Speech by Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education, at Republic Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony

Mr Jayson Goh, Deputy Chairman of the Republic Polytechnic Board of Governors
Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal and CEO of Republic Polytechnic
Members of the Republic Polytechnic Board of Governors
Distinguished Guests, Lecturers, Parents and Graduates

1.A very good afternoon.

2.It is my pleasure to join you here today.

3.My heartiest congratulations to the graduates from the School of Sports, Health and Leisure and the polytechnic-level award winners present today. Congratulations on the completion of your studies at Republic Polytechnic! Let's give our graduates a big round of applause.

4.Let us also acknowledge those who have supported you in your journey - the lecturers and staff at RP, classmates, family and friends, many of whom are present today to celebrate this milestone with you. You have done them proud.

5.You graduate today into a world which is more uncertain than ever, but also one filled with more opportunities than before.

6.As graduates of the School of Sports, Health and Leisure, you can look forward to exciting careers in an expanding industry. There is a new national focus on healthier living and preventative care with the Healthier SG initiative. I am sure many of you will see even more Singaporeans interested in the skills you have to offer as a result. You may find yourself managing cases in a hospital, coordinating community care programmes in rehabilitation centres or providing health and wellness advice to your clients.

7.There are also opportunities beyond healthcare. Outdoor learning is an important part of our education sector, and I look forward to more of you helping to organise fun and safe outdoor activities for our students.

8.As you embark on the next exciting phase of your journey, I encourage you to remain adaptable, pursue your passions, and continue to learn for life.

Adapting to Change

9.As the class of 2023, you are no stranger to being adaptable. You commenced your time in RP in April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. You took the evolving pandemic restrictions in your stride. Many of you adjusted to digital learning tools as learning moved progressively online, as well as virtual ways of connecting with your lecturers and course-mates.

10.Beyond adjusting to pandemic restrictions, the shift to a hands-on polytechnic education was also something new for many of you. Instead of traditional lectures and classes, your time at RP exposed you to a novel problem-based learning pedagogy as well as training facilities that simulated real-world situations. Through these experiences, you were equipped not only with practical course content, but also learnt how to problem solve across a wide range of different scenarios.

11.One such RP graduate is Suhayl Azmin Bin Wahiduzzaman, who graduates with a Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Learning today. Suhayl participated in an internship at Houbii Spot Singapore, a rope obstacle course at The Singapore Zoo.

12.During his internship, Suhayl showcased his knowledge of the skills required to manage a rope obstacle course, and a deep sense of professionalism and enthusiasm for outdoor learning. On one of his busiest days, Suhayl attended to more than 300 customers and their queries and requests for assistance despite having a lean crew on hand to assist. This greatly impressed his internship supervisor. I understand that Suhayl plans to continue working in the field of outdoor learning in the future, and hopes to make it accessible and fun for people of all ages and ability levels. All the best Suhayl!

13.Another graduate that embodied adaptability is Kishen Suresh. Initially enrolled in an ICT-related course in another polytechnic, he realised his true passion was in outdoor education. He recalled fond memories of his time in Boy's Brigade in secondary school and decided to enrol in the Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Learning course in RP instead.

14.Having started his diploma during the pandemic, Kishen faced significant learning challenges as a hands-on learner as he was unable to engage in some of the more practical elements of the course due to pandemic restrictions. In spite of these challenges, Kishen maintained a positive learning attitude and with the support of his lecturers and peers, forged ahead to complete his course. Kishen hopes to become a Physical Education teacher in future and I understand he is currently applying for the Degree in Sports Science and Management at the National Institute of Education.

15.I wish Kishen all the best in his future endeavours and may he continue to spread the love for outdoor learning to the next generation.

16.As you go on to work or further study, you will learn that adapting to change is the norm, rather than the exception. The workplaces you will enter are dynamic and constantly changing. I encourage all of you to remain adaptable and keep an open mind, to make the most of the opportunities available.

Pursue Your Passions

17.Another important element that can empower you to seize new opportunities is a sense of passion. You may have discovered your personal passion here in RP, be it promoting outdoor learning like Suhayl and Kishen or your aptitude for a specific sport.

18.I understand many of you have explored and discovered your interest in sport in your time here in RP. I am sure it is your passion in doing what you love that has sustained you through the many trainings where you honed your skills.

19.Yet, you all displayed grit and resilience by balancing both sports and studies. One of your peers, Wong Shuting Valentia, who graduates with a Diploma in Sport Coaching with Merit, is one such example. Valentia managed to achieve academic excellence while actively pursuing her interest in basketball. As RP Women's Basketball Team's Captain, Valentia led RP to clinch championship titles, and represented Singapore as part of the Singapore Women's Basketball National Team. She strived for sporting excellence and was able to pursue her passion for basketball with the support of her teachers and peers.

20.Despite having a full academic load, Valentia also worked part-time as a basketball coach with Active SG and volunteered her time as an active member of the Youth Corp, championing youth volunteerism among her peers. Envisioning herself as a member of the wider community, she brought her passion for basketball to others through her coaching. She tirelessly shared her talent with others, and finetuned her own skills in basketball at the same time - making her an inspiration to many.

21.In recognition of her achievements, Valentia will receive the FootballPlus Gold Medal Award and Module Prize in 'Health and Wellness' today. Well done, Valentia, and may you continue to aim even higher as you continue to pursue your passion in basketball in the years to come!

22.When the going gets tough, do remember the things you are passionate about. Your passions will give you the energy and drive to continue pursuing your dreams!

Continue to Learn for Life

23.For those who you have yet to discover what drives you, do not worry. The journey of learning and self-discovery is a lifelong one, with no end date. It is never too late to upskill or even pursue a new interest or skill over the course of your career.

24.I am happy to see students from RP's Part-Time Diploma programmes here with us today. Many of them have discovered their passions later in life and have decided to embark on new careers.

25.Take for example Chew Siew Fong Caroline, who made a mid-career switch from the travel industry to the elder care sector in October 2021. Caroline found meaning in her work with the elderly, and today she graduates with a part-time Diploma in Health Sciences (Health Management) with Merit, and receives the Diploma Award. Caroline is a hard worker, who balanced the demands of both work and studies. She even took up gerontology-based modules directly related to her new job as a centre supervisor with St Luke's Eldercare.

26.Her dedication to her new role was evident to her supervisors. I understand that Caroline has since taken on an expanded role as an Assistant Care Manager. I wish her all the best in her career.

27.While you graduate today trained and ready to enter the industry, there will always be opportunities to learn - be it pivoting to join a different industry or learning new skills to help you contribute more to your current industry, such as taking on management roles or becoming a specialist.

28.This is why I encourage everyone to embrace lifelong learning. Always remember that your alma mater, RP, will be your first port of call whenever you need skills upgrading over the course of your careers.

29.For the fresh graduates in the audience, there are already many resources available to you. For example, RP offers all alumni who have completed a Full-Time, Part-Time or Specialist Diploma the opportunity to take up to three free continuing and education training modules under the Enhanced Alumni Skills Advancement Programme.

30.If you are unsure which training programmes to take up, the helpful Education and Career Guidance Counsellors here at RP will be able to point you in the right direction.

31.The doors are always open for you to return to the classroom when you are ready. Diverse education pathways and lifelong learning are key elements of Singapore's education ecosystem, and we are committed to support you in your learning journey beyond our schools.

Closing

32.As you embark on your next phase of life, I hope that you can continue to remain adaptable, passionate, and eager to learn. Apply the lessons you have learnt in RP into the workplace or the wider community, and create impact in the spaces you find yourself in.

33.Last but not least, do maintain the friendships and the networks you have built; they will continue to sustain you as you venture forth to seek out new and exciting opportunities.

34.Thank you and congratulations once again to all our graduates, parents and lecturers!

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