Ms Euleen Goh, Chairman, the Singapore Institute of Management,
Board Members and Management of SIM,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Introduction
1. A very good evening. It is my pleasure to join you today as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of SIM. First, my heartiest congratulations to the Board, management and staff of SIM on this very significant milestone.
Equipping our workforce with essential skills to contribute meaningfully to society
2. Education has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s development – everyone knows this, and acknowledges this.
3. When Singapore gained self-governance in 1959, we needed to equip our workforce with skills beyond basic literacy and numeracy to pave the way for industrial development. One of our solutions was the establishment of a management institute to train local managerial talent. In 1964, SIM was set up with support from the Economic Development Board to equip Singaporeans with the managerial expertise and professional skills that supported our economic objectives.
Evolving its offerings and partnering the government to meet changing demands
4. In 1992, SIM accepted MOE’s invitation to run the Open University Degree Programme (OUDP). The programme enabled working adults to pursue industry-relevant degrees through part-time study, including courses for teachers to upgrade their skills and teaching qualifications.
5. In 2005, SIM University, or UniSIM, became Singapore’s first university that catered specifically to adult learners, including in emerging areas of need such as early childhood and gerontology.
6. UniSIM offered an important upgrading pathway for tens of thousands of working adults, and in 2017, was restructured into Singapore’s sixth Autonomous University. Renamed as the Singapore University of Social Sciences, it continues to focus on innovative lifelong learning programmes.
7. Over the years, SIM has risen to various challenges, evolving its offerings and partnering with the government to meet changing industry needs while fulfilling the aspirations of our people. In doing so, SIM has made valuable contributions to Singapore’s growth and development, with its close to 200,000-strong alumni contributing to a range of sectors including finance, audit, and technology.
Empowering individuals to take ownership of their learning journeys
8. Today, in an ever-changing global landscape, our workforce needs to be adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
9. We have thus placed increasing emphasis on lifelong learning and skills upgrading. We are also committed to invest in our people through the SkillsFuture movement to maintain our competitive edge. However, this goes beyond government initiatives. Individuals, employers and educational institutions must also play their part.
10. We must foster a culture of ownership and spirit of continuous learning in our people, encourage employers to better recognise individual upgrading efforts and provide upgrading opportunities for their staff, and build a strong ecosystem of high-quality education offerings which are responsive to evolving needs. This is where our private institution partners like SIM can provide great value-add, especially in leveraging advanced technology and innovative curricula in their offerings.
11. For example, SIM has worked with agencies to offer programmes in work-study modalities in areas with manpower needs. One example is the Fusion programme offered in collaboration with NCS, a leading information, communications and technology (ICT) service provider. This partnership, over three years, allows up to 200 diploma holders to upskill themselves in the ICT sector through on-the-job training while pursuing a sponsored part-time SIM-University of Wollongong degree. Students can gain invaluable professional experience while continuing to deepen their knowledge through rigorous coursework. The first batch of students which enrolled in January 2023 is expected to graduate by March 2025. I hear student feedback has been positive, and hope that their experience of learning knowledge and skills, and direct application of these at work, will continue to serve them well throughout their careers.
12. We are confident that SIM will continue to play a major role in the areas of skills training and lifelong learning.
Enabling Individuals to Excel and Drive Positive Change
13. Over the years, SIM has equipped many individuals with the knowledge and ability to excel in their chosen fields, and to make a difference to those around them. Known as SIM Trailblazers, these alumni demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness, and a dedication to lifelong learning that have shaped them into leaders and changemakers in their various communities.
14. One remarkable story is that of Matthew Poh, an SIM-University of London alumnus. Matthew is the Managing Founder of The Caffeine Experience (TCE), a social enterprise which seeks to help ex-offenders gain employment and life skills, and ultimately reintegrate into society. Matthew himself overcame the odds and founded TCE to help others do the same. Today, TCE has expanded to several locations and boasts a team comprising 90% ex-offenders. Matthew credits his education at SIM for helping him discover a passion for economics and accounting, and pick up skills that are crucial in building up a business. Let us applaud Matthew for his success, and more importantly, for using his business acumen to do good. Congratulations, Matthew.
15. Another inspiring example is that of Sharifah Faizah, an SIM-RMIT University alumnus. Though she started out in biomedical sciences, she pivoted to business at SIM. During a year of volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association, she discovered the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy. That led her to co-found HERD (Human. Equine. Relationship. Development.) Singapore, a social enterprise that improves lives through equine-assisted mental wellness support. The business knowledge Sharifah attained through her SIM-RMIT programme helped her to lead her team to successfully navigate the challenges of building a mission-driven organisation. Through HERD, she combined her business knowledge with a deep passion for social impact, and helps others heal through interactions with horses.
16. Matthew and Sharifah’s stories bear testament to how education can empower individuals to find purpose and give back to society in their own way. I understand that many Trailblazers are here with us this evening, each with their own stories of triumph over adversity and contributions to society. Your continued pursuit of excellence is inspiring, and I thank you for making a difference to those around you.
Enhancing access to learning opportunities
17. It always warms my heart to hear real-life examples of how education transforms lives. Therefore, this evening, I am pleased to formally launch the SIM Impact Fund, which was announced at the SIM60 Learning Festival this morning. Under the SIM Impact Fund, up to $6 million will be disbursed annually over the next decade. Through supporting scholarships, awards, and overseas trips, the Fund will make learning opportunities more accessible and inclusive for students from diverse backgrounds.
18. Together with the SIM People Development Fund, SIM uplifts various sectors of our community, creating pathways for those in need to achieve their aspirations. I commend their commitment to a higher purpose, and the positive societal impact their work and efforts drive.
19. I encourage other institutions—and the leaders from both private and people sectors here tonight—to join SIM to foster inclusive learning and broaden access to opportunities for all.
Conclusion
20. Learn for life, thrive for life. SIM, on your 60th anniversary, thank you for your contributions and dedication to empowering lives through education, and for building individuals up through lifelong learning so that they can thrive in today’s world.
21. Once again, my heartiest congratulations to SIM, and happy birthday! I wish you the very best.