Mr Andrew Chong, Chairman,
ITE Board of Governors
Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO, ITE
Members of the ITE Board of Governors
Parents, family members,
Colleagues and graduands,
1. A very good afternoon. Thank you so much for inviting me to celebrate with you, the class of 2024. Today sums up the hard work and dedication of all almost 12,000 graduates. Congratulations to all graduands, on this significant milestone!
2. Let us not forget those who have supported you along the way – family, friends, lecturers and mentors. To show our gratitude to them, please join me in giving them a round of applause!
3. First to our ITE staff, thank you for providing our students with an inclusive and nurturing environment. From supporting diverse learning needs, to building a culture of acceptance and belonging, you have paved the way for each student to realise their full potential. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and I'm sure our graduands will attest to the enduring impact of your efforts and care.
4. To the graduands, today marks the completion of your Nitec, Higher Nitec, or Diploma studies. You can be proud of how far you have come, and who you have become. But today is also the start of your onward journey – of how much further you can go, and who you can be for your community, for your country.
5. I would like to share with you three points, to keep in mind as you chart your way forward into adulthood.
Pursue Learning and Growth
6. First, pursue learning and growth – at every opportunity, and with resolution.
7. If you look back on your time in ITE, you will realise how much you have grown, not only in terms of skills and knowledge, but also in knowing who you are, who you want to be and how you can make a difference. Every failure you encountered, and each challenge you overcame, builds your resilience and shapes your character.
8. Continue this pursuit of learning and growth, and nurture your abilities and strengths. Welcome the discomfort of new experiences. This will help you gain new capabilities, adapt to changes, and fulfil your potential in ever-changing environments that we are all in today and which you will be facing in the future.
9. This is also why ITE enhanced the Higher Nitec curriculum, to better prepare students to meet changing skill demands. Under the new structure, students acquire broad-based foundational skills in the first year, and specialised skills thereafter. Through two Industry Attachments, students deepen their skillsets in the workplace, to build a strong foundation for work and future upskilling.
10. This structure has found early success. For example, we hear from Ms. Gan Wan Ni, Chief Financial Officer of ITE's industry partner, Digo Corporation, who reflected that "students under the enhanced curricular structure not only showcased a strong grasp of academic knowledge but also demonstrated a proactive approach to learning".
11. The new structure also offers flexible learning pathways that cater to different strengths and learning styles. I am also pleased to share that over 50 students qualified for and chose to accelerate their studies under the enhanced three-year Higher Nitec structure. Today, this first batch of students will be receiving their Higher Nitec certification in just over two years.
12. One of them is Murray from the Higher Nitec in Security System Integration. He did well in his first semester, and was offered the option to complete his studies on an accelerated pathway. During his industry attachment, Murray honed his skills as an IT support officer, and was commended by his company for his meticulous work and problem-solving skills. Fuelled by this experience, Murray continued to excel in his studies, and is receiving the Certificate of Merit and the Silver Course Medal today. Well done, Murray! Congratulations!
13. I know that many of you, like Murray, have felt that same spark that learning brings, and experienced the joy of growth. Let us press on, and commit to seeking every opportunity for learning and growth.
Sow the Seeds of Change
14. Second, sow seeds of change, and give back to those around you.
15. As you learn and grow, I encourage you to look outward and consider how you can serve others with your skills and experiences. Focus not just on your own achievements, but the impact that you can create on your communities.
16. Many of you have already done so during your time at ITE, and seen how the smallest of actions can amplify change.
17. One example is the new "Adopt a Block" initiative, where ITE and polytechnic students are seeding a culture of sustainability among our residents.
18. Though the initiative was launched just last month, we have already seen early success. Building on what they learnt about sustainability under the ITE Green Curriculum, your peers from ITE College East guided Siglap East residents to upcycle garments into crafts, and consider ways to reduce water and energy consumption. I was impressed by the strength of their conviction, which was also warmly received by the residents.
19. This example highlights how change starts with the simple act of stepping up. With each effort, our students are changing mindsets one at a time, and stepping into their roles as stewards of sustainability. They will effect change not only among residents, but also in their own communities, as they role model and lead others to sustainable living. Our youth will be practising the values of care and commitment, as they secure a better, greener future not just for themselves, but for generations after.
20. You too, can play your part, in leading the change that you want to see.
Own Your Journey to Success
21. Third, own your journey towards your vision of success.
22. As you step out today as ITE graduates, take courage to define success for yourself, and determine the path that you need to make. Your goal may look quite different from your friend's – but that's okay, because our society needs diverse talents. So let's redefine success. Do not compare, and do not worry about checking off boxes.
23. Instead, be clear-minded about your needs and how to fulfil them in ways that best suit you. Some of you may be exploring options before making your next move, while others may be looking to dive into work immediately. Some may be pursuing further studies, or looking to do so after gaining some work experience. All these are valid choices.
24. For those of you looking to start work, you can be confident in your ITE training, which is valued by employers for its rigour and industry-relevance. Last year, close to 9 in 10 ITE graduates who were seeking employment found work within six months of their graduation and I am sure all of you will be able to do likewise.
25. Many of you will deepen your skills through learning on the job. On top of that, some may want to upgrade your skills through further studies at some point. This is why we introduced the ITE Progression Award, or IPA, to support you in upskilling through a range of diplomas.
26. The IPA helps with the financial costs of obtaining a diploma, and boosts ITE graduates' savings for longer-term goals like home ownership and retirement.
27. It has already encouraged graduates like Hui Shi to embark on their upskilling journey. Though family finances are tight, the prospect of a $5,000 top-up to her Post-Secondary Education Account helped Hui Shi to decide on furthering her studies. With the support of the IPA to defray costs, she could pursue the Common Business Programme at Republic Polytechnic with more confidence and focus on her studies better.
28. The IPA will also benefit graduates like Mohammad Haiqel, who will receive a $10,000 top-up to his CPF Ordinary Account upon completing his Work-Study Diploma (or WSDip) in Data Centre Infrastructure & Operation. In 2023, Haiqel completed a part-time Nitec in Infocomm Technology, while holding a full-time job to support his family. To secure even more career options, Haiqel took up the WSDip. While studying and training under the diploma, he continues to be employed and receives a salary. His employer also pays for his diploma fees. For his drive, Haiqel is being recognised with the e2i Gold Medal today.
29. I am glad that Hui Shi and Haiqel have taken bold steps towards their goals of skills upgrading. To encourage more of you to do the same, ITE will be expanding its Technical Diploma and WSDip offerings. With continued interest from companies and learners, ITE will enable more than 10% of each graduating cohort to progress towards a diploma qualification each year. You can find out more at the IPA booth at the foyer later on.
30. As the Government supports our ITE graduates, I also urge employers to continue to partner us in our ITE graduates' upskilling journey. Otherwise, we will simply end up with a paper chase. What matters ultimately is that companies recognise and pay our graduates based on their abilities. And beyond that, that companies invest in their training, and provide opportunities for them to apply their upgraded skills to better contribute back to you.
Conclusion
31. I hope that these three points have given you a map of what the road ahead can look like. Remember to make learning and growing a priority, while seeding change for the better. Take ownership of your unique journey, to find your version of success.
32. And of course, do your diploma. Take advantage of the IPA, and improve your future prospects. So congratulations once again, and well done to all of you. My heartiest congratulations to the parents and family members too.
Thank you very much.