CLASS OF 2020: A VIRTUAL GOODBYE - Our Class of 2020 surfs over the tides of change - Ngee Ann Polytechnic
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ISSUE 1
2020
A publication of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
CLASS OF 2020:
A VIRTUAL GOODBYE
Our Class of 2020 surfs over the tides of change
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contents highlights
12 New Courses at Ngee Ann
Polytechnic
14 Designs to empower
NP's School of Design & Environment
embarks on projects to benefit the
community
16 Business Digitalisation made easy
SMEs get a helping hand in adopting
digital technologies
18 NP unites in the face of COVID-19
Staff and students reach out to the
communities
20 A film tribute to everyday
Singaporeans
the last page
cover story
21 Graduation at home - #NPGRAD2020
08 ALL SET FOR THE FUTURE
Our future-ready top graduates are set to make an impact in society
COVER PHOTO: ISTOCK
ISSUE 1
2020
A publication of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
CLASS OF 2020:
A VIRTUAL GOODBYE
Our Class of 2020 surfs over the tides of change
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
EDITOR
features Sangeetha Naidu
SENIOR DESIGNER
02 Career jumpstart for fresh grads
Helping Ngee Ann’s Class of 2020
mitigate COVID-19 challenges
06 Thrive in the New Normal
CET courses galore for aspiring
managers, back-to-work mums and
Frances Sim
WRITER
Chan Yee Chun
the fight against COVID-19 infection
04
CONTRIBUTORS
Transforming living and learning Lea Wee, Amelia Chua
For enquiries, contact us at
media_enquiries@np.edu.sg
1
features
CAREER JUMPSTART FOR
FRESH GRADS
Ngee Ann steps forward to help Class of 2020 mitigate COVID-19 challenges
CAREER JUMPSTART hope to pay it forward to other students and equip myself
Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) Class of 2020 are entering the with useful media skills for the future,” said Maxine.
job market amid great uncertainty in the Covid-19 economic There are also over 150 work-study programme
slowdown. To mitigate the impact, NP curated a “Career placements for graduates to embark on a rewarding career
Jumpstart” support package for them, offering close to 400 while deepening their professional skills and knowledge.
employment and learning opportunities. Graduates can access On top of this, all 4,500 Class of 2020 graduates were
jobs and upskilling options such as work-study programmes, or gifted with two complimentary courses to equip them with
even embark on exciting industry projects. professional and life skills to stay on top of change. Through
For instance, budding web content developers, digital these programmes, graduates can pick up in-demand skills,
marketing communications specialists and those with a keen industry advice and career hacks, while networking with
interest in research can look forward to NP’s campus job peers and practitioners to share ideas and acquire new
placements. knowledge.
When Mass Communication graduate Maxine Angela learnt
that there was a marketing position available at NP to raise GOSCHOOL TO GROW GO LANGUAGE TALENT POOL
funds for its needy students, she applied for the role to further Go, Google’s programming language has topped the list
hone her media and marketing skills. Maxine is currently a of in-demand software skills in a 2020 survey by Hired, a
Student & Alumni Services Executive, developing marketing career marketplace that matches tech talent with innovative
materials to help in fund-raising for students in need. companies. With Go’s growing popularity, Ngee Ann
“I’ve received assistance from NP as a student through Polytechnic (NP), Indorse and OpenNodes launched GoSchool,
bursaries and grants. Through my current fundraising work, I the first Go programming language academy in Singapore.
“Our students are graduating in uncertain times and their initiation into the working
world has been overshadowed by an unprecedented upheaval. The impetus for
these initiatives is to empower our Class of 2020 to face the future confidently. It
is our hope that these support measures we have curated will give them an edge
in this challenging climate and inspire a passion for continued learning.”
- Mr Clarence Ti, Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
2
Targeting aspiring coders and enthusiast programmers, proficient Go developers, so this is a great opportunity for me to
GoSchool aims to train competent Go developers to meet the build on my skills and gain in-depth knowledge about a career as
talent needs of fast-expanding companies like FoodPanda, a developer,” she shares.
Shopee and Zalora, which require their backend services to be The 10-week GoSchool programme will serve as a career
highly scalable, efficient and reliable. springboard, offering over 150 job placement opportunities as
NP’s Information Technology graduate, Melissa Ng enrolled well as three-month industry internships. NP has availed these
in GoSchool, as she wanted to develop her existing skills while career-boosting opportunities for its Class of 2020 graduates as
keeping up with industry trends. “The current market lacks part of its Career Jumpstart initiative.
AT A NGEE ANN’S CAREER JUMPSTART PACKAGE
GLANCE FOR CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
GoSchool Startup Talent Factory Career Portal
Learn Google’s latest programming Experience startup life and hone Graduates can explore job
language in just 10 weeks. Successful entrepreneurial skills through a opportunities offered by Ngee
applicants can secure job and flexible 9-12 month work-study Ann and its industry partners.
internship opportunities. programme.
PUTTING SKILLS TO WORK
Community+ SME Lab Industry Projects
Volunteer in underprivileged Get involved in consultancy From robot engineering to R&D roles,
communities and make a positive projects to help local SMEs move graduates can look forward to exciting
impact. up the digital ladder. industry projects and mentorships.
UP YOUR GAME
Upskill Building a Startup Career Consult
Pick up professional & life skills Have a smart business idea Learn from career experts and get
through a complimentary Masters that needs a boost? Aspiring access to job search tips, resources
Collective online experience, plus a free entrepreneurs can get expert advice and interview insights to boost job
post-diploma certificate, bootcamp on how to run a successful startup search opportunities
programme or SkillsFuture course to
open doors to a fulfilling career.
3
features
TRANSFORMING
Living and Learning
Director of the School of Health Sciences, Dr Phang
Chiew Hun, gives a presentation at a MANPIT event.
PAVING THE WAY FOR INNOVATIVE
HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
Persons with dementia (PwD) and their
caregivers now have an innovative way to help
them manage their condition.
The new multi-sensory therapy tool,
“halcyon.” comprises three components - a
handheld therapeutic device, an interactive
digital game and a data analytics web
application. Using sensory therapy, “halcyon.”
helps PwD gain a sense of control and
connection with reality, and facilitates self-
expression. Meanwhile, the web application
generates suggestions for caregivers to restart conversations emerged from NP’s two-year collaboration with Finland’s
with their charges and strengthen their relationship. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Working alongside a
“halcyon.” was developed by a group of six Ngee Ann local eldercare service provider Hovi Care, the Metropolia and NP
Polytechnic (NP) students from the Nursing and Information Innovate Together (MANPIT) initiative seeks to develop innovative
Security & Forensics diploma courses. They were inspired to healthcare solutions for Singapore’s ageing community.
work on this innovation after noticing high burnout rates among Under MANPIT, students from both institutions will also gain
the caregivers of PwD. opportunities for exposure in gerontological nursing through
This novel therapy idea was also one of the projects that project partnerships and sharing sessions.
4
Scan the code to see how
Coddie, a robot teaching assistant, is Coddie tells stories and
currently on trial at Hougang Primary School.
conducts mathematics class!
Source: Lianhe Zaobao © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction
LESSONS FROM A ROBOT Coddie will deliver part of the lesson content in an interactive
Going to school is a lot more fun when your “teacher” is a robot. and engaging way, ask questions, encourage and remind
That is what students from Hougang Primary School are students and conduct assessments. During Coddie’s lesson,
discovering in a trial with Coddie (“Coding Buddies in Education”), a a teacher will assess student responses in real-time and can
cloud-based educational robot that delivers lessons and collects focus on assisting the weaker students after Coddie’s
real-time data on their class performance. The smart assistant session.
was the product of a collaboration between the school and Ngee In addition, students will be able to learn programming
Ann Polytechnic’s Robotics Research & Innovation Centre. and develop computational thinking skills. “We’ve specially
Teachers and even students can easily make use of designed a robot that is easy to use and programme. We also
Microsoft PowerPoint to develop class materials for Coddie and hope to involve students in writing programming scripts – that
programme it to “teach”. Before class, teachers can customise way, they get to learn IT skills and can programme the robot
lessons by pre-selecting the audio-visual materials to be played. to perform any other tasks,” said NP Lecturer Mr Li Yinbei.
CROSSING THE ROAD SAFELY, VIRTUALLY made sure that the virtual simulation
Before starting on their final-year project, NP’s Electrical was realistic, so children can transfer the
Engineering Class of 2020 graduates Su Mon Than and Guan Siyi skills they have mastered in the virtual
visited social service agency, SPD, to learn more about children environment to the real world.
with autism. During the meeting, they found that it was a “The occupational and speech therapists
challenge for these children to learn to cross busy streets safely. at SPD have provided very useful insights about children with
Both Mon Than and Siyi thus set their mind to find a way for autism. Our students learnt about these children’s needs and
these children to practise road safety in a safe and controlled how technology can help them develop critical life skills,” said
environment. To do that, they used virtual reality (VR) technology Lecturer Mr Eric Chin, who supervised the project.
to develop a programme that simulates traffic crossings with He added: “Children with autism learn best through
various scenarios. During the practice, the children will wear repeated practice in real-life settings. However, we cannot
a VR headset and attempt to cross the “road” in a simulated apply this conventional method in teaching them to cross
environment independently. Meanwhile, their therapists will observe the road as we may expose them to great danger. Hence, we
their actions and provide them with timely feedback. Through have created a VR platform for them to pick up such skills
repeated practice, these children with autism will eventually gain effectively. We hope to introduce more simulated scenarios
confidence and learn to cross the road safely on their own. and games to make learning more fun and engaging for
Together with the therapists from SPD, the NP students them.”
5
features
THRIVE IN THE
NEW NORMAL
From empowering mumpreneurs, to developing a diploma for aspiring managers,
Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses are helping to
better prepare our workforce for the new normal TEXT: LEA WEE & CHAN YEE CHUN
NEW DIPLOMA FOR
ASPIRING MANAGERS
NP’s School of Interdisciplinary
Studies and CET Academy have
developed a new part-time
diploma to enable working
adults who have had domain
expertise and technical
skills but not the generic
competencies to become
effective managers and
supervisors at their workplace.
Known as the Diploma in
Applied Management for the
Future Workplace, it is the
first such diploma that equips
learners with a very extensive
set of generic competencies
such as digital literacy and
people management skills. The
course is particularly relevant
for employees who have risen
from rank and file, and might
have lacked the soft skills to
lead teams. It also prepares
these would-be managers with
digital skills to thrive in the
increasingly digital economy.
More info & Registration
6
FREE ONLINE COURSE ON BREAKING INFECTION CHAIN
Members of the public can now better understand the coronavirus
infection and how to stop its spread by signing up for a free
40-minute course online. The “Infection Control & Prevention 101”
course was launched by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and microlearning
platform Gnowbe in March this year. The course, developed by NP’s
School of Health Sciences in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has
benefitted over 8,000 learners locally. Originally in English, it has been
translated into 12 other languages including Urdu, Korean and Bengali.
At the request of the Ministry of Health (MOH), NP’s School of Health
Sciences and CET Academy developed another microlearning course
on the Gnowbe learning platform this May. This specially customised
course trains volunteers to conduct safe and effective swab tests, as
the volume of daily swab tests for COVID-19 at community care facilities
and nursing homes rose.
Volunteers who have been enrolled in the course said it had
boosted their knowledge and confidence.
Scan the code to pick up this free online course
EMPOWERING BACK-TO-WORK MOTHERS
Ageism, technological and skills gaps are some key obstacles
faced by women looking to re-join the workforce.
This observation was based on the experiences of almost
40,000 Mums@Work (MW) members, Singapore’s first career
portal supporting women to strike the perfect balance between
work and family.
In October last year, these mothers and aspiring
mumpreneurs received more support in restarting their
careers, as Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) partnered MW to curate
programmes for them. These ranged from professional image
makeovers to digital portfolio development and resume-writing.
Mumpreneurs were also trained in e-commerce and digital
analytics to help them boost their home-based businesses.
To further bridge the digital divide faced by MW members,
programmes on digital skills and emerging technologies such
as artificial intelligence and fintech, were also made available to Mums@Work Founder, Mrs Sher-Li Torrey, and Principal of Ngee Ann
Polytechnic, Mr Clarence Ti, at the MOU signing ceremony.
them. Among them was an eight-week “SkillsFuture Work-Study
Programme - Bootcamp in Digital Marketing and Branding”. Over
60 per cent of bootcamp participants secured a placement with Ms Christy Chung, Director of NP’s CET Academy, said, “As a
industry partners after the programme. mother of five, I had been away from work for extended periods
“An integral part of reintegration is upskilling and staying in five times over. I can fully understand that the days leading up
touch with the latest trends and knowledge. With NP’s suite of to returning to work may be daunting. I am thus grateful for
courses, the member-mums in our network can rediscover their this opportunity to collaborate with MW to co-curate learning
career paths and find different courses to help them restart or itineraries for mumpreneurs and returning mums. Whether they
develop their career or entrepreneurial journey,” said Mrs Sher- are restarting, re-anchoring or rediscovering their careers, there
Li Torrey, MW Founder. is an itinerary for each of them.”
7
cover story
All Set For
THE KOH CHAN HONG
FUTURE
These future-ready top graduates are set to make
an impact in society TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
SECURING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
Course: Information Security & Forensics we received definitely helped us to do well,” said Chan
Awards: Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal & Lee Kuan Yew Award Hong. “Our proudest ‘moment’ after bringing home the
Formerly from: School of Science and Technology bronze medal was a personal mention by Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong on his Facebook page!”
He was already building mobile apps in secondary school Ever on a quest to broaden his skillsets, Chan Hong
and embarked on his first app development internship at the undertook internships and projects at startups, from
tender age of 15. It is no wonder then that Koh Chan Hong’s software development for cryptocurrency payment
resume - which includes representing Singapore at a podium products and building an AI-driven data visualisation
finish at the WorldSkills competition in Kazan last year – platform to creating a real-time collaboration work tool
already resembles that of a more seasoned IT professional. for remote teams.
Chan Hong’s first internship at digital agency, Codigo, Chan Hong was also an active student leader at
saw him creating mobile apps for clients, alongside senior NP, helping to head a cybersecurity interest group and
developers. That led him to take Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s a programming interest group. He is also a founding
(NP) Information Security & Forensics course to hone his member of Cyber Youth Singapore, an open cybersecurity
cybersecurity skills. “I didn’t want to be developing vulnerable community for youths.
software for my clients in the future,” he shared. “I hope to use my skills to make banking services
Chan Hong’s skills were put to the test at the WorldSkills more accessible to underprivileged communities in the
competition. He and his teammate were evaluated on future. My dream is also to create a decentralised finance
malware analysis, digital forensics and penetration testing – platform providing access to sound financial services
areas in which he was already well-grounded. and a secure transactional currency via blockchain
“Our strong foundation at NP and the additional coaching technology,” said Chan Hong.
8JOHN LIU
SUI HUI PING
PUSHING SCIENTIFIC BOUNDARIES
Course: Molecular Biotechnology
Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Outstanding Achievement Award
ENGINEERING SOCIAL CHANGE
Formerly from: Canberra Secondary School
Course: Engineering Science
Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic
What drives John Liu is his spirit of excellence and the joy of Outstanding Achievement Award
making new discoveries. Formerly from: Geylang Methodist Secondary School
Studying biology in secondary school was what first sparked
the Molecular Biotechnology graduate’s passion in the field. The As a primary one student, Sui Hui Ping was already serving as a
dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the subject, and how it care ambassador in her class and would accompany classmates
can be a means to solve real-world problems, appealed to him. who were unwell to the sick bay. She bagged a school award for
“It was especially fascinating to learn about genetic her efforts, and was spurred to continue helping others.
engineering. With this knowledge, we can develop methods to At Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Hui Ping continued to serve,
overcome the challenges of our time, such as genetic disorders on both the committees of the Engineering Science Society,
and food security,” said John. as well as Rangers, a team of student outreach leaders whom
As a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student, he amassed work she describes as “my second family”. In her leadership roles,
experience in research laboratories, including the Genome she mentored junior students, assisted in spearheading school
Institute of Singapore. He also volunteered to assist his events, and organised welfare and bonding activities.
lecturers in their research projects during his school holidays. Driven by a desire to build a strong foundation for her
These stints deepened John’s passion for the sciences, fuelling degree studies, Hui Ping chose NP’s Engineering Science
his dream to start his own laboratory and propel local scientific course, as it would provide her with early exposure to university
research to the next level. research and curricula. In fact, her final-year project was a
“These interactions taught me the importance of constantly research and development collaboration with a professor from
innovating and asking myself how things can be done better,” he the National University of Singapore (NUS).
shared. “We researched and tested the efficacy of industrial-
Outside of the laboratory, John volunteers as a Cadet strength tape as a capacitor in harvesting energy from
Inspector in the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC). electrodes. Seeing our professor and university research
“I joined the NPCC as a co-curricular activity in secondary students at work, and brainstorming with them was an eye-
school. It has helped me to develop self-discipline and self- opening experience,” said Hui Ping.
confidence. Having grown so much personally, I hope to make a Hui Ping’s engineering background has honed her in
difference in the lives of others too,” he said. systematic, critical thinking and innovative ideation. And she
has plans to put these capabilities to good use, along with her
strong sense of empathy.
“I would love to work in a role where I can provide direct
aid to those who need it the most,” she shared. “My dream is
to travel to rural communities and use my skills to make a
difference to the underprivileged as a medical sociologist.”
9cover story
MAKING HIS MARK IN DESIGN INNOVATION
Course: Product Design & Innovation
Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Outstanding Achievement Award BENJAMIN TOH
Formerly from: Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
Opportunity favours the bold – this is an attitude that Product
Design & Innovation graduate Benjamin Toh embraces. And it
is why he decided to self-source work opportunities in design projects for major companies and immerse myself in a different
companies, even during the school holidays at Ngee Ann environment. It broadened my perspectives,” said Benjamin, who
Polytechnic (NP). is thankful for the myriad opportunities that had come his way
“I wanted to put my time to good use and gain more work in NP, including participating in an innovation challenge in Hong
experience,” said Benjamin, who eventually scored jobs at a local Kong and a community service project in Laos.
design consultancy and an engineering company. “Although work Benjamin’s creative works have been recognised at
was hectic, I learnt to be disciplined and manage my time well. prestigious design competitions. He also won the first prize in
These are important skills that I will need to succeed in the future the Omni Remotes Design Competition for developing a multi-
workplace across any industry.” functional remote control prototype.
Benjamin also did a six-month overseas internship at Kohler “These competitions provide platforms to showcase
Design Studio in Shanghai, China, during his final year at NP. He our products in the market, and to demonstrate that we, as
performed so well that his employer offered him a job at the firm, designers, can push the boundaries of what is possible,” shared
even before his graduation. Benjamin, who hopes to create innovative solutions that improve
“My overseas internship gave me a chance to work on the lives of others.
NP’S PIONEER BATCH OF EAE STUDENTS GRADUATE – AND SOME AT THE TOP OF THEIR CLASS
They entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) via the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) three years ago, as the
pioneer cohort of secondary school students who secured a place in their dream course based on their
passion and aptitude. The first batch of EAE students at NP did well, with some even taking top spots in
their courses. We highlight two outstanding EAE graduates and their NP journey.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Course: Mass Communication Course: Tamil Studies with Early Education
Awards: Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Award: PAP Community Foundation
Achievement Award, MediaCorp Gold Medal & Prize, Silver Medal
Captive Media Prize and Ethos Prize Naseema Begum Formerly from: Broadrick Secondary
Denyse Tan Formerly from: Nan Hua High School School
As the president of her secondary school’s Infocomm Club, When NP first launched the Diploma in Tamil Studies in Early
Denyse discovered her knack for photography and storytelling. Education (TSE) in 2016, Naseema Begum immediately knew
Wanting to secure an early spot at NP’s School of Film & Media that this was the course she wanted to pursue. She had always
Studies to pursue her passion, she decided to apply via the EAE. enjoyed creating engaging teaching kits to help her younger
“The desire to study what I’m passionate about motivated brother with his lessons. She also had a keen interest in the Tamil
me to challenge myself and capitalise on opportunities that language and participated in many Tamil language competitions.
came my way,” said Denyse, who was the president of FMS “Applying for the TSE course through the EAE turned out to
Agents, her school’s student ambassadorial unit. She also be the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Naseema.
went on an overseas immersion programme to Shanghai and In NP, Naseema completed a three-month internship at
completed a six-month internship there. an MOE kindergarten. Witnessing how her teaching positively
Denyse is grateful for the exposure she has gained as an impacted her students, Naseema was convinced that she had
NP student. She will be pursuing the Philosophy, Politics, and made the right choice. Her overseas immersion stint in India gave
Economics major at Yale-NUS College under the Enterprise Naseema a deeper appreciation of the importance of education
Singapore Global Executive Scholarship. and the integral role of a teacher in empowering their students.
10BANKING ON A DREAM TO DO GOOD
Course: Banking & Financial Services
Awards: Lien Ying Chow Gold Medal & Ngee Ann Polytechnic
ZENITH TAY
Outstanding Achievement Award
Formerly from: Saint Joseph’s Institution
Accomplished Banking & Financial Services (BFS) graduate That was the turning point in Zenith’s life. When he entered
Zenith Tay has turned over a new leaf since he dropped out Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), he was determined to make a fresh
of secondary school six years ago. Back then, he had been start and build upon his interest in finance, which had first been
blindsided by the shocking news of his parents’ divorce. piqued when he attended a course on foreign exchange trading.
“My family had always been my motivation for studying hard. “NP gave me many opportunities to develop myself. During
When my family fell apart, so did my drive to do well in school,” my internship at IJK Capital Partners, I helped to organise
said Zenith. “I skipped classes and eventually dropped out of a high-level corporate event and got to interact with CEOs
school. from large companies and investment firms,” said Zenith. “In
“While working as a waiter, I met colleagues who were addition, I gained exposure to different areas of finance such as
struggling financially due to their lack of education. One was derivatives product trading, private equities and hedge funds.”
a mother who juggled three jobs to put her daughter through Zenith also had the opportunity to develop himself through
university. Another was a dishwasher whose salary remained low an exchange programme in the Philippines, where he visited a
despite her hard labour. This made me realise the importance of rural school for students with learning disabilities.
a good education and I decided to return to school to sit for the “The teachers purchased teaching aids and tools with
‘O’ levels,” he added. their own meagre salaries. I was moved by their dedication to
provide the best possible education, even in a small village,” he
said. “It sparked my desire to contribute to global communities
through education funding. I aspire to be a private
equities or hedge fund trader, and use my success to
make a difference to the less privileged.”
CHENG SHI HUI
REBOUNDING FROM lecturers, Shi Hui’s life took a turn for the better. From an
SETBACKS introvert, she was transformed into an outgoing and confident
Course: Mechanical Engineering young lady.
Award: Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal At Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Shi Hui continued to discover
Formerly from: ITE College West and Assumption English School her potential. During an overseas immersion trip to Sichuan,
China, she volunteered to be the group leader and even planned
Mechanical Engineering graduate Cheng Shi Hui is no stranger activities for her peers.
to the hard life. After an accident that left her father jobless, “I felt a great sense of achievement in being able to
she became her family’s breadwinner when she was just 14 years contribute, whether it was in mediating differing opinions or
old. In addition, Shi Hui had to juggle her studies while caring for comforting homesick friends,” said Shi Hui.
her family. Looking back, Shi Hui believes that she managed to pull through
“It was incredibly challenging and I was tempted to give the difficult times because of the support she had received.
up many times,” recalled Shi Hui. “Thankfully, my teachers and “I hope to pay it forward by motivating students who are
friends were always encouraging, and I managed to focus and struggling with financial and family issues. I want to let them
study hard.” know that I understand the situation they are in and assure
But Shi Hui hit yet another stumbling block – she did not them that they are not alone,” said Shi Hui, who volunteers as
perform well in her ‘N’ levels and became discouraged. a mentor to secondary school students. With her desire in
Fortunately, she decided to enrol in the Institute of Technical reaching out to students, it is no surprise that her aspiration is
Education (ITE). Heartened by the care and nurture of her ITE to become a teacher.
11highlights
NEW COURSES
at Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Prospective students are set to benefit from three new courses
offered by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), starting from April 2020.
The diplomas in Community Development, Design and Media
Post-Production will equip future-ready students with multiple
skillsets for a head start in today’s new economy.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Offered by the School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Our Diploma in Community Development is the result of
merging the Business & Social Enterprise and Psychology
Studies programmes. It trains students to understand
human behaviour, discover community needs, and create
solutions to serve and empower communities. Freshmen to hone their social entrepreneurship skills.
will learn about community needs and be introduced to This diploma will train graduates to join the community
psychology, sociology and the local social service sector development and social services sectors which are growing
through Community Kickstarter, one of the course’s and expanding their talent pool. They can pursue meaningful
signature programmes. In their second year, they will careers such as programme coordinator, volunteer
learn about managing social service organisations; and executive, youth worker or social work associate. With the
social work marketing, research and counselling. Final- skills they have acquired from the course, they can also
year students will gain industry exposure through Social choose to join other sectors and work in a wide variety
Innovation in Action, a practicum with key social service of job roles such as marketing, communications, event
and non-profit partners; or get to start their own social management or community engagement executive. They can
enterprise. They will also go on local or overseas internships even launch their own social enterprise!
NURTURING
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Enterprising secondary school and ITE students can learn the ropes their own business proposals. The Sandbox will look through
of starting or managing a business, thanks to a free online course every proposal and provide detailed advice for students to take
launched by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) from April to June this year. their first step towards entrepreneurship.
Featuring engaging bite-sized videos as well as tips from There is a bonus for these students if they are also
successful entrepreneurs, the six-hour Entrepreneurship First considering applying to BA, FMS and ICT via the Early
Steps (EFS) course is a collective effort by NP’s innovation Admissions Exercise (EAE) – which offers students a conditional
and entrepreneurship office The Sandbox and three academic place based on their aptitude and interest. With the completion
schools – Business & Accountancy (BA), Film & Media Studies of the EFS, they can boost their portfolio submission for
(FMS) and InfoComm Technology (ICT). their EAE application and wow the interviewers with their
Students who complete the course will be able to develop entrepreneurial ambition.
12DESIGN
Offered by the School of Design & Environment
To groom designers with a solid foundation across
multiple disciplines including arts, business and
engineering, and who will be equally at home in design
and non-design sectors, we merged our Product Design
& Innovation and Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering
programmes. The new Diploma in Design also gives
students the option of specialising in Architecture or
Product Innovation. Signature programmes such as Design
Playbook let students build strong design fundamentals
in their first year, before being exposed to real-world
environments and deepening their skillsets through Design
Immersion in their second year. Design Beyond will see
final-year students undergo local or overseas internships
and work with organisations to co-create design solutions.
Graduates of this diploma will acquire skills that are there will be 80% more design-related jobs in non-design
mapped to the skills framework for the design industry, companies, such as architectural and interior design firms,
which will ensure that they will enjoy good career consumer and industrial product developers, furniture
prospects. In fact, the demand for designers is also makers, packaging or branding design houses, as well as
growing in the non-design sector. It is projected that communication and service/experience design firms.
MEDIA POST-PRODUCTION
Offered by the School of Film & Media Studies
We also merged our Visual Effects and Audio-Visual
Technology programmes to offer students the new
Diploma in Media Post-Production course, which broadens
their employment opportunities in the arts, design and
media sectors. This diploma focuses on the use of new
media technologies and tools to create interactive and
immersive content for film, television and live stage
performances. First-year students will learn post-
production fundamentals, storytelling techniques and
design principles, and start developing their portfolio
of motion graphic videos. In their second year, they will
master the craft behind staging live events, through
audio-visual set-up, projection technologies, stage lighting
and effects, and hone their skills in creating 3D motion production, live stage show and setup areas. They can
graphics. Final-year students will learn to manage a media pursue a career as a post-production assistant, video editor,
business, and undertake an internship and capstone sound editor and engineer or motion graphics artist. They
project. can also join the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and
With the increasing demand for multi-skilled visual Exhibitions (MICE), Arts and Entertainment industries as
effects producers, graduates from this diploma will be part of the production or technical support crew or as floor
able to launch rewarding careers in the media post- manager.
13highlights
DESIGNS TO
EMPOWER
Ngee Ann’s School of Design & Environment embarks on projects to benefit the community
TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
Walking Made Easier Christine’s hands-free
crutch mimics natural
A desire to help her colleague who was using crutches was the inspiration behind leg movements, and
can be adjusted at the
Christine Yeap’s project – a hands-free crutch to facilitate easy movement. knee, ankle and foot.
“During my internship, I met a colleague who was struggling with simple tasks
like walking, holding her handphone, and drinking water on the go, as the crutches
caused discomfort on her palms, shoulders and ankles. I wanted to do something
to help people like her who depend on crutches to move around,” shared Christine.
The Product Design & Innovation student's crutch was developed
based on the concept behind bionic prosthetic legs.
Incorporating more joints to mimic natural leg movements,
Christine fine-tuned her design to make the crutch hands-
free, improve its flexibility and allow for adjustments at the
knee, ankle and foot.
Christine also intentionally designed the crutch to
complement formal outfits, making it a perfect fit for
working adults. “With its simple streamlined design, it is
much less noticeable than a normal crutch,” she said.
No Fear of Needles
When he was a student at the Institute of Technical
Education, Muhammad Hafiz Bin Mohammad Sadli
designed an assistive device to help the elderly sit
and rise from chairs more easily for his final-year
project.
This drove the Product Design & Innovation
student to further explore the possibilities of
design and how it could improve the quality of
healthcare in Singapore.
Inspired by innovative injections that tap
on vibrations and low temperature to distract
patients from pain and discomfort, Hafiz designed
a product for children which physically blocks the
needle from their sight during injections. It also
features gentle vibrations - produced by a coin
A digital rendering motor positioned along the child’s forearm - as a
of Hafiz’s design, distraction.
which aims to make
injections a less painful Hafiz hopes to collaborate with hospitals on the
experience for children.
development of his design for their young patients.
14The Bakers Beyond
studio empowers
mothers to earn
a living by selling
their baked goods.
Cookies for a Cause “We could see the joy in the mothers’ faces when the baking
A six-year partnership between Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) etc. studio was completed. They no longer need to shuttle between
lab and Beyond Social Services (BSS) has sparked a range of rental kitchens all over Singapore,” said Mr Raja Mohammad
initiatives catering to the underprivileged. Fairuz, an NP lecturer who consulted on the project. “BB was able
In 2018, staff at etc.lab, an inter-disciplinary collaborative to fulfil orders for its Christmas and Lunar New Year festive bake
design and research centre, embarked on pro-bono consultancy sales at the baking studio.”
services for BSS’s new baking studio. Known as Bakers Beyond etc.lab is currently collaborating with BSS on #sgjoypack,
(BB), it provided a baking space for a community of mothers an initiative for the public to sponsor festive food packs for
living in rental flats, enabling them to earn an income through low-income families. BB will contribute its baked products and
baking sales. receive a portion of the proceeds.
The etc.lab team also conducted several co-creation “We are developing an ecosystem for BB to take orders
workshops for BB, involving the mothers in space planning and during both festive and non-peak seasons. We hope to empower
the selection of building materials and finishes. With NP students more beneficiaries through the baking and entrepreneurial skills
helping to assemble furnishings, the baking studio was officially that they can learn at the baking studio,” said Mr Raja.
opened on 25 Nov 2019.
A Twist is All It Takes
Damian Lim was brainstorming ideas for his final-year project design on kitchen Twist is a
compact bottle-
accessories when he chanced upon a range of kitchen equipment created specially opener designed
to be used with
for the visually-impaired by local industrial designer, Kevin Chiam. just one hand.
“Inspired by his simple yet effective designs, I felt that this would be the perfect
opportunity to create a meaningful product to empower people with disabilities,”
said Damian.
After observing his friends and family struggling to open bottles whenever their
hands were greasy, the Product Design & Innovation student realised that such tasks
would prove even more challenging for those with limited or one-sided mobility.
With no similar products currently available for these users, Damian’s design,
Twist, aims to fill the gap. The compact, ergonomically-designed device will enable
users to singlehandedly open bottle caps of most sizes as its rubber ribs provide
an added grip for more stability while twisting the cap open. Damian is looking to
further refine Twist and make it available to users on the market.
15highlights
BUSINESS DIGITALISATION
MADE EASY
Small and medium enterprises get a helping hand in adopting digital technologies
TEXT: AMELIA CHUA
With the COVID-19 outbreak, local small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) have
had to circumvent economic disruptions,
while tackling major changes in business
practices and consumer habits. Now,
they can get help with mitigating these
challenges, thanks to BEYOND Lab. Ngee
Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) CET Academy
and Singapore Management University
(SMU) are programme partners of the
digital academy, in charge of content and
curriculum design.
Launched in March, BEYOND Lab
aims to provide subsidised courses to
equip SMEs with the relevant skills and
knowledge for digital transformation.
(Seated from left): SMU vice provost Mr Steven Miller, SBF chief executive Mr Ho Meng Kit and
Following diagnostic evaluation to set NP Principal Mr Clarence Ti, and (Standing from left): SMU Academy executive director Ms Lim
Lai Cheng, Beyond consortium chairman-designate Mr Gan Chee Yen, SMU Professor of Finance
performance targets and prioritise (Practice) Prof Annie Koh, at the MOU signing ceremony, on March 18, 2020.
areas of growth, they are matched to
SkillsFuture Singapore programmes Bootcamps within NP’s CET Academy. “Ngee Ann Polytechnic will make
offered by NP and SMU alongside This initiative by Singapore Business available its existing courses to support
curated tech partners for digital process Federation and V3 Fintech seeks to SMEs’ transformation and upskilling of
applications within their business. empower SMEs to adapt, build resilience their staff. We look forward to being part
SMEs can look forward to benefit from and cope with untimely disruptions of BEYOND Lab’s network and developing
subsidised courses such as, “Artificial through digital transformations for new programmes together,” said Ngee
Intelligence in Finance” and Data Science sustainable business growth. Ann Polytechnic Principal, Mr Clarence Ti.
GIVING SINGAPORE’S CYBERSECURITY AN ADDED BOOST
Polytechnic teams up with Group-IB to train cybersecurity talents and develop solutions
to keep cyber threats at bay
A partnership between Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Group-IB diploma course. CSF students can gain hands-on experience
will see a range of cybersecurity initiatives implemented to thwart through internship opportunities at Group-IB as well as through
cybercrime and develop cyber defence measures. Group-IB is undertaking cybersecurity threat and penetration testing
a Singapore-based provider of solutions aimed at detection and projects. They will also have opportunities to research and develop
prevention of cyberattacks, online fraud, IP protection and high- solutions to new cyber threats within the region.
tech crime investigations. “NP is pleased to partner Group-IB to enhance our course
This collaboration, announced at CyberCrimeCon, a Global curriculum and work on joint projects that will benefit the industry,”
Threat Hunting and Intelligence conference conducted by Group- said Mr Patrice Choong, Director of NP’s School of InfoComm
IB last November, will draw on the company’s technological Technology. “The collaboration will enable our students to be
know-how and cybersecurity solutions experience to enhance equipped with relevant skills for the fast-evolving cyber landscape
the curriculum of NP’s Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics (CSF) and strengthen Singapore’s talent pool in cyber security.”
16STAYING RELEVANT IN A
DIGITAL ECONOMY
Ngee Ann’s certification programme equips Prudential staff with machine learning skills
Employees from Prudential now have an opportunity to keep years, the skills in demand are often associated with artificial
pace with digital trends, through a certification programme intelligence (AI), data analytics and cloud computing,” he said.
developed collaboratively with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). “If I do not quickly get acquainted with Al and its application, I
Over 170 employees have signed up for the online course could start to lose relevance very soon.”
“Machine Learning in Humans” since its launch in February. “This partnership is a significant milestone for NP as we
They will be trained by data scientists from the public and look forward to equipping companies like Prudential to upskill
private sectors. Lessons, which can be completed within their employees and embrace the technology that is changing
30 hours, will be followed by scenario-based assessments the landscape of the financial services sector in Singapore,”
for employees to demonstrate their understanding and said NP Principal, Mr Clarence Ti.
application of course theories. This is the second such course developed through a
Performance management analyst, Mr Nigel Chan was collaboration between NP and Prudential. The first course, “AI
among those who enrolled for the course. “Over the last few in Finance” was well-received, with over 200 sign-ups last year.
CREATING ROBOTS
FOR A BETTER FUTURE
Ngee Ann partners Tiong Seng to set up first construction robotics lab on campus
Tapping on technology to develop industrial-grade robotic
solutions for construction sites – that is the aim of the Tiong
Seng-Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Construction Robotics Lab that
started operations on campus in November 2019.
The first-of-its-kind joint facility is part of a research
collaboration agreement between a private sector enterprise
and an institute of higher learning. The five-year partnership
combines the technological expertise and market know-how
of Tiong Seng Holdings Limited - a leading construction and
civil engineering company - with NP’s strong research and
development capabilities.
Projects in the pipeline include developing autonomous
robotic solutions to replace current modes of progress
(From left): Mr Russell Chan, NP Senior Director; Mr Clarence Ti, NP Principal;
monitoring which are laborious and error-prone. The reduction Mr Pek Lian Guan, CEO and Er Lam Siew Wah, Chairman of Tiong Seng
Engineering Solutions Private Limited at the unveiling the Tiong Seng-Ngee
of manpower intensity is also in view of more stringent safe Ann Polytechnic Construction Robotics Lab.
management systems post COVID-19.
Beyond capability development, Tiong Seng hopes that this NP has been developing robotic solutions for healthcare
joint lab can serve as an avenue for the company to give back and education industries since 2014, when it first launched
to the community by grooming budding talent crucial for the “Robocoach”, a fitness instructor robot for the elderly. Since
advancement of the construction industry in the coming decades. then, a Robotics Research & Innovation Centre has been set
The joint lab has provided eight short-term job openings for up to spearhead cutting-edge applied research in robotics and
NP fresh graduates. Current NP students can also look forward nurture industry-ready professionals in support of Singapore’s
to R&D internship positions in the facility. Smart Nation initiative.
17highlights
NP UNITES
IN THE FACE OF COVID-19
The Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) campus was mostly closed during the
circuit breaker period from April till early-June. But this didn’t stop our big-hearted students
from reaching out to the community in need, while one of NP’s innovative robots went
on trial to promote safe distancing at a nature reserve. TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
Fundraising for migrant workers
They wanted to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic. And so,
Clarice Chua, Lam Xin Yi, Basil Wee and Cynthia Yap started Project Keen to
raise funds for the Migrant Workers’ Centre.
“We were shocked and concerned to hear about the sudden spike in
COVID-19 infections in workers’ dormitories. We wanted to give something
back to them for their huge contribution to our country,” said Cynthia.
The four students, who are Executive Committee members of NP’s School
of Design & Environment’s student-led DOT Club started a donation drive and
sold t-shirts which they had designed on their own.
“We wanted to engage youths to make a contribution through something
familiar to them, like buying a t-shirt,” added Clarice.
When The Straits Times, as well as Naomi Neo, a local influencer featured Modelling the clothes
themselves, the students
Project Keen, the team were surprised by the surge in support from the used the quotes “Even
the darkest nights end”
public. Their initial goal to sell 100 t-shirts was quickly surpassed, as they have and “And the sun will rise”
to raise positivity and
since sold over 400 t-shirts and amassed more than $3,500 in donations. hope during the COVID-19
“Project Keen has proved that we can find some good in every situation. pandemic.
Because of COVID-19, people came together as one to help strangers. We hope
that this project can inspire other youths to make a difference,” said Cynthia.
Care Packs for Staff
Singapore has been battling the COVID-19 outbreak since January and new challenges
await in the months ahead as the situation continues to evolve.
In a show of their concern and support during this difficult period, the NP Co-op and
two unions – NP Academic Staff Union and Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union
– gifted every NP staff a care pack.
In addition, a thank-you care pack was prepared for over 180 colleagues in NP’s
COVID-19 taskforce. Some of their duties include coordinating surveillance and preventive
measures, planning and executing responses, and acting as points of contact to relay and
Hand sanitiser, hand cream, vitamin C coordinate information and action across NP.
tablets and a sweet note to boost staff
immunity and morale.
18(From left) Senior Lecturer Mrs Juliet Tan-Beng,
Lecturer Ms Michelle Toh, Lecturer Ms Stella Thng and
Senior Lecturer Mr Samuel Tan promoting the initiative.
Coffee and Tea on Me
NP’s 110 security officers, temperature-
taking crew and cleaners enjoyed thirst-
quenching treats, as they were “belanja-
ed” (“treated” in the Malay language) to
free coffee and tea in March and April.
The #NPBelanjaKopi initiative was
an idea mooted by lecturers from NP's
School of Interdisciplinary Studies. It
engaged NP staff and students in buying
drink coupons, which the front-line
workers could then use to redeem a cup
of coffee or tea daily at Makan Place, a
campus food court.
"We were touched by how hard the
front-liners were working to keep our
campus safe,” said Lecturer Ms Stella
Thng on a Workplace post. “Watching
them queue up for their daily cuppa with
smiles on their faces really lit up our
hearts.”
The response to #NPBelanjaKopi
drive was very encouraging, chalking up a
total redemption of 2,000 cups of coffee
and tea during the two-month campaign.
Trial of social distancing robot at parks and gardens
Recent visitors to Bukit Timah Nature video analytics, based on the fusion of camera
Reserve may have noticed a new addition vision and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
to its greenery – a patrolling robot which It is able to sense when two people are
promotes safe distancing and the wearing standing too close to each other. This novel
of face masks. algorithm has a detection range of up to 15
A timely innovation to help in metres. The robot can also “spot” people who
mitigating the spread of COVID-19, the are not wearing face masks. Upon detection,
robot was developed by staff and students the robot will sound an alarm and flash an
from NP’s School of Engineering, and is advisory encouraging visitors to adhere to
currently on trial as part of a collaboration safe distancing measures. Through a cloud-
with the National Parks Board (NParks). based robot management system, NParks
The patrolling robot leverages staff can receive photos and live footages
autonomous navigation technology and from the robot for remote monitoring.
19highlights
A FILM TRIBUTE TO
EVERYDAY SINGAPOREANS TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
Inspired by the older generation’s sacrifices to Singapore, Film,
Sound & Video student Lionel Seah decided to pay tribute to them
in his film, Chapter 2: 12pm-2pm.
Lionel was among the five tertiary students selected by the
Ministry of Communications and Information to produce a series
of short films about the day-to-day stories of Singaporeans, titled
Regardless Of.
The students worked alongside creative agency Tribal
Worldwide Singapore and production company MLC TV, exploring
themes on local healthcare, transport and housing.
“Chapter 2: 12pm-2pm reflects my appreciation for the elderly
in Singapore and how their sacrifices have inspired the young to
NP student, Lionel Seah (second from left), emulate them,” said Lionel.
speaking about his experience working on his film.
The series of films can be viewed on the government’s official YouTube
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. channel, govsingapore.
Permission required for reproduction.
Celebrating
MAKING THEIR MARK IN ASIA Entrepreneurial
Two start-ups founded
by Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Efforts
(NP) alumni have one more
success to celebrate this year.
The founders of HighSpark
and Eezee were featured
in the Forbes 30 under 30
Asia list under the Media,
Marketing & Advertising
and Retail & Ecommerce
categories respectively. Class of 2020 Product Design &
HighSpark’s Koh Kai Innovation graduate, Xavier Tan clinched
Xin and Eugene Cheng’s the Silver Award at the National Youth
HighSpark, founded by NP alumni Koh Kai Xin (centre, in
canny ability to create vertical stripes) and Eugene Cheng (most right), has come a Entrepreneurship Awards held in
long way since its incubation at NP.
visually-engaging business February this year.
presentation decks saw alumnus. With its rapid expansion, Logan The awards celebrate the
their hard work grow to over $1 million sought NP’s help in recruiting business achievements of outstanding individuals
in revenue last year. Their stay at NP’s partners and Class of 2017 graduates who have displayed entrepreneurial
Startup Incubator provided them financial Terrence Goh and Jasper Yap came qualities and contributed to the
and mentorship support, as well as access on-board. Eezee has since successfully start-up ecosystem. For the panel
to a business network. The Class of 2013 raised seed funding from Singapore-based assessment, Xavier had presented
Business Studies alumni also have plans to Insignia Ventures Partners. The team will on his business, ÜNIK Apparel, a
launch a book and an online course. be connecting local businesses with more streetwear brand that supports
Eezee, a one-stop online industrial than four million Chinese businesses in youths by translating their stories into
supplies marketplace, was started by support of the Singapore-China (Shenzhen) commercial graphic art fashion pieces,
Logan Tan, a Class of 2009 Business Studies Smart City Initiative. and his future business plans.
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