Published for industry partners of Republic Polytechnic
Industry-ready talents 3
More reason to smile 4
JANUARY 2015
Bamboo buildings of the future 10
What is my quality of life when I’m 65? RP TECHNOLOGY DAY 2014
Ja Janu January anu uar a y 20 2015 15 5
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EDITOR’S NOTE “Imagination is the beginning of creation”, George Bernard Shaw once said. Without imagination, we would not be able to explore endless possibilities in the things that exist, or discover new ideas, or invent things that the world has yet to see. In this issue, we pay tribute to the power of imagination and how it drives creativity and innovation, particularly in Republic Polytechnic. These qualities are ingrained in our ways of thinking and doing, from our approach in educating through Problem-Based Learning to our multi-dimensional projects. Testament to this was RP Technology Day 2014, a rousing success involving all six schools and one centre for the very first time. We showcased past and ongoing projects related to the theme of “Innovations in the Health & Wellness Industries” to over 500 attendees. Two of our projects in wireless technology applications from the School of Engineering were featured in The Straits Times, too! Read our feature (pg. 5) story for more innovative and meaningful solutions from our RP family. Our students continue to perform and excel both within and outside of RP, whether academically or vocationally. Our students won a Gold and two Bronze Awards at WorldSkills Singapore, and Gold medallist Muhammad Bin Mahmoud Abdullah Ng will represent Singapore at this year’s International WorldSkills in Brazil! On the road to saving lives are valedictorian Kenneth Gwee and Noor Ahmed Alkaff, who have been accepted into the prestigious Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in National University of Singapore. In case you have not noticed, we have also updated our look! We welcome you to the refreshed and revamped incoRPorate, designed for better readability, content and aesthetics. For example, we have Heart (pg. 4), a new section that recognises students’ goodwill and sense of responsibility to the community, while honouring our donors and supporters for their selfless generosity to RP. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas for incoRPorate, so email us at help-occ@ rp.edu.sg and tell us what you think! With that, we hope you enjoy reading this issue.
CONTENTS
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4 PARTNERSHIPS
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Exciting opportunities await our students with these industry partnerships
HEART
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RP appreciates donors and students alike who pay it forward with generosity and kindness
FEATURE
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What will be my quality of life when I’m 65?
PROFILE
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Hong Ling Tim: Adding purpose to passion
NEWS & UPDATES
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Catch up on the latest happenings within RP
TRENDWATCH
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All you need to know about technology and innovation – at a glance Advisor Seto Lok Yin Editor-in-Chief Ronald Wong
Editors Michelle Tan, Tan Pin Yin & Renee Loh Publishing Consultant Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd
incoRPorate is published quarterly for Republic Polytechnic by Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd, Blk 1004 Toa Payoh North, #02-12, Singapore 318995.
Sincerely, Ronald Wong Director, Off ice of Corporate Communications
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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The views and opinions expressed or implied in incoRPorate do not necessarily reflect those of Republic Polytechnic or Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd. Information is correct at time of print. JAN 2015
PARTNERSHIPS
Going the Extra Mile with Changi Airport Group
Taking Flight with SIA Engineering
Ms Zarina Piperdi (third from left), Senior Vice-President of Human Resources, represented SIA Engineering Company to seal a landmark partnership with RP
Both RP and Changi Airport Group’s management teams visited RP’s Aerospace Hub, which provides an authentic learning environment for our aviation students
To extend our fruitful partnership of two years, Changi Airport Group (CAG) and RP have signed an MOU that will continue to provide internships for students from the Diploma of Aviation Management (DAVM), with more exciting opportunities in the line-up. An exemplary individual is DAVM graduate James Tan, who was awarded the Extra Mile Award for his outstanding
contribution during his internship with CAG. Our alumnus is also the first intern that CAG has recruited as a full-time Duty Terminal Manager since the launch of CAG’s Changi Youth Ambassador Programme. James was even mentioned by Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah at the Ministry of Education (MOE) Budget Report 2014 and featured on the MOE Facebook page.
The First to Nurture Better Sportsmen with FAS
Learning Smart with Popular E-Learning Popular e-Learning Holdings Limited and RP’s School of Infocomm have agreed to formalise and extend their existing collaboration in enhancing interactive digital learning products and solutions. Through the Industry Immersion Programme (IIP), students from the Diploma in Interactive and Digital Media will gain valuable industry insights and the opportunity
In collaboration with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), RP’s Diploma in Sports Coaching is given an additional edge, with the introduction of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ‘C’ Coaching Certificate Course as a module. RP is the first institute of higher learning to partner with the FAS in nurturing our sportsmen of the future. This is the first step for students working towards the elite coaching license. In tandem with this announcement, 22 selected students were awarded the National Coaching Accreditation Programme Level One Certificate from Sport Singapore.
RP’s School of Engineering and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) have formalised a partnership that aligns with a shared vision of Singapore as a world-class aviation hub. This MOU includes student internships and student learning activities from workshops to industry talks with SIAEC, a global, leading aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul company. It will also forge stronger ties between RP staff and SIAEC through industry discussions and sharing of training facilities, allowing us to stay abreast of the latest developments in aviation to align our curriculum to the industry’s needs.
Ms Christine Chiang (second from left), Senior Director of Popular e-Learning Holdings, believes this collaboration will boost education for future generations
to adapt their final-year projects for commercialisation and implementation. Instrumental in the formalisation of this MOU is the invaluable contribution of past IIP students to Popular e-Learning’s digital learning products and solutions.
In Tune with Central Music Company
Mobile music-making apps were introduced to RP’s Diploma in Sonic Arts curriculum in 2013 so that students can quickly modify musical pieces, add effects and record music when inspiration hits. Exposure to such apps
gives students an edge over someone who only writes music, and gets them attuned to the industry. To expand this development, RP’s School of Technology for the Arts and digital music instrument manufacturer CME (Central Music Company) have signed an MOU, which will see more internship opportunities for students as well as the development of new apps, such as one that teaches music theory.
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PARTNERSHIPS
Talent-spotted for the Logistics Industry with YCH Group
Growing the Business of Safety with Airbus Helicopters RP AND AIRBUS HELICOPTERS have extended their partnership
for the third time, with the signing of a three-year MOU. This was announced at Airbus Helicopter’s inaugural Safety Awareness Day, which was conceptualised and organised by nine RP students from the Diploma in Aviation Management (DAVM), as part of their final-year project. Students were tasked to increase the awareness of Airbus Helicopters’ Safety Management System, demonstrate each employee’s responsibility in upholding Airbus’ pristine safety record, and expand the scope of safety to include the mitigation of risks during manufacturing and on-the-ground operations.
Dr Robert Yap (far right), Chairman & CEO of YCH Group, looks forward to collaborating with RP as it inspires continuous learning and innovation
TO NURTURE STUDENTS for the logistics industry, RP’s School of Engineering has established a Talent Development Programme with YCH Group, a leading integrated end-toend supply chain management and logistics company. The MOU fits in with the national objective of increasing the productivity of the logistics and transportation industry in Singapore, which contributes 9.4 per cent to our national GDP. It also ensures a steady stream of industry-ready graduates to support this thriving industry. Under the three-year MOU, 20 third-year students from RP’s Diploma in Supply Chain Management and Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management will undergo a 10-month training programme, which goes beyond a student internship. It integrates students into real-life operational functions, giving them valuable insight into the industry which will benefit their career development.
“ The strong hands-on learning opportunities and the structured mentorship aspect of the Talent Development Programme will allow our students to gain a good grounding in different job functions and be immersed in a real working environment.” Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO of RP
The programme consists of three phases. The first is a four-month internship, in which students will be rotated among various roles. The second is a two-month mentorship programme, where each student is assigned to one YCH staff. Finally, students will embark on a four-month final-year project, studying specific problems within a department and craft solutions. Outstanding case studies will be used by YCH for employee training in industry best practices. Upon graduation, students could gain a job opportunity with YCH Group or scholarships from YCH for further studies.
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Together with senior RP staff, Mr Derek Sharples (second from left), Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters, participated in the Safety Awareness Day organised by a group of RP students
These culminated in Safety Awareness Day, which reached out to more than 100 staff through interactive games. Our students also produced the first safety video for Airbus to be shown at their reception area, and designed more than 100 safety posters for placement throughout the Singapore off ice. “RP students displayed strong creativity and dynamism, and exceeded our expectations in their approach and delivery of solutions towards our project brief. They showed great initiative, professionalism and confidence, and proved to be highly adaptable in evolving situations,” remarked Mr Derek Sharples, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters. Our students gained deeper knowledge of the aviation industry, in addition to honing soft skills through presentations to various levels of management. They were also trained to be more resilient and forward-thinking, particularly in anticipating problems. Wong Ho Ken, 18, said, “We were proactive in asking our supervisors more about aviation to achieve our objectives. Resourcefulness is something that RP cultivated in us, and we applied that for the production of the safety video and poster designs.” With the signing of the MOU, DAVM students can look forward to more structured student internship programmes and opportunities to develop their final-year projects. The MOU also includes the sharing of technical expertise among staff and enhances joint technology development between RP and Airbus.
HEART
The Daisy Phay Foundation Provides Education Opportunities for All
RP’s Principal/CEO (second from left) receives a $2 million donation from the Daisy Phay Foundation
Giving All of Us More Reason to Smile THE DENTAL MISSION in Cambodia took place for the fifth time from 16 to 20 June 2014. This time around, 14 RP students participated in the mission, providing logistical and operational support, in addition to helping in the set-up of two dental clinics. The mission took place in the Sotnikum district, 45 minutes from the city of Siem Reap. It benefitted over 800 villagers, who had no access to basic yet essential dental care. From 7am to 5pm daily for two days, 23 dentists and dental therapists from the National Dental Association provided services that included extraction and tooth filling as well as the provision of dentures. We look forward to hearing more of such inspiring acts of kindness.
Thank You, Mr Choo Chiau Beng
Mr Choo Chiau Beng (far left) and family presenting the donation of $200,000 to RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow (second from right)
RP received a donation of $200,000 from Mr Choo Chiau Beng to set up an endowment fund. In gratitude, RP hosted Mr Choo and his family in a special lunch, where the donation was formalised for the setting up of the Mr and Mrs Choo Chiau Beng Endowment Fund. From 2015 onwards, this endowment fund will support students from the School of Technology for the Arts (STA) and School of Engineering, through scholarships, bursaries, and book prizes. This is Mr Choo’s second gesture of generosity to RP; he first supported 25 Choo-Lim Scholarships for students from STA. Thank you, Mr Choo!
The Daisy Phay Foundation has added a donation of $2 million to the Daisy Phay Foundation – Republic Polytechnic Endowment Fund, on top of a cash donation of $120,000. Co-trustees of the Foundation, Mr Ng Hark Cheng and Mr Chee Wai Pong, presented the cheque to RP’s Principal and CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow at the presentation event, where Mr Yeo highlighted that close to half of RP students require financial assistance. The Daisy Phay Foundation was set up in memory of Dr Phay Seng Whatt’s wife, Daisy. The late Dr Phay was the former Chairman of the Public Service Comission from 1962 to 1975 and he is fondly known for his astute judgement in the selection of key public servants. Building on his legacy, the Foundation has championed equal educational opportunities for all. In 2010, a donation of $2 million was made to set up the Daisy Phay Foundation – Republic Polytechnic Endowment Fund. With RP and the government agreeing to match the donation amounts, the total endowment fund now stands at $9 million, which will enable RP to support and benefit many more beneficiaries in years to come.
“ Together, we can see students achieve more than they ever thought they could, regardless of their backgrounds. My heartfelt thanks to the Foundation for its selfless generosity, which has helped us further our mission of nurturing and preparing students for the dynamic world.” Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO of RP
January 2015
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FEATURE R P
T E C H N O L O G Y
D A Y
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What will be My Quality of Life when I’m 65? T
here is no doubt that Singaporeans are living longer, with a world-class healthcare system that is efficient and affordable, and a collective consciousness that prioritises a healthy lifestyle. But are we enjoying a better quality of life even as we live longer? That was the question raised by the CEO of the Health Promotion Board (HPB) Mr Zee Yoong Kang, Guest-of-Honour at RP Technology Day 2014, an annual event that showcases RP’s collaborations with various industries and its expertise in using technology to solve real-world problems. Themed “Innovations in the Health & Wellness Industries”, this year’s event also provided insight into the fast-evolving healthcare industry in Singapore.
The race for health against time Healthcare has inched its way up the national agenda, doubling expenditure to $8 billion in 2015 from 2011. Even so, Singapore spends less on healthcare than other wealthy countries and yet still stacks up impressively against the major cities, ranking ninth on CNN’s list of the world’s 10 healthiest cities in 2014. But we cannot take it easy because of our low, stagnating fertility rate and a fast-ageing society. The Healthcare 2020 Masterplan was therefore launched in 2012 to focus and align national, community, and individual objectives in healthcare. “To achieve a common goal of a healthy population, the government has to work together with academia and industry to develop innovative solutions,” remarked Mr Zee in his opening speech. This is how economies of scale can be generated and a greater understanding of evolving consumer needs can be achieved. Mr Zee also pointed out that academic institutions are “hotbeds for enterprising individuals to test their ideas” in all aspects of healthy living, from product development to technological enhancements. Better ideas come from collaborations RP Technology Day 2014 was thus an opportune time for the institution to highlight new developments. RP’s CEO and Principal Mr Yeo Li Pheow also emphasised during the event that “RP Technology Day has been established as an important platform for our industry partners and academia to come together to share their knowledge and industry insights”. More importantly, he added, it demonstrates the practicality of on-
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the-ground projects targeted at specific healthcare problems. Testament to this was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the School of Engineering (SEG) and global automated test equipment and instrumentation software firm National Instruments (NI). This will build on the existing partnership between RP and NI in system design software, and will introduce an industrial certification into the SEG called LabVIEW Academy. In addition, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was inked between Centre for Enterprise and Communication (CEC) and Ebenezer NDT Services. This MOA will offer industry mentorship opportunities, as well as networking, prototyping and test-bedding support for start-ups created by RP’s students and alumni. In addition to Mr Zee’s opening speech, keynote presentations were made by the President of Symrise Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Mr Mathys Boeren, Chief Knowledge Officer of Agency for Integrated Care Dr Jason Yap and Chief Information Officer of Integrated Health Information Systems for Alexandra Health System Mr Alvin Ong, who each shared thoughts on technology and its impact on healthcare. RP’s Director of Office of Technology Development Mr Fong Yew Chan also presented RP’s innovations in the health and wellness sector. To round off the event, seven breakout workshops were organised for delegates in the afternoon. Overall, more than 500 participants from 150 organisations attended RP Technology Day 2014, which was supported by 19 organisations, with delegates from SPRING Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Alexandra Health Systems, and more. Over $52,000 was received in industry sponsorships, including five Platinum, three Gold, and six Silver sponsorships. Another highlight of RP Technology Day 2014 was the 35 technology exhibits from RP’s staff and students, alongside 10 booths from external companies. Exhibits included new and ongoing technological developments, which proved to be popular and relevant to delegates. In strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and adapting to a new generation of consumers, the quality of life for both the old and young in the near future looks promising. And at the rate at which practical innovations are being developed in RP, perhaps we do not have to wait until we are 65 to experience accessible, affordable, and better quality healthcare.
H E R E A R E S O M E O F T H E H I G H L I G H T S AT R P T E C H N O L O G Y D AY 2 014 T H AT I M P R E S S E D U S !
“To achieve a common goal of a healthy population, the government has to work together with academia and industry to develop innovative solutions.” Mr Zee Yoong Kang, CEO of Health Promotion Board
Lending a Wireless Hand to Better Medical Care WEIGHING IN BED — Monitoring and managing patients’ weight when they are bed-bound is a major challenge for healthcare workers. To assist them, staff members from RP’s School of Engineering (SEG) have developed a wireless weight measurement system integrated into a standard hospital bed so that patients no longer have to be raised from the bed to be weighed. This lowers the risk of accidents, and helps nurses manage obese and bedridden patients. In addition, it is less expensive than custom-made “weigh-beds” currently on the market. RP’s solution has caught the attention of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, which wants to run a trial soon.
MEASURING BIO-DATA SIMULTANEOUSLY — In a disaster situation, the manual monitoring of individual casualties is labourintensive and time-consuming. SEG staff members have developed a wireless measurement system that can measure vital signs of up to 500 people simultaneously. The Singapore Civil Defence Force completed a pilot test of this system last year, providing positive feedback and opportunities for further development.
Nutritious Tasty Food for a Healthier Life TWO-MINUTE PORRIDGE — When it comes to quick, convenient, and healthy foods designed specifically for the elderly, the choices can be limited. To combat this, RP’s School of Applied Sciences (SAS) created a fuss-free porridge that checks all the right boxes: low calorie, low salt, low fat, and low sugar yet high in protein and dietary fibre. Perhaps most important of all, the porridge tastes good too!
UPGRADING OKARA — As pulp that results from the processing of soya beans, okara is usually discarded as waste. But SAS is developing a range of fuss-free and nutritious food ingredients from okara. All of the new products will benefit the elderly, but can also be enjoyed by everyone, at any age.
WHOLEGRAIN SUGAR ROLLS — Polar Puffs and Cakes, with its signature sugar rolls, is a household name. To offer healthier alternatives to these familiar favourites, the company worked with RP to develop a roll with 13 per cent wholegrain, thus reducing the content of refined carbohydrates. Sugar and cream content was also lowered. The project qualified for funding with HPB under the Healthier Choice Symbol Grant.
LOW GI BUNS — The Asian diet is highly dependent on staples with high levels of refined carbohydrates, such as white rice. These foods have a high glycemic index (GI). For instance, white bread has a GI of 70 and eating too much high GI foods puts us at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. To stabilise blood sugar levels, pace our metabolism, and keep us full for longer, it is recommended that we consume low GI foods. Par International Holdings, an innovator in developing healthy foods, collaborated with RP to create a bun that has a GI of just 47!
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FEATURE R P
T E C H N O L O G Y
RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo giving the opening speech
D A Y
2 0 1 4
Participants attempted to formulate probiotic- and Omega-3-fortified soya milk
Our students’ innovations featured in The Straits Times
Mr Zee shared about innovation through collaborations in his opening speech
Guests enjoying probiotic ice-cream created by RP students from the School of Applied Science
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RP appreciates the keynote speakers for RP Technology Day 2014
Mr Mathys Boeren, President of Symrise Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
An MOA between RP and Ebenezer NDT Services was signed to introduce industry mentorship opportunities to students
Mr Zee visited all the booths and exhibits, many of them showcasing RP’s strong innovation capabilities
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PROFILE
Adding Purpose to Passion
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orking to save us daily frustrations are creative and driven individuals like Hong Ling Tim (Tim). For example, Tim developed a water dispenser monitoring system that tracks water levels so we will never face an empty tank again. After RP’s Technology Day 2014, two other projects under Tim, Senior Manager at the Wireless Technology Centre, School of Engineering (SEG), were featured in The Straits Times for their practicality, functionality and relevance. This is just scratching the surface of the many projects Tim has been involved in since joining RP seven years ago. Projects for the people For this year’s RP Technology Day, Tim chose projects related to healthcare among the SEG’s varied arsenal for exhibition. Notable ones include a wireless detection system, a vital signs measurement device that can keep track of up to 500 patients at a time, and an in-bed weight management system for bedridden patients. Tim shares, “The people at Salvation Army didn’t want to keep patients with dementia under lock and key, but it was dangerous to let them roam freely.” His team thus developed a wireless system that detects a patient’s location through a keychain-like device attached to the patient. Connecting industries Tim strongly believes in tailoring his work to meet industry needs and his ideas are often inspired by industry problems. He keeps the RP name top-of-mind outside the institution by going for seminars, conferences, and workshops to learn from and network with people. This is also how Tim cultivates possible partnerships and finds out about market needs. Encouraged by his managers, Tim approached Texas Instruments (TI) with one of his early projects and established a partnership, which led to the RP-TI Low Power Wireless Application Lab that Tim is managing now. Also a lecturer, Tim explains that RP staff can pursue their strengths and interests while teaching. “We have up-to-date equipment, tools and resources; even our students are resources!” says Tim eagerly, adding that RP’s Centre for Innovation draws a lot of attention to the school. Today, there is such high demand for collaboration with RP that the department had to turn down some projects. “RP is a learning institute, so we complement and assist organisations through technologically-sound solutions, rather than competing with them,” states Tim. The next challenge is in carving RP’s niche because “we have to keep evolving to stay relevant”. Keeping up with the times Presently, Tim is keeping an eye on developments in the healthcare sector, communications, and mobile applications. Open-minded and very receptive to new ideas, he says, “I tell my
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Tim (left) and teammates demonstrated the wireless in-bed weight management at RP Technology Day 2014
“At the end of the day, it’s an RP project and that’s most important. Any project that is labelled ‘codeveloped by RP’ brings so much satisfaction and joy to us, both students and the management.” Hong Ling Tim students not to memorise, but search the Internet for resources. That’s where the information flows and if we don’t keep up, we’ll be obsolete.” Tim also makes an effort to keep students engaged and motivated because “these days, youths want relevant information, and immediately too”. To train students and provide good testimony for their careers, Tim exposes them to small- and large-scale projects that the staff team is working on. Professional RP staff teams define the scope and allocate the less complex components for students to complete as part of their final-year projects. At the end of the day, Tim says, everything comes together as one RP project that everyone can be proud of.
NEWS & UPDATES
Bamboo Buildings – Not that Far Off in the Future Any discerning individual would question the use of bamboo as a construction material for our buildings. But this is not that same bamboo that one might find on a nature trail. This is a bamboo composite that is tough as steel, developed by RP students from the Diploma in Materials Science and researchers at Future Cities Lab (FCL), an interdisciplinary research centre established by the ETF-Zurich and Singapore’s National Research Foundation. What is a composite? Composites are modern materials that combine the best structural properties of two or more materials. They are already being applied to everyday objects, such as tennis racquets and sporting bicycles. Composite materials with enhanced properties and designs have become lighter, stronger, and less costly alternatives to traditional manufacturing materials. They are also more energy-efficient. RP students and FCL scientists successfully modified the chemical properties of bamboo to develop a composite with high tensile strength and durability that is comparable to steel. This holds great promise for the building and construction sector. Aviation, infrastructure and offshore sectors can also benefit in the near future. As demand grows in tandem with the world’s population, it has become essential for industries to adopt and
Dr Florian Doetzer, Managing Director of Composite Cluster Singapore (CCS), speaking at RP’s Advanced Composite Materials Industry Forum 2014. RP and CCS have also signed an MOU to further promote advanced composites in Singapore.
develop sustainable manufacturing practices. In 2012, Singapore’s composites production stood at 63,000 tonnes and is expected to grow in light of regional and global demand. The partnership between RP and FCL is therefore timely and an encouraging first step towards enabling our students who are interested in the field of composites. More importantly, in recognising the need to develop the technical skills required by the industry, and in line with recent Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review and SkillsFuture initiatives, RP has introduced
a Specialist Diploma in Advanced Composites — the first of its kind among Singapore’s higher-learning institutes. The course will be a core capability for RP’s School of Applied Science and its established New Materials Technology Centre. It is open to both students and marketplace professionals, who wish to improve their skills in composites design and production or accelerate composites-related careers. The course has already received strong support from DSO National Laboratories and ST Kinetics, who have sponsored full course fees for their employees.
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NEWS & UPDATES
Getting in on the Action in Sri Lanka
“Modern and more effective training methods like Problem-Based Learning used by RP, and this sharing of experiences and knowledge will help to contribute to our economy, by producing a competent workforce that meets national standards.” Colonel Dharshana Ratnayake, VTA Chairman
Four students from RP’s Diploma in Mass Communication had the rare opportunity to work with Temasek Foundation on a video project to feature the latter’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme in Sri Lanka. This two-year programme is part of an MOU between Sri Lanka and Singapore that involves RP and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA). Temasek Foundation committed $433,000 to develop sustainable and adaptable ProblemBased Learning (PBL) training courses in the context of TVET. RP’s instructors will train 60 vocational lead trainers in PBL, who will train 120 more to multiply the programme’s benefit. From 23 to 28 June 2014, Nurul Jannah Ismail, Ravethi Jeyakumar, Md Nur Arif Suaini, and Marcus Mark Ramos, accompanied by lecturer Emilia Idris, filmed and interviewed VTA students and trainers. The trip and the TVET
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programme were also featured on Suria Channel’s news on 4 July 2014. Our four students put into practice what they learnt from their course during this trip and also gained an understanding of the work that Singaporean non-profit organisations are involved in within the region, like capacity-building and people development. “It was a wonderful opportunity for us to gain valuable experience and exposure in the industry,” said Md Nur Arif Suaini. The MOU’s aim was to invigorate Sri Lanka’s vocational training system and pave the way for more collaborations in TVET between the two countries. Director of Programmes and Partnerships, Temasek Foundation, Mr Stanley Lee said, “The Sri Lankan government needed to develop their hospitality, infocomm, and construction technology. We worked with them on the PBL approach, which is RP’s key strength, making RP the most relevant institution for us to partner with.”
Skilled to Take on the World From 10 to 12 July 2014, 14 students from the Schools of Engineering (SEG), Hospitality, Infocomm, and Technology for the Arts represented RP at WorldSkills Singapore. In its 11th edition this year, WorldSkills Singapore is a national skills competition for youth who excel in technical skills. Winners go on to represent Singapore at the International WorldSkills Competition. Our students competed in four skill areas, namely Mobile Robotics, Restaurant Service, IT Network Systems Administration, and Web Design. Up against other competitors under 22, our students received one Gold, two Bronzes, and three Medallions For Excellence (presented to competitors who achieved scores above 500 but were not awarded with medals). Muhammad Bin Mahmoud Abdullah Ng (pictured) from SEG received the coveted Gold for Information Network Cabling and will be representing Singapore at the International WorldSkills Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, next year. OTHER WINNERS Brian Lim Zheng Feng School of Hospitality Cooking — Bronze Jasper Ang Wei Jie School of Hospitality Restaurant Service — Bronze Ryan Lee Zhi Qi School of Engineering Medallion in Information Network Cabling Jodie Choo Jia Yi School of Hospitality Medallion in Cooking Dana Wong Kai En School of Technology for the Arts Medallion in Graphic Design Technology
Taking the Path Less Trodden to Become a Doctor the office of my former JC principal’s office with my mother. I was told I had to repeat my first year because I had failed most of my subjects. That was the first time I saw my mother crying. It was a wake-up call. What made you decide to switch to Biomedical Sciences in RP? KG: I realised that I needed to take control of my life and start pursuing what I was passionate about. Previously, I had this mentality that in order to do medicine as a degree and as a career, I had to go to a junior college, take Biology and excel, which is not necessarily the case. It took a lot of courage but I’m glad I took the other route to fulfil my dream!
RP graduates Kenneth Gwee (right) and Noor Bte Ahmed Alkaff were both accepted into the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
“RP’s PBL learning approach is something that we will never forget and there’s a good reason why this is so. The RP-PBL system has groomed us to become more confident, creative, and independent learners who are capable and ready to make a positive impact on our society.” Kenneth Gwee
Our valedictorian Kenneth Gwee (KG) has been accepted into the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. An honour-roll student now armed with the Diploma in Biomedical Sciences, Kenneth won the A*STAR Science Award in 2012 and 2013, and also received the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Science and Mathematics at his graduation ceremony. He is now one of the three RP students who have been accepted into the prestigious medical school, which has an average annual intake of 280 only.
We speak to the star student to find out more about his learning journey. Congratulations Kenneth! Were you always such a conscientious student? KG: I wasn’t very mature in secondary school and I didn’t put in much effort in studying. I went to Jurong Junior College and didn’t perform well either, but I wasn’t a bad student, I was just unmotivated to learn. What was the turning point? KG: That was in 2010, when I was sitting in
What was different about studying in RP? KG: I truly enjoyed learning at school — I didn’t experience the struggle I had in junior college because I was very interested in the lessons every day. I’m thankful that RP trained us to constantly question ourselves. Problem-Based Learning has really groomed me to be a confident, creative, and independent learner, ready to make a positive impact on society. Speaking of society, we hear that you’re very involved in helping the less fortunate! Tell us more. KG: I’m lucky to have found my calling through RP’s Service-Learning Club (SLC). As president of the SLC, I’ve had the opportunity to help in all sorts of events such as Hair for Hope, One Heart and the Dental Mission to Cambodia. When I was in Siem Reap, I realised that there was something inspiring in achieving a common goal together and it was all worth it when I saw the villagers leaving the clinic with smiles on their faces. Being in RP has been a fulfilling journey in so many ways. What is one thing about RP that you will always remember? KG: I have so many great memories! But it’s probably the effort of our passionate lecturers in grooming us as highly-skilled workers and as people. RP lecturer Dr Brandon Ooi’s mantra “Good, good, very good, very good, good” will definitely stay with me and motivate me to keep learning.
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NEWS & UPDATES
Partners’ Appreciation Nite 2014 When thank you just isn’t enough We are always grateful to all of RP’s industry partners, supporters and donors! To express our heartfelt appreciation, RP organises an annual Partners’ Appreciation Nite which took place on 31 October last year. Close to 200 industry partners and guests turned up for an evening of good food, music, and performances by local bands and RP’s talented students.
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TREND WATCH
Around the world
BIG DATA IS BIG
In Singapore
CONNECTIVITY AT HOME A person spends an average of 25 hours on the Internet weekly
2.9 million emails sent every second South Korean singer Psy’s Gangnam Style music video has been watched more than 2.15 billion times as of December 2014! YouTube had to change their view counter from a 32-bit integer to a 64-bit integer for this.
THE LION POPULATION 80% access the Internet daily
87% own a smartphone
74% access social media daily 23% Internet users have a tablet at home
Most followed person
Most followed brand
Katy Perry
YouTube
(61.3 million followers)
(47.1 million followers)
Source: www.bbc.com, www.twittercounter.com, Twitter, www.ida.gov.sg, www.youngupstarts.com
January 2015
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SOLVING PROBLEMS, THE RP WAY What makes RP unique? That would be ProblemBased Learning (PBL), which we are more than happy to discuss with you again this year!
4th International PBL Symposium 2015 18 – 20 March 2015 | Republic Polytechnic, Singapore
For more information, please visit www.rp.edu.sg/symposium.
ACE Your Career
Enhanced funding support of up to
ACE@RP is the Continuing Education and Training arm of Republic Polytechnic (RP). We promote lifelong learning amongst working adults, so that they can remain valuable participants in a knowledgebased economy. ACE@RP offers various academic and executive programmes for aspiring professionals, as well as Part-time Diploma programmes and Post-Diploma programmes for adult learners to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
95%
New intakes every April and October! ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS
SPORTS AND HEALTH SCIENCES
• Specialist Diploma in Supply Chain Management
• Specialist Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science
• Part-time Diploma in Engineering (Operations and Engineering Management)
• Specialist Diploma in Sports Event Management
• Part-time Diploma in Engineering (Electrical and Electronics)
• Diploma (Conversion) in Outdoor and Adventure Learning
INFOCOMM AND TECHNOLOGY
APPLIED SCIENCE
• Specialist Diploma in Mobile Applications
• Part-time Diploma in Applied Science (Nutrition and Food Science)
• Part-time Diploma in Infocomm and Digital Media (Information Systems) PEDAGOGY AND CURRICULUM DESIGN
BUSINESS PRACTICE AND MANAGEMENT
• Specialist Diploma in Applied Learning and Teaching
• Part-time Diploma in Business Practice (Hospitality) • Part-time Diploma in Business Practice (International Human Resource Management)
SME-sponsored applicants enjoy 90% course fee subsidy. Applicants eligible for the Workfare Training Support (WTS) scheme enjoy 95% course fee subsidy. Terms and conditions apply.
ACADEMY FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION @RP T 6697 1699 • E ACE@rp.edu.sg • W www.rp.edu.sg/ace