infinITE Issue 114 - Institute of Technical Education

infinITE is a publication of the
Institute of Technical Education
ISSUE114
SEP - OCT
2012
ITE Turns A Page
ITE’s third and final mega campus opens
its doors in Jan 2013 By Victor Yen
T
he rain may have soaked every parade participant to the
skin, but it could not dampen the determination and
high spirits of 1,300 ITE staff and students in reaching their
destination with pride – the newly-completed ITE Headquarters
and College Central at 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive. The 4.2 km parade,
flagged off from Bishan Campus on the afternoon of 30 October
symbolised the closing of a chapter on the ITE Headquarters
at Dover Drive and the five remaining ITE satellite campuses in
Balestier, Bishan, MacPherson, Tampines and Yishun.
ISSN 0218 0293
Facilities to Realise Their Potential
Slated to open its doors to students in January 2013, the new
ITE Headquarters and College Central is the culmination of
ITE's vision and commitment to transform the Vocational and
Technical Education landscape over a decade. With the first two
Regional Campuses, ITE College East and ITE College West, up
and running in 2005 and 2010 respectively, the opening of the
new ITE Headquarters and College Central marks the completion
of the Colleges of the Future Master Plan under the ‘One ITE
System, Three Colleges’ Governance and Education Model.
With a total gross floor area of 192,820m² over 10.61 hectares
of site area (about 10 football fields), the complex would be
able to accommodate 10,400 students and 1,400 staff. Some
of the facilities include a 1,500-seat auditorium, an Olympicsized swimming pool, 280 training labs and studios, 70 lecture
rooms and various commercial F&B and retail outlets. These
resources will enable ITE College Central to flourish as a College
of Creativity and Innovation, and enhance the niche learning
environments of students in the four academic Schools of
Design and Media, Electronics and Info-Comm Technology,
Engineering, and Business and Services.
The new ITE Headquarters and College Central project has also
been accorded the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, a pinnacle
award that recognises an organisation’s strong commitment
towards corporate social responsibility and environmental
sustainability.
Fund-raising for Needy
That day, ITE staff and students also walked to raise funds for
200 needy families living in the Cheng San-Seletar district.
Beneficiaries will receive grocery items donated by Select
Group Limited. The parade concluded with a light-show
extravaganza at the ‘LITE Up @ Ang Mo Kio – Together as One’
event. Just a few weeks earlier, the new building was issued
the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) by the Building &
Construction Authority (BCA) on 11 October, and a Key Handing
-Over Ceremony was held with Kajima Overseas Asia Pte Ltd on
18 October.
Industry Partners Critical for Continued Growth
Acknowledging the efforts of many in the ongoing transformation
of ITE, Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE, said, “We aim to
build on the strengths of our diverse industry and international
partnerships. We aim to leverage on this symbiotic partnership,
to create the spark and synergy for innovations and transdisciplinary learning in career and technical skills in a global
economy.”
Mr Sam Tan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
& the former Community Development, Youth
and Sports, and Mayor, Central Singapore District,
was the Guest-of-Honour for the ‘LITE Up @ Ang
Mo Kio’ event.
Turn to pages 4 and 5 to check out the series
of exciting events we had lined up on 30 October!
2 BUZZ
at a Glance
Buzz
2
Our Distinguished
Visitors
3
An A1 Performance
at the F1
4
Hello Ang Mo Kio!
6
A Much Needed
Boost
May I Help You?
Pulse
7
Our Distinguished Visitors
Sep
3
4
Giving Students a Lift: Mr Amir bin Md Noor
(right, in black tie), Director-General of the
Department of Community College Education,
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, and his
team of officers were briefed on how ITE students
are taught to diagnose and troubleshoot defects
in lift installations, preparing them for real-life
emergency situations.
Sep
13
EDB Society’s CEO
Breakfast Series
Rising To The
Challenge
Checking-In: Using an iPad to control room
functions at ITE College West’s Training Hotel,
Dr Yek Tiew Ming, Principal, ITE College West,
demonstrated to EDB Society members how
ITE has evolved over the years to offer a diverse
yet engaging choice of courses to cater to the
economic needs of Singapore.
A Splash of Cheer
Stars
9
Department of
Community College
Education, Ministry
of Higher Education,
Malaysia
A Time for
Appreciation and
Celebration
10 She's A Super Star
Sep
19
WorldSkills Foundation
11 Age is No Limit
Snapshot
A New Chapter: Former WorldSkills International
competitors met Mr Tjerk Dusseldorp (white
shirt), Chairman of WorldSkills Foundation, and
Ms Kerrie Stevens (seated on left), Advocate
(Australia), WorldSkills Foundation, at ITE
College West, for a focus group discussion
to examine ways for former competitors to
maintain their relationship with WorldSkills
through the Foundation.
12 Innovation an ITE
Tradition
Oct
3
Find us on
Facebook
“Institute of Technical Education,
Singapore”
Minister of Education,
Republic Of Maldives
“Pleased to Meet You, Minister”: Students from
the Technical Diploma in Culinary Arts had the
honour of serving His Excellency Dr Asim Ahmed
(in blue tie), Minister of Education, Maldives. The
networking at ITE College West’s Amber@West
was hosted by Dr Benjamin Tan (in yellow tie),
Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Development),
and Dr Yek Tiew Ming (in red tie), Principal, ITE
College West.
BUZZ
An A1 Performance at the F1
ITE Students roped in for F1 race prove themselves By Jamie Chan
In Orderly Fashion: To ensure order, ITE students working as Grandstand Access Officials check the entry passes of each
spectator to ascertain they are in the right zone.
S
ince 2009, some 4,000 ITE students have helped powered
the success of the F1 race. These students have contributed their talents to one of Singapore’s major sporting events,
thanks to a partnership between ITE and Singapore GP Pte Ltd
(SGP), race promoter of the Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand
Prix.
applicants, the 1,000 students from the Higher Nitec in Business
Studies (Event Management), Higher Nitec in Community Sport
and Recreation and other courses from ITE College East and
ITE College Central shone in roles ranging from Gate Access
Control Officials, Grandstand Access Officials to Information
Ambassadors at the F1 weekend this year.
The four-year collaboration that leverages on both parties’
strengths and resources has given these students the invaluable
experience of working in an event management and customer
service environment at a major international event. To prepare
for the event, students underwent training, including online
engagement, Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training
and onsite training. Students have to pass a test before they
could join the working team.
Eighteen-year-old ITE student, Muhammad Saiful, was a
Grandstand Access Official who had to ensure patrons did not
sit at restricted areas. He said, “In event management, we must
know how to manage customers. F1 gave us the chance to
interact with different people and learn how they behave."
Excelling Beyond the Classroom
ITE students have shown they can do well in both the test
in the classroom and in the real world. Chosen from 3,000
Another Eighteen-year-old ITE student, Ms Dakshani
Selvakumar, similarly treasured the experience. She shared that
it was an honour to be part of the race event and pointed out
that “the F1 race highlights how Singapore has an important
part in the world. It's the only night race!"
3
4 BUZZ
Hello, Ang Mo Kio!
By Victor Yen
30 October 2012. It was a day of transition for ITE, and also a day of memories, where staff and
students bade farewell to an ‘ITE of old’ – a nostalgic image of smaller satellite campuses and their
rustic environments. Join us as we revisit the series of events that took place that day, where staff
and students of ITE Headquarters and College Central came ‘Together as One’ to make the symbolic
shift.
m
a
10
The Unveiling: Media Tour of ITE Headquarters and
College Central
First Glance: With such a beautiful new campus, it is no
surprise that journalists are just as excited as staff and
students about the opening. Here, Mr Bruce Poh, Director &
CEO, ITE, happily answers media queries while the journalists
take their first look at the new ITE Headquarters and College
Central.
m
2
p
.30
“Is that a Boeing 737?”
Say Goodbye: Symbolic Closing
of ITE Headquarters at 10 Dover Drive
m
4p
Rediscovering History: Mr Poh opening the Time Capsule,
which was sealed on 28 June 1996 by then Deputy Prime
Minister for Defence, and now President of Singapore,
Dr Tony Tan. Among the 70-odd items in the Capsule
was a newspaper pullout on ITE’s inauguration on
April 1992, pictures of the old campuses, and a set of
uniform worn by students then.
Let’s Get The Party Started: Farewell
Party at Bishan Campus
A Rousing Farewell: It was full house at Bishan Campus as staff and
students from the five remaining satellite campus got together for a
Farewell Party.
BUZZ 5
m
5p
We’re Gonna Move It, Move It: Parade to ITE Headquarters and College Central
at 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive
Students in cosplay outfits spotted in the Parade!
Party Colours: 1,300 staff and students enjoying the 4.2km walk from Bishan
Campus to the new ITE Headquarters and College Central
Party Colours: 1,300 staff and students enjoying the 4.2km walk from Bishan Campus
to the new ITE Headquarters and College Central.
8
pm
When there is ‘rain’ on your ‘Parade’, use
raincoats (and cool hats)!
Ready, Set, LITE Up @ Ang Mo Kio!
Together as One: Industry, Community, Alumni and
Staff/Student Partners forming a nine-pillar collage.
[From left] Dr Ang Kiam Wee, Principal, ITE College
Central; Mr Bob Tan, Chairman, ITE; Guest-ofHonour, Mr Sam Tan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary
for Foreign Affairs & the former Community
Development, Youth and Sports, Mayor, Central
Singapore District; and Mr Bruce Poh, Director &
CEO, ITE.
Illuminate: Produced by ITE staff and students, the Evolution Light Show
wowed the audience and was a fitting finale for a momentous day.
6 BUZZ
A Much Needed Boost
S R Nathan Education Upliftment Award to benefit more students
By Shalini Veijayaratnam
Giving Students a Lift: Mr S R Nathan,
former President of Singapore, and Mr
Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE, together
with beneficiaries of the S R Nathan
Education Upliftment Fund.
M
ore ITE students will receive monthly financial assistance
to help tide them over financial difficulties and motivate
them, thanks to the S R Nathan Education Upliftment Fund. In
2011, Mr S R Nathan, former President of Singapore, launched
the S R Nathan Education Upliftment Fund using proceeds
from his memoir – “An Unexpected Journey – Path to the
Presidency”, and donations.
Ms Mariam Jamilah Bte Sulaiman, an ITE College Central Nitec
in Multimedia Technology student, is a beneficiary of the award.
Mariam’s family is supported by her uncle, as her father and
brother are not well. She said, “I was always worried about the
day-to-day finances of my family. This funding definitely reduces
the burden on my mum and uncle, as I am now supported for my
education needs."
The Fund’s committee has pledged $820,000 over the next
three years to provide 530 needy students with financial
assistance. The scheme will ease the burden of deserving
students, giving them an allowance of $150 each month.
For students like Mariam, the goodwill and generosity of Mr
Nathan will certainly put a smile on their faces, as they can now
focus their energy on their studies and their future.
May I Help You?
SDC to help train ITE students in events
management and other skills By Karen Sum
I
t was a “marriage” waiting to happen. Having engaged each
other in various projects over the last few years, ITE and
Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) have finally formalised their
partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),
signed on 16 October; paving the way for an even closer
partnership. Guest-of-Honour and Minister for Education, Mr
Heng Swee Keat, witnessed the MOU signing.
With the MOU in effect, ITE students can expect even more
opportunities to gain National Education and Attractionsrelated training and development. In the pipeline are youthcentered events which SDC will co-organise with ITE students
that wil allow them to gain first-hand experience in putting
together large-scale events for the public. This will include onthe-ground training before the event, planning, and mentoring
by SDC staff. At the same time, ITE students can also put the
service skills they learn to good use during their interaction
with the public.
Service with a Smile: Higher Nitec in Leisure & Travel Operations student,
Sarah Lim, put her service skills to the test, as she confidently explained the
different aspects of the travelling exhibit to (from right) Education Minister,
Mr Heng Swee Keat; BG (RET) Lowrence Chua, Executive Director, Singapore
Discovery Centre; Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE; and Dr Yek Tiew Ming,
Principal, ITE College East.
Aside from event partnerships, SDC’s Travelling Exhibits on
National Education will also be transferred over to ITE College
West’s National Education Gallery so students can be part of the
SDC experience without leaving the campus.
PULSE 7
Rising to the Challenge
ITE Pastry and Baking Students win Silver medal in youth baking challenge
By Serene Tan
showcased their creativity by making
mouth-watering desserts.
Siti and Era emerged as finalists in the
challenge after completing a 30-minute
macaron-baking preliminary round the
day before. For the finals, they created a
chocolate mousse cake with strawberry
filling, and a crumble, in one hour using
the mystery ingredient – strawberries;
and a platter of scones, cookies and
Crème Brûlée named “The Tour of
Great Britain” in 90 minutes, for the first
and second rounds respectively. Their
desserts were judged by pastry chefs
from Personal Chef Singapore and Flor
Patisserie.
In addition to the experience gained
from participating in the challenge,
Siti and Era also walked away with
prizes comprising a one year nEbO
membership, ToTT and Redman
vouchers worth more than $200, and a
digital weighing scale. On his students’
Fresh from the Oven: These delectable macarons earned ITE College West students, Era Shamira
achievements, Mr Kelvin Tan, Course
(left) and Siti Habshah, a place in the finals.
Manager, Culinary Skills, ITE College
HE 19th of September will be a day first-year Pastry and West, said, “Project Bake-Off provided an excellent opportunity
Baking students, Siti Habshah and Era Shamira, will never for our first-year pastry and baking students to gain exposure
forget. They emerged as Silver medallists of “Project Bake-Off”, and build confidence in their abilities and skills. We are very
a youth baking challenge organised by NTUC – nEbO. Held at proud of Siti and Era, and hope that this has been a valuable
ToTT Cooking Studio, the challenge attracted youth participants learning journey for them.”
from 13 to 24 years old, who unleashed their imagination and
T
A Splash of Cheer
A Cambodian village now enjoys clean
water thanks to six ITE College East staff.
unclean water can be as high as 50 per cent for children under
five.”
Raymond, whose department has been working on waterrelated industrial projects and research, also said that this trip
By Karen Sum
was an eye-opener. “We now know what we need to do to
magine the entire population of Singapore – about 5 million design a simple, robust and cost effective water filtration system
– not having access to clean water. And living without clean that can help villages in
water is exactly what over 30% of Cambodia’s population of 15 Cambodia and across
million go through every day. As a result, Cambodia has one Asia.”
of the highest infant mortality rates in Asia, much of which is
The
team,
which
attributed to water-borne diseases.
brought back some
The Water for Life project was thus started by the Singapore water for testing, is in
International Foundation to provide villages with easy access to the midst of developing
clean drinking water. In September, six ITE staff volunteered to a cheaper and more
be part of this project. For three days, the staff worked to make robust arsenic-removal
10 bio-filter moulds and installed 25 filters to provide clean system for use in areas
with no access to clean
water for a Cambodian village.
water. “We intend to
design a portable ion
Improving Lives
Fit for Drinking: It was smiles all around
Said Mr Raymond See, Deputy Director, Applied Science in ITE system and aim to do
when the orange-clad ITE team had
finished installing a bio-filter for the
College East, who went on the trip, “These bio-filters remove field trials in Cambodia
village. Now the residents can enjoy
micro-organisms from water, making it drinkable. We have or Myanmar for arsenic
clean, drinking water any time they
added
tested the water before and after filtration, and have seen a removal,”
want.
ten-times reduction in the number of micro-organisms.” This is Raymond.
a great improvement, considering that fatality rate as a result of
I
STARS 9
A Time for Appreciation and Celebration
ITE Awards Presentation Ceremony 2012 By Serene Tan
been possible because of the strong belief and
commitment of our staff, the union and partners.
Your willingness to stand by the organisation
through the years and your passion to help our
students, have been key to ITE’s success story.”
Recognising our Outstanding Lecturers
Mr Bob Tan later presented the ITE Teacher
Award to 15 outstanding lecturers who have
distinguished themselves in teaching and other
professional areas, as well as in their dedicated
and enthusiasm in creating a holistic ITE
education for every student.
Our Distinguished Friends: Recipients of the special 20th Anniversary Distinguished Friend of
ITE Award: (back row from left) Mr Toh Lim Mok, Mr James Soh, Mr Wong Lin Hong, Mr Lim
Say Leong, Mr Roger Lee, Adjunct Professor Lee Kwok Cheong, Mr Gho Eng Chong, Mr Steven
Goh and Mr Roger Chia (not present), in a group photo with (front row from left) Mr Bruce
Poh, Director & CEO, ITE, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister of State for Law and Education, Mr Bob
Tan, Chairman, ITE and Mr Heng Chiang Ngee, Deputy Chairman, ITE.
One of the ITE Teacher Award recipients, Ms
Karen Ye, said, “As a teacher, I am committed
to looking after my students’ well-being, and
developing them into confident individuals wellprepared for life after they leave ITE.” Ms Ye is a
Lecturer in Chemical Process Technology at ITE
College East.
he 1st of November 2012 was a night of celebration for more
than 300 ITE staff, who were appreciated for their dedicated
service and contributions to ITE with the Long Service or
Teacher Awards at the annual ITE Awards Presentation
Ceremony. Gracing the event as its Guest-of-Honour was Ms
Indranee Rajah, on her first day as Senior Minister of State for
Law and Education.
Appreciating our Distinguished Friends
As part of ITE’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, a special award
– The 20th Anniversary Distinguished Friend of ITE Award
was presented to members of the public who have played a
significant role in ITE’s journey and development over the past
20 years. These individuals have gone the extra mile towards
extending opportunities for ITE students, strengthening the
fabric of ITE education, and extending the brand name of ITE
locally and internationally.
In addressing some 600 guests at the event, Mr Bob Tan,
Chairman, ITE said, “2012 is a significant year for ITE, as we
celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Our transformation has
The 20th Anniversary Distinguished Friend of ITE Award was
presented by Ms Indranee Rajah.
T
Our Outstanding Lecturers
FOR TEACHING
EXCELLENCE
FOR CCA
CONTRIBUTIONS
FOR STUDENT CARE AND
DEVELOPMENT
Mr Chua Chong Lian
Lecturer/ Aerospace Avionics
ITE College Central
Ms Law-Chan Fong Yee Lucy
Section Head/ Lifeskills
ITE College Central
Mr Sanasee Phillips Roy
Lecturer/ PEG-Advanced
Engineering Processes
ITE College Central
Ms Lim Kim Joo
Senior Lecturer-Mentor/
Electronics
ITE College Central
Mr Ravindaran s/o Ramasamy
Section Head/ Physical Education
ITE College Central
Ms Karen Ye Pheuy Voon
Lecturer/ Chemical Process
Technology
ITE College East
Mr Daniel Li Siao
Section Head/ Electrical
Engineering
ITE College East
Mr Boo Wei Ping
Section Head/ Environmental
Technology
ITE College East
Mr Koo Yee Siong Thomas
Lecturer/ Administration
ITE College East
Ms Ng Huey Yun August
Lecturer/ Mobile Technology &
Services
ITE College East
Ms Lim-Phua Chiew Kheng
Senior Lecturer/ Administration
ITE College West
Ms Goh Yong Eng Deon
Lecturer/ Hospitality Operations
ITE College West
Mr Tay Kwee Huat
Lecturer/ Automotive Technology
ITE College West
Mr Rajesh R Mohan
Lecturer/ Information Technology
ITE College West
Mr Sim Boon Heng
Lecturer/ Electronics
ITE College West
10 STARS
She’s a Super Star!
ITE graduate, Christina Ong, is this year’s Service Super Star!
By Victor Yen
A
T 5.30am, Service Super Star Christina Ong is already getting
ready to welcome the first customers for breakfast at
HarbourFront Centre’s MacDonald’s. When the interview took
place at 3pm, the 27-year-old First Assistant Manager’s energy
level was still brimming.
“Working at McDonald’s doesn’t seem like work,” she said. “It is
more important to be passionate about what you do than pursue
only a paycheck.” The National University of Singapore Bachelor
of Science (Project & Facilities Management) graduate is clearly
a favourite among staff and customers, given her affable nature
and generous smiles.
“When I decided to join McDonald’s after graduation, my
parents thought that I had short-changed my future. But this
is an environment that I have worked in for 10 years, as a
part-timer. I enjoy meeting people and don’t really fancy
a desk job,” said Christina. She started working at 16 to
help with family finances.
Path to Success
For someone who had juggled part-time work and
studies throughout most of her school days, Christina
had done exceptionally well in both tracks. Among the
top three students in her Normal (Technical) course at
CHIJ Canossian Convent, she continued excelling in ITE
and received the NTUC Medal for achieving a perfect
Grade Point Average of 4.0 in her Nitec in Building Drafting
course. At Singapore Polytechnic, she graduated with a
Diploma in Property Development and Facilities
Management and emerged top student of
her cohort, earning the prestigious Tay
Eng Soon Gold Medal for outstanding
performance.
Christina, however, is not confining
herself only in the library. Her sterling
academic career is also filled with
accomplishments in co-curricular
activities. At ITE, she took up fencing
because it helped her to “think
fast, act fast and react fast”, and
was involved in ITE’s SAFE Home
Programme, where students visit
homes of senior citizens to help fix
elderly-friendly home devices.
At Singapore Polytechnic, she
won the Model Student Award
for contributions in community
work and Sports Award for
her participation in karate
competitions.
Today, Christina is the proud
recipient of the Service
Super Star for 2012, the
highest service honour
given at the annual Excellent Service Awards by the Restaurant
Association of Singapore, to recognise and improve the service
standards in the food and beverage industry. It is not easy just
to qualify for the Service Super Star shortlist: candidates must
have been nominated for service awards three years in a row,
and go through an interview thereafter.
ITE – A Great Start
Although it has been about 10 years since she left ITE, she
recalled fondly her days at ITE College West. When asked
what her best memories were, she said, “Apart from having
a group of very good friends to study with and play together,
ITE lecturers have helped me succeed. They are always patient
and never look down on us. My Class Adviser then
still sends greetings during my birthdays and
special occasions like New Year.”
Everyone, according to Christina, has
the potential to ‘make it’ in life. And
the key could be as simple as having a
positive mindset. She said, “Be happy at
the start of the day and work well with
others. None of us is as good as all of
us.”
STARS 11
Age is No Limit: Mdm Liaw Lay Kian (third from left)
enjoying an animated discussion with her course mates.
Age is No Limit
Nursing student proves that anything is possible when one believes
By Jamie Chan
S
HE is a first-year Nitec in Nursing student pursuing her
passion to serve ailing patients in a hospice. She scored a
perfect Grade Point Average of 4.0 during the previous school
term in ITE and clinched a Gold medal for the National Physical
Fitness Assessment. “She” is a 50-year-old housewife.
Motivated by Love for People
A mother of two daughters aged 19 and 23, Mdm Liaw Lay
Kian has devoted her life to caring for others for the last few
decades. For the last 16 years, Mdm Liaw had single-handedly
cared for her bed-bound father-in-law, and also took care of
her husband for 10 months before he passed away three years
ago from cancer.
surprised her by replying that age was no issue. She submitted
the necessary forms, went through an interview and a medical
test, and started school in April. Today, she is testimony that
age is no issue.
“When I first joined ITE, I saw that it is a place where everyone
can find opportunities to pick up new skills. Even older people
are not denied the chance to learn. I truly appreciate this
opportunity to acquire a new skill, so that I can serve others
in society. I hope that people my age will also not hesitate to
learn something new, so that they can change the quality of
their lives, and even help others,” Mdm Liaw said.
Now free from such responsibilities, her desire to serve people
around her remains strong. In particular, she has a soft spot
for ailing patients, who are standing at the brink of death. She
believes that with a right perspective of life and death, she can
help these patients feel as comfortable as possible in their last
days.
Role Model
Mdm Liaw’s single-minded determination to serve others
stands as an unwavering hallmark of her life. To sustain her
family, Mdm Liaw had to work at a coffeeshop selling kuehs
and chendol over the weekends. Thanks to financial support
from the Temasek Cares Study Awards, she now devotes her
weekends to volunteering at the Dover Park Hospice.
“I am motivated by my love for people. When we nurse a
patient, we can bring cheer,” Mdm Liaw said, expressing her
passion for nursing. Hence, when her father-in-law passed
away in March this year, Mdm Liaw decided to enrol in the
Nitec in Nursing course in ITE. This, despite getting a job offer
that would have promised a stable income at that time.
Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education, shared Mdm Liaw’s
story at the Ministry of Education Work Plan Seminar 2012, as
he spoke about nurturing lifelong learners: “I was touched by
Mdm Liaw, her love for learning, her resilience, and her can-do
attitude... I hope that we can help our students become lifelong
learners with strength of character like Mdm Liaw…”
Opportunities Abound at ITE
When Mdm Liaw first emailed ITE, she had reservations about
taking up the course due to her age. But within three hours, ITE
12 SNAPSHOT
We’ve Moved!
ITE Headquarters is now located at 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive. Come
January 2013, ITE College Central students will join us at the new
premises. Meanwhile, do check out the exciting day we had on 30
October, where HQ staff and ITE College Central staff and students
celebrated the completion of the new building with a symbolic
move-in. Turn to pages 4 and 5 now!
Innovation, an ITE Tradition!
Annual Innovation Fiesta celebrates staff creativity By Karen Sum
F
rom devising ways to enhance student interest in swimming
lessons to creating a machine to simulate real-life production
errors – the myriad of innovative ideas ITE staff come up with
to improve productivity and teaching is impressive. And the
annual Innovation Fiesta is one such event to celebrate and
encourage staff to take the initiative to be creative.
This year’s Innovation Fiesta was held on 14 September at
the ITE Headquarters Auditorium. A total of 25 individuals,
190 teams, and four establishments received awards for their
creations from Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE. Among the
projects, one in particular stood out for its ability to combine
cost effectiveness, efficiency, creativity, quality, and timeliness
into an excellent teaching tool – the Medical Device Interactive
Manufacturing Simulator (Medi-Sim).
Created by a group of ITE College Central engineering lecturers,
the Medi-Sim was a big winner at the Innovation Fiesta.
It received the CEO Innovation Award, as well as the 2012
Innovation of the Year Award from the League for Innovation in
the Community College, and the 3-Star Award, the top award at
the International Convention on Quality Control Circles. Fresh
from their win, the group is now looking into developing more
training simulators to better equip their students with workready skills.
Designed to simulate actual errors encountered during the
production process of medical equipment, the Medi-Sim is able
to help students learn troubleshooting in a real-life setting. The
project has garnered praises from both students and industry
partners for its teaching effectiveness.
“We feel great and are very proud of what we have done. The
biggest satisfaction was seeing our students’ grades getting
better. Our industry partners were pleased that the students
were able to quickly troubleshoot when there was a problem,”
said team member of the award-winning project, Ms Wendy
Wong.
Deep in Discussion: With so many interesting projects on display, Mr Poh
had to find out what makes each project tick.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Advisors
Ms Sabrina Loi
Deputy CEO (Corporate)
Ms Tham Mei Leng
Divisional Director/
Corporate Affairs &
Development
Mr Mathusuthan P
Deputy Director/
Communications & Marketing
Mr Jailani Nathan
Manager/Corporate &
Media Relations
Editor
Design & Layout
Printer
Ms Karen Sum
Head/Publications
Mr Mustapha Mohd
Graphic Designer
Oxford
Graphics
Printers
Pte Ltd