (HPL) was established in 2013.

Additionally, HPL sponsored scholarships and book prizes, which greatly benefited our students. Under the partnership agreement, RP students also reviewed and learnt from the work processes of HPL Hard Rock Hotel in Bali.

Our friendship with HPL was strengthened with the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding on 15 September 2016.

RP and HPL will maintain collaborations on joint projects, student attachment programmes and site visits, sponsorships of scholarships and book prizes, staff exchanges as well as joint research to enhance the curriculum in the field of hospitality.

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Heart

Helping Through Invention

(from left to right) Ms Urvi Maniar, Lecturer, School of Engineering, RP; Mdm Ivy Yong, Teacher, Lighthouse School, Mr Tan Heap Jui, Deputy Director, School of Engineering, RP; Mr Koh Poh Kwang, Principal, Lighthouse School; and Ms Evangeline Monteiro, Teacher, Lighthouse School; and Mr Hong Ling Tim, Senior Manager, School of Engineering, RP

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ighthouse School, a special education (SPED) school for the visually impaired, autism and hearing impaired, has adopted RP’s “Low Cost Multisensory Chair for the Hearing Impaired” as part of their learning curriculum for special needs students.

Co-funded by Tote Board’s Social Innovation Research (SIR) grant, the multisensory chair was developed by research investigators and students from RP School of Engineering based on a Background Intellectual Property (IP) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). The chair acts as a multisensory technology platform for relaxation. It is also connectable to tablets and laptops and can be used for the hearing impaired to listen to music and sounds.

Originally designed to help hearing-impaired students, the chair was so wellreceived that its use was extended to other special needs students at the school.

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RP Students Received Bu

RP student beneficiaries listening intently at the briefing for Income OrangeAid’s Future Development Programme

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TUC Income Insurance Co-operative Limited committed a three-year bursary support for RP students through Income OrangeAid’s Future Development Programme (FDP).

As Income’s community development and involvement arm, Income OrangeAid works assiduously with community partners to help under-privileged children and youths via various social investment programmes.

Under Income OrangeAid’s FDP, each student beneficiary will receive a $3,000 bursary award per academic year. Beyond providing financial assistance for school fees and living expenses, the programme empowers less fortunate RP students by providing career coaching and strengthening their financial literacy and personal development.

Forging ties with a two-year Licensing Agreement

The multisensory chair provides multisensory feedback that includes audio, visual and vibration feedback.

The multisensory feedback enhances the effectiveness of the speech therapy sessions for the hearing impaired as well as act as a calming intervention for those diagnosed with special needs such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

After almost a year of rigorous testing and development at Lighthouse School, the multisensory chair was officially licensed and handed over to the school on 18 October 2016.

Student beneficiaries of Income OrangeAid’s Future Development Programme

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Heart

rsary Support Help

RP’s Education and Career Guidance (ECG) counsellors also offer academic advice and conduct career guidance workshops as part of the initiative.

Additionally, Income collaborates closely with RP to develop internship and employment opportunities at the organisation.

The programme supported 25 students in Academic Year 2015 and went on to support another 50 students in its second year.

Prize Money Donation to the RP Needy Student Fund

(from left to right) Mr Lim Boon Hong, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, RP; Ms Rowena Koh, Programme Chair, Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management (DIOM), School of Engineering, RP; Mr Li Kainan, DIOM, Year 3 student, RP; and Dr Wang Jianguo, Director, School of Engineering, RP

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P emerged as the Top Winner for the fourth consecutive time in three years in the Singapore International 3D Printing Competition.

The winning team, comprising Li Kainan, Zheng Yulong and Wang Rui, are finalyear students from RP’s Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management (DIOM). They bagged a total of $5,000 in cash prizes under the category for local tertiary students.

The award was presented by Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry, at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The fourth instalment of the 3D printing competition was held in conjunction with the launch of NTU’s Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.

To make their achievement more meaningful, the winners donated $1,000 of their prize money to the RP Needy Student Fund.

For the competition, these students harnessed the knowledge that they gained during their internship attachments at 3D printing companies and leveraged the advantages of 3D printing to design their winning entries.

Team member Li Kainan (right) showcasing the 3D print winning entry with Senior Lecturer of RP School of Engineering, Mr Lim Boon Hong (left)

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1 JUL

5 JUL

31 JAN

19 NOV

4 MAR

4 JUL

Launch of School of Technology for the Arts

9 DEC

Launch of RP logo

Groundbreaking ceremony for Woodlands campus graced

by RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education

7 JUL Start of classes at Tanglin Campus for pioneer batch of 843 students in RP’s three schools: School of Applied Science, School of Engineering and School of Information and Communications Technology* *now known as School of Infocomm

The Republic Polytechnic Centre building was officially opened by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education President S R Nathan's first visit to RP. President Nathan made a subsequent visit on 22 July 2008

Official move to new Woodlands Campus

Inaugural BRAG (Battle Republic Annual Games)

30 MAY

31 JUL

Launch of School of Hospitality

Signed the Memorandum of Agreement with Singapore Sports School

Inaugural Momentum Dance Festival

1 DEC Launch of School of Sports, Health and Leisure

25 JUL RP's inaugural Graduation Ceremony

Woodlands Campus

by PM Lee Hsien opening of The Republic Cultural Centre

15 NOV

NOV 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001

18 NOV

22 MAY

11 OCT Start of operations at temporary Tanglin campus; Republic Polytechnic (RP) was officially established one month later

31 MAR

Inaugual Community Arts Festival

Inaugural IGNITE! Music Festival — Passion and Compassion

21 SEP

13 MAY

4 JAN

1 OCT

22 APR

9 JAN

5 JUN

Launch of Aquaria — A purpose-built research and learning facility for the growing aquaculture industry

28 RP students and 31 RP alumni participated and clinched a total of 41 medals in the 28th SEA Games. 436 volunteers, including staff and interns, were involved in the 2015 SEA Games

8 JUL

Launch of the Centre for Enterprise and Communication* (Merger of Centre for Culture and Communication and Centre for Innovation and Enterprise)

Opening of Centre for Continuing Education and Training

Presented with the Public Service Achievement Award

29 JUL

Launch of enhanced RP Logo

Launch of RP’s 10th anniversary celebrations

17 FEB Accreditation with The International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE-ICE)

7 MAR

*now known as School of Management ad Communication

15 OCT Presented with Singapore Tourism Board Best Education Experience (Tourism and Hospitality Award 2012)

17 OCT

of the Centre of Supply Chain Management

Clinched seven HR awards at the Singapore Human Resource Awards 2016 Top Corporate Awards • Corporate HR Champion • Corporate HR Award

Leading HR Practices Awards

9 AUG

• Manpower Resourcing and Planning • E-Human Resource Management • Quality Work-Life Integration • Workplace Safety and Health

Leading HR Practices (Special Mention) • Learning and Development

Launch of PBL Institute and One-Day, One-Problem: An Approach to Problem-based Learning book

15 MAY

Opening Ceremony of The Aerospace Hub (ARCH)

31 OCT

Re-launch of Centre for Professional Development as the Academy for Continuing Education @RP and launch of first part-time diploma President Tony Tan Keng Yam graced RP’s 10th Anniversary Musical and Partners Appreciation Nite

Celebrating Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, more than 300 RP staff, students, alumni, trainers/coaches performed for the opening act – Chapter 1: Beginnings at National Day Parade 2015

3 AUG

Official opening of Republic Polytechnic Industry Centre

Feature

FIGHTING FOR A

‘DIABETES-FREE’ NATION As we grow accustomed to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we are inclined to choose convenience over a more active lifestyle.

Singaporeans often lack the time to keep fit, maintain a balanced diet and even skip regular health checks. As a result, several worrying

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trends, including reduced activity rates and excessive consumption of calories and fat, have been observed in recent years.

Given these observations, it is not surprising that Singapore has the secondhighest proportion of

diabetics among developed countries today.

To effectively and efficiently combat this worrying trend, the Singapore government has declared ‘war on diabetes’.

With this, national efforts and initiatives have been put in place to ensure that the disease can be contained.

incoRPorate

Feature

Principal/CEO of RP, Mr Yeo Li Pheow (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Guest-of-Honour Mrs Chew Kwee Tiang (left) at RP Technology Forum 2016

DIABETES ON AN UPWARD TREND IN SINGAPORE

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iabetes is a nation-wide cause of concern, and if nothing is done, can be a long-standing problem within Singapore. According to national statistics from the National Health Survey, one in nine Singapore residents age between 18 and 69 years have diabetes. Among these, one in three diabetics are unaware that they have diabetes and one in three of those who are aware, may not be taking the right measures to control their condition.

Diabetes can cause adverse impacts to one’s quality and way of life. If left undetected, untreated or poorly managed, it can potentially escalate to serious illnesses.

THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH (MOH) STRATEGY ON COUNTERING DIABETES During his debate on MOH’s budget in April 2016, Health Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong shared that, “We want to help Singaporeans live life free from diabetes, and for those with the disease, to help them control their condition to prevent deterioration.”

Consequently, a new Diabetes Prevention and Care Taskforce, chaired by both Mr Gan and Education Minister

(Schools) Mr Ng Chee Meng, is set up to arrest the worrying trend and promote healthy lifestyle. The Taskforce revolves around three main objectives: to develop and implement a multi-year action plan for the war on diabetes, to reach out to the public and within the healthcare family to mobilise everyone, and to monitor progress and evaluate the outcome of MOH’s efforts.

Strategically, the Taskforce will be supported by three workgroups focusing in the areas of Healthy Living and Early Detection, Public Education and Stakeholder Management, and Disease Management respectively.

RP TECHNOLOGY FORUM 2016

technology and knowledge to solve current challenges. Mrs Chew Kwee Tiang, CEO of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, was also present at the event as its Guest-of-Honour and keynote speaker.

A panel comprising health sector experts such as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, HealthSTATS International and the Health Promotion Board were invited to discuss and identify the gaps and strategies when engaging technology, food and beverage, and physical activities in the fight against diabetes.

A key project showcased at RP Tech Forum 2016 was a non-invasive technique to monitor blood glucose levels wirelessly. Blood glucose is currently measured with a blood glucometer.

Joining the fight against diabetes is Republic Polytechnic (RP) where various schools are actively seeking new methodologies and technologies to counter the disease.

This year’s Technology Forum focused on diabetes in support of the national fight against the disease. Themed ‘Winning the War Against Diabetes’, Tech Forum 2016 was held in October at RP campus. Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO of RP, highlighted that the Tech Forum provided a platform for RP to foster collaborations with our industry partners and for participating organisations to learn from one another, particularly on the use of new

Mrs Chew Kwee Tiang, CEO of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, delivering the Keynote Address

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Feature

(from left to right) Mr Tee Chee Hoo, Lecturer, School of Hospitality, RP; Mr Biprabuddha Chatterjee, Head, R&D, Adani Wilmar Ltd; Dr Ang Seng Bin, Head & Consultant Family Physician, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital; Mr Chan Wei Loong, Covering Assistant Director, School of Applied Science, RP; Ms Vasuki Utravathy, Deputy Director, Strategic Planning and Collaborations, HPB; Mr Joshua Soh, CEO, HealthSTATS International; and Mr Ashok Miranda, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Transmedia Consultancy

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incoRPorate

Feature

Invited guests participating actively in the Question and Answer (Q&A) Session

This invasive method of testing involves pricking the skin and can sometimes be refused by patients due to discomfort, bleeding and inconvenience.

The study by RP School of Sports, Health and Leisure helps patients overcome this aversion to the use of glucometer by leveraging the photoplethysmography (PPG) technology.

The RP team eventually hopes to incorporate the algorithm into a wearable lifestyle device that uses PPG waveform to analyse the shape of the pulse and continuously track

health indicators of diabetic patients.

The device will also be programmed with advice on healthy diets and appropriate exercise programmes for convenient access.

In another aspect, RP also collaborated with Polar Puffs & Cakes Pte Ltd to develop wholegrain low-sugar rolls.

This innovative type of sugar roll provides high fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is low in sugar and fats at the same time. It also replaces refined carbohydrates with fibre rich carbohydrates which makes the product nutrient dense and helps

to control one’s blood glucose by lowering its Glycemic Index (GI).

Technology often makes our lives more convenient and flexible in many different ways. When asked about the importance of technology in fighting against diabetes, Mr Joshua Soh, CEO of HealthSTATS International, said, “Technology can assist us in the diagnostic aspect of things. It can act as an enabler but people still have to be proactive in managing their health.”

FIGHTING DIABETES TOGETHER AS A NATION Combatting diabetes within Singapore requires a concerted national effort.

Everyone can play our part in ensuring that Singaporeans adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.

As Health Minister Mr Gan analysed, “The war on diabetes will not be a quick battle, but a long war requiring sustained efforts.”

“Results of our efforts can only be seen in the long term, but we must persevere, because if we are successful in shifting mindsets and changing habits, we will be able to curb not just diabetes but other related chronic diseases as well,” he concluded.

Healthier snack choice: Wholegrain low-sugar rolls jointly created by RP School of Applied Science and Polar Puffs & Cakes Pte Ltd

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News & Updates

The Aquaculture Industry Engagement Day 2016

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he global food production is facing a spectrum of challenges due to deteriorating environmental conditions.

Mass fish deaths and harmful algae blooms are among the problems that have been plaguing the local aquaculture industry.

The second instalment of Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) Aquaculture Engagement Day aimed to address the challenges and examine the future of food production in the aquaculture industry.

Themed ‘Sustainability through Innovation’, the event was held on 15 September 2016 and graced

by Guest-of-Honour Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State of the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry. Students from RP’s Diploma in Marine Science and Aquaculture (DMAC) were present at the event with aquaculture experts and industry

professionals to discuss global trends, emerging technologies and sustainable practices for future industry needs.

The event showcased various projects that can keep the aquaculture industry sustainable and competitive, as well as highlighted the importance of strengthening connection between institutions and industry.

In his speech, Dr Koh also emphasised the need to open our minds to new technologies which can drive improvements in the aquaculture industry.

He cited the sensors at Metropolitan Fishery Group as an example. These intelligent sensors help to remotely monitor and maintain water conditions that are essential to the fishes’ survival.

Mr Ashley Chua, Director, RP School of Applied Science (left) with Guest-of-Honour Dr Koh (right) at RP’s Education and Career Guidance (ECG) booth to understand the potential career pathways in the aquaculture sector

Additionally, Dr Koh encouraged young talents to join the industry.

Guest-of-Honour Dr Koh with RP’s DMAC students at Aquaculture Industry Engagement Day 2016

“Without young fish farmers to take over, the industry will inevitably decline,” he explained.

“The application of technology and smart sensors will play to the strengths of our technologysavvy younger generation to create a conducive working environment, and increase production at the same time,” he further analysed.

Deputy Principal (Industry Services) of RP, Mr Seto Lok Yin (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Guest-of-Honour Dr Koh 15

incoRPorate

News & Updates

Accuracy that Facilitates Efficiency

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ospitals worldwide face the common problem of identifying and establishing counting accuracy of surgical instruments before and after use.

(HIT) Challenge 2016 for healthcare professionals.

Titled ‘Development of Image Processing Techniques

for Checking Pre-Post Procedure Set’, the project collaboration aims to build a portable and low cost system to automate the counting

of surgical instruments.

This solution enables the identification of surgical instruments by matching their unique features to an image database.

As the process is tedious and time consuming, hospital staff are under constant pressure to be extremely vigilant in ensuring zero human error.

RP School of Infocomm and Changi General Hospital’s Centre for Innovation set out to derive a viable solution to this healthcare problem. In September 2016, our novel project collaboration won second runner-up in the Health Innovation Technology

(from left to right) Mr Seow Khee Wei, Assistant Director (Capability & Industry), RP; Dr Ng Tek Ming, Senior Lecturer, School of Infocomm, RP; Ms Yvonne Lew, Nurse Manager, CSSD/Nursing Admin, Changi General Hospital; and Ms Ng Hui Chin, Nurse Clinician, Specialist Clinics, Changi General Hospital

Rewarding Inventiveness

(from left to right) Mr Morgan Heijdemann, Senior Solutions Enabler, COI-SCM, RP; Mr Paul Lim, Founder/President, Supply Chain Asia; Mr Friso Kluit, Senior Solutions Enabler, COI-SCM, RP; and Ms Jessica Sin, Project Staff, COI-SCM, RP

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system created by RP Centre of Innovation for Supply Chain Management (COI-SCM), called the Visual Inventory

Management (VIM) System, won second place in the Supply Chain Hackathon 2016.

The Hackathon was organised by Supply Chain Asia in partnership with Green Freight Asia and was held on 7 September 2016.

sensor. When the sensor detects that the stock level falls below the trigger point, VIM will be activated and it will send an alert to the user.

VIM is a cost-efficient system that can automatically trigger stock replenishment notifications that are detected by video analytics and does not require manpower.

In addition, the user also has access to the dashboard that shows real-time stock levels anywhere through the Android mobile application or web browser.

It comes with a standalone smart camera unit that can be deployed to any kind of storage locations, including those that are far away, unsafe or have restricted access.

The smart camera module includes Raspberry Pi 3 with Sony IMX219 8-megapixel Camera module: Raspberry Pi 3 with Sony IMX219 8-megapixel sensor

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News & Updates

Earn While You Learn

Guest-of-Honour, Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, with Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, RP, and participants at the official launch of SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (Hotel Sector)

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epublic Polytechnic’s (RP) SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) for the Hotel Sector was officially launched by Guestof-Honour, Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry, in June 2016.

As the appointed Sector Coordinator and Programme Manager for the Hotel Operations and Management Sector, RP administers the ELP for the sector in partnership with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

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The 12-month structured work-study programme provides opportunities for students to strengthen sector-specific skills through classroom learning and real-world application.

The ELP received strong support from the industry, with a total of 54 participating hotel partners.

Principal/CEO of RP Mr Yeo Li Pheow said, “The ELP provides graduates with an opportunity to deepen their skillsets through structured on-the-job training while acquiring industry-relevant qualifications, creating

good career advancement pathways for them.”

RP welcomed its largest ELP cohort, with 48 fresh diploma graduates enrolled in the first intake of the ELP for the Hotel Sector. The trainees have been placed with 26 of the participating hotel partners while the remaining hotel partners are committed to enrol more participants in subsequent intakes. A total of 290 placements for the ELP (Hotel Sector) are projected for the next three years.

while undergoing training and lessons facilitated by RP. They will also engage in company-based projects as part of the Specialist Diploma programme, designed to integrate theory and practice.

Furthermore, RP also added a new ELP pathway catering for the Hotel Sector, for ITE graduates, which began in October 2016. ITE graduates will also have the opportunity to progress and attain a Part-Time Diploma in Business Practice (Hospitality Management).

Participants of the ELP are full-time employees at their respective hotels

incoRPorate

Profile

DR HO PHUI SAN: INSPIRING INGENUITY

In this issue, incoRPorate speaks with the lady who motivates her students to learn well and to not be afraid of challenges, Dr Ho Phui San. Phui San shares about what spurs her on, overcoming obstacles and looking towards the future positively.

“Knowing that I have played a role in making a positive difference in my students’ lives is all the satisfaction I need,” she shared.

EXPERIMENTING SUCCESS

Dr Ho Phui San

Lecturer School of Applied Science, RP

Accomplishments Phui San’s ‘Diagnose Dengue serotypes and Chikungunya in 1 Step’ project won: * Ministry of Education’s Innergy Awards — Gold * PS21 ExCEL Award 2016’s Most Innovative Project/Policy Category — Bronze

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s an educator, Dr Ho Phui San aspires to make a positive difference in her students’ lives and empower them to be the best that they can be.

For Phui San, her students’ personal growth are as equally important as their academic progress, if not more.

improvement from failures when driving research. To her, “with the right support as well as perseverance, one will eventually get to see the rainbow at the other end of the horizon.”

Earlier this year, Phui San’s project, ‘Diagnose Dengue serotypes and Chikungunya in 1 step’, was awarded Gold for the Ministry of Education administered Innergy Awards.

INNOVATION IS KEY

Patients with Dengue and Chikungunya infection tend to exhibit similar symptoms and current diagnostic technology is unable to accurately detect and differentiate these mosquito-borne viruses in a single test.

We are in an era where there are opportunities to look beyond existing resources and materials to derive better scientific solutions. “This is where science will integrate with other disciplines like information technology and engineering to create a new dimension for more possibilities,” explained Phui San.

To address this challenge, Phui San’s team developed a breakthrough diagnostic kit that allows for simultaneous detection and differentiation of Dengue, Zika as well as Chikungunya viruses in the same test. Additionally, the same test result could be used to determine the serotypes of the Dengue virus.

Phui San emphasised the importance of passion, tenacity, as well as constant

Through science, technologies are constantly advancing, making many things possible today.

Phui San has aspirations for Singapore to “play a leading role and set the trend for the next big wave in scientific development”. With a spirit of innovation and changereadiness, she hopes the nation’s achievements will be “groundbreaking enough to cause a ripple effect around the world”.

NURTURING STUDENTS OF TODAY Already in her ninth year as a lecturer at RP, Phui San’s responsibilities include imparting scientific knowledge and technical skills to her students. “The most important aspect of being a lecturer is to ensure that I maximise the learning opportunities for my students in everything that I teach,” enthused Phui San. The team behind the diagnostic kit: (from left) Mr Ivan Foo Zhi Kwee, Ms Dawn Tan Yu Bin, Dr Ho Phui San, Mr Chen Huixin, and Ms Mariya Parimelalagan 18

DON’T BE A FROG IN THE WELL!

Act Now for a Better Future!

Visit www.rp.edu.sg/ACE

Distinguished speakers at 5th IPBLS2017

PBL and the Future of Skills 15 - 17 March 2017, Republic Polytechnic Join us at the 5th International Problem-based Learning Symposium 2017 (5th IPBLS2017) to deliberate on strategies for meeting the challenges of the future with education and industry professionals.

Professor Curtis Bonk Professor of Instructional Systems Technology, Indiana University

Register at

www.rp.edu.sg/registration.aspx

Professor Stephen Billett Professor of Adult and Vocational Education, Griffith University

for 5th IPBLS2017 now!

www.rp.edu.sg/symposium

www.facebook.com/pblsymposium

pblsadmin@rp.edu.sg

www.twitter.com/pblsymposium

Professor Manu Kapur

Professor and Chair of Learning Sciences and Higher Education, ETH Zurich