Speech by Minister of State for Education Ms Gan Siow Huang at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) Continuing Education and Training (CET) Graduation Ceremony at Nanyang Auditorium

Mr Eugene Leong, Chairman of NIEC Board of Directors,

Mrs Loke-Yeo Teck Yong, Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIEC,

NIEC Board Members,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. A very good morning to all of you. I am honoured to join you in celebrating the achievements of our cohort graduating with NIEC Advanced Certificates, Diplomas, and Post-Diplomas in Early Childhood (EC) Education. Congratulations to all our graduates, you made it!

2. I would also like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the 14 Pre-Employment Training (PET) students awarded the Outstanding Performance Prize in the Student Internship Programme.

3. As we celebrate your achievements, let us reflect on the journey of the EC sector thus far.

4. Over the past decade, we have witnessed significant growth in the EC sector, with preschool places doubling to over 200,000 today.

5. I would like to commend NIEC for its continual efforts in developing high-quality training programmes which benefit many of our EC educators.

6. Since 2019, NIEC has trained over 20,000 students and practitioners in the EC sector.

1. NIEC works closely with MOE and ECDA on the curriculum and delivery of its training programmes. This allows us to raise the quality of EC training in Singapore, and the overall quality of our EC teachers and trainers.
2. I am confident that NIEC will continue to serve Singapore's needs well, as our national EC training provider.

7. Graduands, today marks a significant milestone for you and your families, who are here to support you today. You now join the ranks of more than 25,000 EC educators in Singapore.

8. As an EC educator, you will be responsible for laying the foundation for our future generations. While you may choose to pursue different paths within this sector, you are united by a common mission, and that is to make a positive impact on the lives of our children and their families.

Pathways into the EC Sector

9. There are multiple pathways to become an EC educator in Singapore. For many, they are ready to pursue this passion early. For some others, the calling to EC education is only discovered later in life. And I know many of you here today are working adults who have had careers before, and are continuing your learning and education to become EC educators through CET training. Hence, we have been actively providing pathways for mid-career transitions into the sector.

10. I would like to commend Ms Ellina Siak who had made a mid-career transition into the EC sector.

1. After having served as a paramedic for seven years, Ellina made a bold career switch from emergency medicine to EC education.
2. Ellina's decision was fuelled by her aspiration to shape young minds and nurture their love for learning.
3. She entered the EC sector in 2023 via the Place and Train Programme and completed the Advanced Certificate in Early Years. She currently works in PCF Sparkletots as an infant educator.
4. During her tenure as a paramedic, Ellina learnt how to communicate effectively and remain composed in difficult situations. She now applies these skills in her new role as an educator.

11. Another graduand who found her true calling after taking a detour is Ms Christine St Knight.

1. Despite her academic background in visual communications, Christine aspired to pursue a more meaningful career as an infant educator.
2. She knew it would be a demanding role but was not daunted. She gamely took up the Advanced Certificate in Early Years and is now an infant educator with PCF Sparkletots. She actively applies the knowledge from her training and regularly reflects on how she can improve the learning and education of our children.
3. With her sound understanding of children and their different temperaments, Christine derives fulfilment from helping children reach their developmental milestones.

12. Ellina's and Christine's journeys exemplify resilience, passion, and dedication.

13. To encourage continuing learning for our ITE graduates, the Government had announced the ITE Progression Award (IPA) earlier this year.

1. Eligible ITE graduates aged 30 and below will receive a $5,000 top-up to their Post-Secondary Education Accounts (PSEA) when they enrol in a diploma programme offered by an MOE-funded institution.
2. Upon attainment of the diploma, the students will receive a further $10,000 top-up to their CPF Ordinary Accounts.

14. As NIEC PET and CET diplomas are within the range of accepted courses, I hope the ITE Progression Award will encourage more ITE graduates who have a passion for EC education to pursue their diplomas with NIEC.

Leadership Development

15. Besides good teachers, we need good leaders in EC education. Leadership is crucial not just to run centres well, but also to provide good standards of teaching and care. Particularly, good leadership can foster a positive and collaborative environment in the teaching of our children, and drive innovation in pedagogical practices.

16. To nurture leadership, NIEC offers specialised programmes to equip aspiring leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge.

17. Ms Kurtrina Foo is an example of an aspiring leader who pursued a post-diploma with NIEC to support her leadership development.

1. Kurtrina was previously a Senior Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at an early childhood centre.
2. Interested to deepen her expertise in mentoring and leadership, Kurtrina decided to pursue the Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Centre Leadership.
3. The training at NIEC gave her the confidence and competencies to respond to challenges in her current role as a Principal with Ace @ Work Childcare and Student Care.
4. She actively seeks opportunities to develop her team, and fosters strong partnerships and collaboration between parents and teachers.
5. All the best to you Kurtrina!

NIEC as a Home for EC Educators

18. Many of you here today know that the life of an EC educator will have its fair share of ups and downs, and how it important it is for us to support one another as a community.

1. EC educators must stay connected and united.
2. By staying connected, we can provide mutual support, share our experiences and challenges, encourage and learn from one another.

19. EC educators are at the heart of what NIEC does. As NIEC celebrates its 5th Anniversary this year, it plans to establish itself as a home for EC educators to connect with their peers and the NIEC faculty.

1. EC practitioners can look forward to a dedicated hub for professional fellowship, peer support and learning. It will also be a collaborative space for educators to exchange ideas, access professional resources and chart their professional development as EC educators.
2. I hope many of you will make NIEC your home, to deepen your professional conviction and hone your practices over time.

Closing

20. With an increasing emphasis on EC education and growth prospects for this sector, there is a lot of potential for what we can do together, and for our children.

21. Let us continue to champion the healthy development of our children and nurture a generation of young minds filled with curiosity, compassion, and creativity. I look forward to your support and contributions as you start your careers in EC education.

22. Once again, congratulations to the graduating class of 2024! May your early childhood careers be filled with success and fulfilment.

23. Thank you.