incoRPorate - Issue 4 / 2011

Published for industry partners of Republic Polytechnic

inFocus 07 Pushing Productivity, Greening Gaia

inConversation 11 An Athlete by Character, An Educator at Heart

2011 Issue No. 4

inExchange 12 ISATE: Moving Forward with Technology Education

inProfile Be Inspired

14

inPartnership

2

Editor’s Message

F

Republic Polytechnic (RP) actively partners the industry in research, internships, scholarships etc. The Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) signed are testament to RP’s capabilities in developing workready students, and its capacity in solving real business problems.

estive Greetings! We hope you are enjoying the holidays.

James Cook University

We were heartened and touched by your support at our Partners Appreciation Nite 2011. The event was our way of saying ‘thank you’ for your continued trust in Republic Polytechnic (RP). By the happy faces in the pictures on page 5, we sense you have enjoyed yourself as much as we have in organising it for you.

On 27 September 2011, James Cook University (JCU), Singapore and Republic Polytechnic (RP) signed an MOU. Led by Professor Sandra Harding, Vice-Chancellor and President of James Cook University, and Mr Yeo Li Pheow, RP’s Principal/CEO, the collaboration covers research, articulations, and joint events in mutual areas of interest, such as in the areas of tropical marine and consumer behaviour research.

The year ended with much celebration at RP. An airplane has landed on our campus! Read more about how this nimble, but fully-functional aircraft is going to benefit our engineering students.

Features inPartnership New Partnership, Greater Possibilities inCelebration Jabiru J-160 touched down in RP First WorldSkills Medal for RP Head of School Wins Award Thank You, Partners! inNovation ErgoSCAPE Laboratory inFocus Pushing Productivity, Greening Gaia inConversation An Athlete by Character, An Educator at Heart inExchange ISATE: Moving Forward with Technology Education inProfile Be Inspired

Adviser Seto Lok Yin

Editor-in-Chief Ronald Wong

Editors Josephine Teo • Joey Tang

Writers Marinne Santiago • Ronnie Ying

Design L’arc-en-ciel Creatives

03 04 06 07 11

RP successfully organised two technology seminars in Supply Chain and Productivity, and Environment and Sustainability.

The seminars addressed the current trends and issues faced by industry practitioners. It was a good platform for exchange of ideas and information between academia and practitioners in “pushing productivity” and “greening gaia”.

3

JCU is one of the world’s leading research institutions focusing on the tropics, with a keen interest in sustainability. They are a tri-city university, with campuses located in northeastern part of Australia – Townsville and Cairns, and Singapore.

(L-R): RP’s Deputy Principal (Industry Services) Mr Seto Lok Yin, RP’s Principal/ CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow, JCU’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sandra Harding, and Chairman of JCU’s Academic Board Professor Paul Gadek.

On the personality front, we spoke to Soon Lan, the newlycrowned “Great Women of Our Time 2011” (in the Health, Sports & Wellness category) by Singapore Women’s Weekly, on her role as head of RP School of Sports, Health and Leisure. We also caught up with Ben from RP School of Hospitality to find out what inspired him to tread the education path.

Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation

As we herald in the new year, I wish you good health and a bountiful year 2012!

Witnessed by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation (SMa) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) inked an MOU on 7 October 2011.

Ronald Wong

12

(L-R): RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of SMa Mr George Huang.

Building on the existing partnership between RP and SMa, the threeyear MOU aims to develop Singapore’s first training programme to raise the productivity of older workers. The programme which will be introduced by March 2012 is estimated to impact over 300,000 mature workers aged 55 and above from the manufacturing and services sector.

Fluke South East Asia

14

An MOU was signed on 9 November 2011 between Fluke South East Asia and Republic Polytechnic (RP) during RP’s Environment and Sustainability Technology Day 2011. The partnership between Fluke and RP encompasses the development of curriculum related to energy audit, student internship programmes, industry talks, and learning workshops.

We welcome inputs from our readers. If you have an article or suggestion to improve incoRPorate, please email help-occ@rp.edu.sg

Fluke South East Asia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fluke Corporation which is the world leader in the manufacture, distribution, and service of electronic test tools and software.

incoRPorate is published by the Office of Corporate Communications, in partnership with Office of Technology Development and Office of Industry and Collaboration, Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Ave 9, Singapore 738964. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Information is correct at time of print.

RP’s Deputy Principal (Industry Services) Mr Seto Lok Yin (L) and Managing Director of Fluke Mr Raymond Sim Hong Meng (R).

4

inCelebration

Jabiru J-160 touched down in RP

A

rrived on 6 September 2011, the Jabiru J-160 is of full composite construction. It weighs 300 kilograms, and measures 8.2 metres wide and 6 metres long. More importantly it is fully functional.

The aircraft will be used as a learning tool for Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) three diploma programmes, namely the Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, Diploma in Aerospace Avionics, and Diploma in Civil Aviation.

inCelebration

First WorldSkills Medal for RP

R

epublic Polytechnic (RP) student William Chan clinched a bronze medal at the 41st WorldSkills Competition (referred to as a “World Skill Olympics” by the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr Nick Clegg). Held in London in October this year, the School of Engineering’s Diploma in Digital Entertainment Electronics student, bagged the medal for the Information Network Cabling Trade, after an intense four-day competition.

Mr Ravinder Kumar, a senior academic staff at RP School of Engineering said, “It was a challenge to find an aircraft which was relatively new and suitable for our students’ learning needs.

Teaching students how to troubleshoot is more realistic and much easier on a fully functional aeroplane. Its EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System), which can be found on commercial aircraft, allows students to practise what they have learnt on the flight simulator.”

William (R) receiving a cheque of $3,000 from Education Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat (L).

Not only was it a first for RP, it was also a first for Singapore.

William, together with 22 representatives from the local polytechnics and Institutes for Technical Education (ITE), performed exceptionally well and finished a reputable sixth out of the 51 countries that participated.

“This win in WorldSkills London 2011 goes to show that RP students can stand tall and proud on an international platform.

What RP provides for our students is not only equipping them with the technical proficiency but equally important, training them the mental resilience and adaptability when faced with challenges or problems,” said Mr Koh Chee Keat, Programme Chair in RP School of Engineering.

Head of School Wins Award

D

eputy Director of Republic Polytechnic’s School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Ms Goy Soon Lan, won the Singapore Women’s Weekly Great Women of our Times 2011 award.

The award honours the achievements of Singapore’s most inspiring women in six fields such as Arts and Media, Finance and Commerce, and Education and Public Service. Nominees were selected based on outstanding leadership and performance in their professions and in public service.

I

t was a night of ethnic flavours and nostalgia. The Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) annual Partners Appreciation Nite was held against a distinctive Peranakan backdrop at The Republic Cultural Centre on 4 November 2011.

Hosted by RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow, more than 200 guests and RP’s management staff came donned in ethnic colours that added a rainbow of hues to the event.

Gracing the event were RP’s Board of Governors (BOG) Chairman Mr Richard Seow and Dr Maszenan Bin Abdul Majid, advisory committee members of RP’s schools and centres, President of Singapore Institute of Technology Professor Tan Chin Tiong and Mrs Tan, Board Member of MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) Fund Mrs Laura Poh, Chief Operating Officer of Certis CISCO Mr Chua Chwee Koh, and many other distinguished industry luminaries.

Organised exclusively for valued partners of RP, guests were treated to a spread of authentic Peranakan cuisine, followed by pockets of entertainment at the “Baba Bazaar”, with the finale being the musical “Malam Newstalgia!” staged by The Main Wayang Company.

With Singapore dubbed as the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capital of Asia, RP students will now be more poised to take flight in the aviation industry.

The Jabiru J-160 arriving at Republic Polytechnic.

Thank You, Partners!

Receiving the highest number of public votes in the field of Health, Sports and Wellness, Ms Goy was presented the award

by Guest-of-Honour, Madam Halimah Yacob, Minister of State, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports at a gala presentation on 13 October 2011.

“It’s heartwarming to see so many of our key partners taking time off their busy schedules to attend tonight’s event. What we want to tell our partners is simply “We value your partnership” and I hope this conveys the message,” said Mr Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services).

“we event RP’s

5

6

inNovation

inFocus

ErgoSCAPE Laboratory

T

he ErgoSCAPE Laboratory in Republic Polytechnic (RP) is believed to be the first of its kind. A soundproof room furnished with variable lightings and sound, life-sized human anatomical models, load simulation software, ergonomic workstations and neuro-psychological testers – it seeks to find out how humans relate to the world around them, with the aim of improving performance, productivity, safety, and comfort both at work and at play. It also delves into understanding the capabilities and limitations of human functions for the design of workplaces to improve interactions between man and machine.

Voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) such as All Saints Home and Swami Nursing Home have worked with RP to conduct research projects for the physically restraining elderly.

An example of such a project is the “Safety Enhancement for Residents in Nursing Home”. Led by RP School of Engineering’s academic staff Leo Chin Khim, together with five Year 3 students from the Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management, they conducted an assessment study of the areas that elderly

Pushing Productivity

residents are prone to fall from.

In addition to proposing measures to reduce fall rates, the team also fabricated a safety harness for the restraining residents. The project was successfully concluded in October 2011.

Ren Ci Hospital, Head of Medical, Dr Lee Liang Tee and representatives have indicated their interest to work with RP through research projects and industry immersion programmes. They have also highlighted that the equipment in the ErgoSCAPE Lab can aid understanding in rehabilitation treatment for elderly patients.

Singapore’s role in the supply chain sector Singapore is one of Asia’s key supply chain and logistics hub.

Growing demand in this sector for outsourced solutions and total logistics support is driving the need for well-developed logistics infrastructure and a workforce with industry-relevant skills. An effective supply chain can become a competitive advantage for companies.

Elderly resident from Swami Home putting on the safety harness to prevent falls.

With the growth of an ageing population worldwide, the ErgoSCAPE Lab can address the need for research in improving performance and safety of elderly workers, as well as innovate preventive or rehabilitation treatment/tools for the senior citizens.

As companies work towards boosting productivity through improvements in technology, processes and strategies, an important factor that they must also take into consideration is Singapore’s ageing workforce. By 2020, about one in six Singapore residents will be 65 years or older, compared to one in nine in 2010.

How can Republic Polytechnic (RP) contribute?

RP plays an important role in developing trained manpower to meet Singapore’s needs in the supply chain sector. For example, our Diploma in Supply Chain Management and Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management aim to equip students with the skills to meet the demand of the supply chain industry.

In addition to internships, students work on industry projects to gain valuable work experience. For instance, 10 students from the Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management, guided by their supervisor (a RP faculty staff ), worked with a local clothing manufacturer Bodynits International to help the company reduce waste and minimise work-in-progress inventories.

Anthropometric work stations to study how different work postures, viewing angles and positions affect performance at work.

7

RP’s expertise in human factors engineering – a discipline that integrates knowledge about human capabilities and limitations with the design of processes and products – can potentially help to improve and enhance productivity in an ageing workforce.

Read more about the ErgoSCAPE Laboratory housed in RP on page 6.

On continuing education, the Centre for Professional Development in RP offers training programmes for adult learners to enhance their knowledge and upgrade their skills in their field of work.

Supply Chain and Productivity Technology Day 2011 On 7 October 2011, RP and Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation (SMa) organised the Supply Chain and Productivity Technology Day. The seminar aims to raise awareness of productivity improvement in manufacturing and supply chain management among academia, researchers, and practitioners in the industry.

In his welcome address, Mr Yeo Li Pheow, RP’s Principal/CEO welcomed and encouraged all participants to get together to explore best practices in technology and productivity improvement in manufacturing and supply chain management.

Providing examples of how industry and academia can best work together, Mr Yeo said that such collaborations can facilitate mutually-beneficial transfers of knowledge and technology.

Mr Gwee Seng Kwong, Secretary-General of SMa, highlighted during his opening speech that the Supply Chain and Productivity Technology Day’s objective is in line with SMa’s mission to raise

Soundproof room and one-way observation mirror with variable lights and sounds control. Used for environmental study of how extreme lights and sounds affect human behaviour and performance.

Top RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow welcoming participants at Supply Chain and Productivity Technology Day. Neuropsychological test systems to measure cognitive and psychomotor abilities.

Bottom Secretary-General of SMa Mr Gwee Seng Kwong delivering his opening address.

inFocus

Bottom RP Centre for Innovation and Enterprise’s booth at the Supply Chain and Productivity Technology Day showcasing their Market Research Laboratory capabilities.

and Communications Technology, and Mr Bengt Stom, Regional Sales Director of ABB Robotics.

e

MOU signing between RP and SMa The event saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between RP and SMa. Joining hands to develop Singapore’s first training programme aimed at raising the productivity of mature workers, the programme is slated to debut in the first quarter of 2012, and estimated to impact over 300,000 mature workers aged 55 and above from the manufacturing and services sector.

9

n g i Ga n e ia

Right Managing Director of CreativityCorp Mr Neil Bartholomaeus presenting on ‘Productivity and Quality Through Mobility’.

inFocus

Gr

8

Guest-of-Honour Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr Teo Ser Luck said, “RP and SMa complement each other in their collaboration. RP offers extensive expertise in Human Factor Engineering, which highlights the various human capabilities and limits relating to mature workers, and educates managers to redesign systems and processes appropriately for mature workers.”

competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and manufacturingrelated industries, by promoting the adoption of innovative and productive processes. And that the synergy can be found with partners like RP. During the seminar, a series of insightful presentations were shared with participants. Mr Loh Yong Hong, Senior Manager (Strategic Planning) of IBM Integrated Supply Chain, Singapore shared points such as the mindset transformation in building supply chain in Singapore, overcoming cost challenges, and building high value-add activities, etc.

“SMa can help link companies to RP with their extensive network in the manufacturing industry. Such collaborations will benefit the companies, boost the productivity of their mature workers, and has the potential to encourage society to embrace and value the contributions of the ageing population,” he continued.

The three-year MOU paves the way for further collaboration between the two organisations to provide specific training programmes and industry projects for both students and adult learners. RP students will also continue to participate in internships and technical visits to member companies to learn from their best practices.

The imminent threat of global warming

Mr Neil Bartholomaeus, Managing Director of CreativityCorp Pte Ltd, then presented on how the ubiquitous Smartphone (and Tablet) can facilitate efficiency in supply chain management.

The latest findings by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) revealed that energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2010 were the highest in recorded history. This is definitely a worrying trend as CO2 is the major contributor to the greenhouse effect which gives rise to global warming.

Other speakers include Mr Raja Saha, Programme Manager of Autoscan Technology, Mr Friso Kluit, Technology Development Manager (Mobile Applications) of RP School of Information

RP and SMa complement each other in their collaboration...

Such collaborations will benefit the companies, boost the productivity of their mature workers, and has the potential to encourage society to embrace and value the contributions of the ageing population.

– Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry

The detrimental effects of global warming can be mitigated by conscientiously-orchestrated carbon reduction initiatives through the use of innovative technologies in areas such as energy conservation, harvesting, and storage. Multinational organisations and conglomerates have made their commitments towards this cause in what can be seen as a positive sign that the world is doing what it can in the push for sustainable technologies.

Top MOU signing between RP and SMa with Minister of State for Trade and Industry Mr Teo Ser Luck as witness.

Bottom Mr Teo Ser Luck delivering his keynote address on boosting productivity in Singapore.

Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) journey towards a greener future RP, through its schools, is championing the move in developing ‘green’ technologies or products. RP School of Engineering has initiated various projects on renewable energy technology.

One such project was awarded the MOE (Ministry of Education) Innovation Fund earlier this year. The project seeks to develop a low cost fuel cell system by using a novel hydrogen generation technology. RP School of Applied Science is also working with

ST Kinetics to work on developing sustainable materials such as natural silk fibres and composite materials for structure applications.

Other than research, RP is also rallying the entire institution on green initiatives. Staff and students obtained funding from the Northwest Community Development Council and the National Environment Agency to organise an eco-flea market, which encourages people to donate their unwanted items that are still in good condition to low-income families.

RP has also teamed up with Nokia and Tes-Amm in an effort to recycle mobile phones and electronic waste. For every phone recycled, Nokia will plant a tree in Indonesia as part of their reforestation programme. To date, there were over 800 pieces of phones and other electronic waste such as printers, laptops, television sets, and accessories collected.

Environment and Sustainability Technology Day 2011 The Environment and Sustainability Technology Day which was held on 9 November 2011 aims to raise awareness in the “green technology” through industry associations, technology and innovation, training, and education. It also acts as a melting pot to gather like-minded organisations, associations and individuals to explore the opportunities in combating global

10

inFocus

inConversation

warming. Hosted by RP, the event focuses on different forms of technologies which have the propensity to reduce our carbon emission and to update about their current developments.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Goh Chee Kiong, Director (Cleantech) of Economic Development Board presented his keynote speech on “The Development of Cleantech”. He also shared about the immense potential of “Green Economy” where depleting natural resources, climate changes and rising environmental issues are raising the demand for solutions in energy and resource efficiency.

Professor Milton Hearn, the second keynote speaker, Director of Centre for Green Chemistry, Monash University shared about the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) programme that consists of the Victorian node feeder facility. The programme, invested heavily by The Australian Government, will enhance Australia’s capacity to produce recombinant proteins in pre-commercial quantities. Professor Milton explained in detail the programme during his keynote address.

An Athlete

by Character, An Educator at Heart

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My teammates who played in the Singapore hockey team

incoRPorate catches up with Deputy Director of Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) School of Sports, Health and Leisure Goy Soon Lan to send our congratulations to the newly-crowned Great Women of Our Times (in the Health, Sports and Wellness Category).

Q: Do you prefer being an athlete or an educator?

A: It is not a preference over the

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was inked between Fluke and RP during the Environment and Sustainability Technology Day 2011. Fluke will be supporting RP in the development of the Energy Audit Course, as well as student internship programme and other learning activities.

Mr Seto Lok Yin, RP’s Deputy Principal (Industry Services) expressed that RP is committed to promote the green lifestyle through the innovative use of technology. “There are three ways we can collaborate with industry:

Consult – RP academic and technology staff are open to work

with companies to help with environmental assessments, analysis, etc.

Support – RP welcomes companies to support our students’

Director (Cleantech) of Economic Development Board and Guestof-Honour Mr Goh Chee Kiong presenting on the Cleantech industry in Singapore during his keynote speech.

Presenters from RP also shared their research in their expertise fields. They are Dr Wong Luh Cherng, Assistant Director (Capability Development) from RP School of Applied Science, Dr Amy Choong, Technology Development Centre (TDC) Manager (Environment), Dr S.E Valavan, TDC Manager (New Materials), Mr Kadir Yusop, TDC Manager (Electronics Design), and Mr Andrew Hadinyoto, TDC Manager (Open Source).

with me. We inspired each other to give our 100% on the field. Hockey is a team game. Each one of us has to play our part to ensure our coach’s tactical strategy gets carried out on the field. I subsequently brought this belief that “teamwork can overcome challenges” to my workplaces after I left the national team. So far, it has proven to be true.

other. Rather I’m an athlete by character and an educator at heart. I have been immersed in a sporting environment since school days and it has played a significant influence in the person that I am today.

Teaching has been the only profession that I have the greatest exposure to and have not looked back since.

winning The Singapore Women’s Weekly Great Women of our Times 2011 award. How did you feel when you knew about the win?

A: I was pleasantly surprised to win the award as the nominees

MOU signing between RP and Fluke

Professor Milton Hearn, Director of Centre for Green Chemistry talking about the NCRIS programme in his keynote address.

raising the academic standing of sports coaches in Singapore.

This eventually raises the professionalism and recognition of the coaching profession. The Diploma is available full-time and part-time, so current sports coaches can enrol in the course.

Q: Hi Soon Lan, first and foremost, congratulations on The media interviewing RP’s TDC Manager (Electronics Design) Mr Kadir Yusop.

education by offering internships and scholarships.

Research – RP invites companies to do joint research and

Q: Since the earlier part of this year when you took over RP

School of Sports, Health and Leisure, how has it been like for you? still for me because there were so many facets of my job function to look into. To seize partnership opportunities or industry collaborations, and at the same time ensuring that we have the bandwidth to deliver quality programmes.

Q: Any exciting plans/

developments to share?

A: There are a number

Q: Share with us one of the first projects you undertake.

A: One of the first was to obtain MOE’s (Ministry of Education)

approval for our new Diploma in Sports Coaching, the first of its kind, that is launching in 2012.

Q: What impact does this new diploma have on the

sports industry?

significant because it means that those who aspire to be sports coaches can now turn their coaching aspirations into a real career, a real profession. It signals the attention given to

of exciting initiatives that are being worked at with key industry partners. It is still in its early stages and I will share when the time is right.

A: MOE’s endorsement in the Diploma in Sports Coaching is

innovation projects together.

Indeed, going green is CSR. Let’s do CSR together,” he concluded.

in my category are equally impressive and outstanding in their own ways. I am touched by the support shown to me by the readers.

A: It has been an exhilarating journey thus far. Time never stands

11

About Goy Soon Lan

Soon Lan represented Singapore internationally in Hockey, competing in three Asian Games and five Southeast Asian (SEA) Games between 1982 and 1997.

RP’s Deputy Principal (Industry Services) Mr Seto Lok Yin sharing on how companies can work together to go green.

As an educator, Soon Lan taught Physical Education (PE) and History at her alma mater, St Theresa’s Convent, and was later promoted to head the PE department. She then joined the Nanyang Technological University in 1998, taking on roles in the Office of Academic Services and Admissions Office.

Soon Lan graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History, and completed a Diploma in Physical Education at the College of Physical Education (Singapore). As a believer of lifelong learning, she pursued the Masters of Social Science in Counselling from the University of South Australia and graduated in 2002. She received the Commendation Medal during the National Day Awards in 2010.

12

inExchange

3rd International Moving Forward with Technology Education

(L-R): Principal & CEO of Nanyang Polytechnic Mr Chan Lee Mun, Principal of Singapore Polytechnic Mr Tan Hang Cheong, RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Executive Director of KOSEN Mr Masato Kitani, Principal & CEO of Temasek Polytechnic Mr Boo Kheng Hua, Deputy Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic Mr Foo See Meng.

R

epublic Polytechnic (RP) hosted the 5th International Symposium on Advances in Technology Education (ISATE) from 27 to 29 September 2011. ISATE is a joint symposium between Institute of National Colleges of Technology in Japan (KOSEN) and the five polytechnics in Singapore. It was first held in 2007, and has since provided a platform for educators in the Asia Pacific region to share their experiences in practice-based engineering and technology education. It has also strengthened bilateral ties between Japan and Singapore.

The theme of this year’s symposium was “Technology Education: Advancements, Mobility and Globalisation”. The three-day symposium saw close to over 80 paper presentations and seven workshops across a wide array of topics from technology, education to economic growth. This year’s ISATE has attracted a record number of participants.

Besides the presentations by each of the participating polytechnics and counterparts in Japan, ISATE had the honour of two keynote speakers to anchor the symposium – Mr Kiyofumi Kusaka, Chief Executive Officer of NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Mr Chang Sau Sheong, Director of Applied Cloud Computing Labs in HP Labs Singapore.

Witnessed by His Excellency Yoichi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Singapore, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the five polytechnics and KOSEN on 27 September 2011. The MOU seeks to further enhance the collaboration between the institutions of higher learning in the exchange of ideas and resources, sharing of expertise and knowledge, with the aim of providing a well-rounded education for the youths.

“It is crucial for educators active in the field of technology education to constantly assess their methods and objectives to ensure that they remain relevant and optimised. Ongoing curriculum updates will ensure that students keep pace with rapid technological changes,” said Mr Yeo Li Pheow, RP’s Principal/CEO during his opening speech.

Mr Masato Kitani, Executive Director of KOSEN, expressed that they are keen to explore more effective methods of education such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to meet the current needs of society.

I believe this institutional partnership will bring forth more valuable opportunities for the schools to research on teaching methodologies and create enormous potential for technological development in future.

– His Excellency Yoichi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Singapore

Symposium Date: 7 – 9 March 2012 Pre-Symposium Workshops: 6 March 2012 Venue: Republic Polytechnic Theme: PBL and the Problematization of Teaching and Learning Closing Date for Registration: 1 February 2012 Why Attend:

Sub-Themes:

• Refresh and invigorate your teaching • Discover best PBL pedagogical practices • Meet new people and expand your professional network • Share your ideas on teaching and learning

• • • • • • • •

Self-directed learning IT and innovation in education Assessment of student learning Teaching in PBL Collaborative learning Professional development Curriculum design Epistemology underpinning PBL

Keynote Speakers Professor Sir Peter Scott University of London

Dr. Maryellen Weimer Editor, The Teaching Professor

Be part of the Symposium as a Participant or a Presenter.

Professor Peter Higgins University of Edinburgh

Centre for Educational Development

Contact: symposium@rp.edu.sg | facebook.com/pblsymposium www.rp.edu.sg/symposium

Platinum Sponsors CEO of NEC Asia Pacific Mr Kiyofumi Kusaka presenting his keynote address on the evolution of the company NEC.

Gold Sponsors

14

inProfile

BE iNspired In a span of three years, Ben Tan has progressed from Senior Academic Staff to Programme Chair, and is now the Assistant Director (Capability Development) in Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) School of Hospitality. incoRPorate speaks to the man who is on an adrenalin rush.

Q: You joined RP in 2009. How has it been like for you?

A: I know it sounds cliché, but it has been really challenging.

This is my first official stint in the education industry and there is a lot to learn. It’s been a steep learning curve when it comes to maintaining a proper balance between teaching, leading, and administering effectively in a school.

Q: So with the new role of Assistant Director (Capability

Q: What are the key things that have inspired you towards

becoming an educator?

A: I am very fortunate to come from a family with low-income

roots, full of people of great character who genuinely care about other people. They are educators of another genre.

The schools that I went to further exposed me to people, situations, and lessons, not limited to the classroom, that have underscored the unquestionable importance of having good and balanced educators in your life.

The training and guidance that I received from another type of educators during my national service and corporate stints, and continue to receive to this day, served as final validation for me on the significance of lifelong exposure to educators of all kinds.

Development), what is expected of you?

A: Part of the job description reads “Responsible for overall

capability development”. I am needed to give the School of Hospitality’s (SOH) capability a real shot in the arm, focusing on three core areas: students, staff, and industry.

We are pushing hard to be a great hospitality school, with comprehensive curriculum and training for our students, proper leadership for Team SOH, and solid industry relations.

I will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Team SOH on this mission.

Q: You have been with Apple, PastaMania, SINS Chocolates,

and the Singapore Police Force. Why choose the path of education?

A: I happily and proudly succumbed to “pressure” from a family

dotted with educators. My dad, my uncle, and my wife are all educators who have been great role models and have constantly reminded me to make my experience count for others. It has never been a question of “if”, but “when” I would one day “return to the temple”.

Q: Why RP? A: I want to succeed with what I set out to do. It is an absolute

fact for me that you have to have a super bunch of people to work with, or there will be no chance of real success. RP has some excellent people in the right roles, and a real intent and opportunity to be a great institution. So RP was the choice, and it clearly still is.

C

M

Q: What do you do for leisure?

A: Endurance sports and martial arts have personally helped me

to stay focused and always ready to go the distance. Chess, music, and photography are passions that help with balance.

But there is precious little time these days to pursue all of these. So doing simple things with the family, from housekeeping to travel, and being constantly intrigued with what they are up with their lives, definitely helps with the “mental hygiene”.

Q: What is your new year resolution?

A: I don’t believe in being especially resolute about important

things just because a new year is around the corner. We have to be resolute to do the right thing every day.

About Ben Tan

Ben’s professional career has been enriched by a variety of corporate leadership experiences in various industries and companies. His more notable roles include Regional Business Development for Apple, CEO of PastaMania and CEO of SINS Chocolates.

Besides career and family, Ben continues to serve the nation as a Superintendent (NS) in the Singapore Police Force. He was awarded the prestigious NSMan of the Year Award in 2010.

Ben graduated from McMaster University, Canada, with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology and a minor in Sociology.

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Partnering Republic Polytechnic RP seeks to work with the industry in the following areas: • • •

Republic Polytechnic (RP) has over 13,000 students and 1,000 staff, with six schools and two centres offering 39 courses in Infocomm Technology, Engineering, Applied Science, Technology for the Arts, Sports, Health & Leisure, Hospitality, Communication, and Consumer Research.

The first educational institution in Singapore to leverage Problem-Based Learning approach, RP is committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial learning in an environment that develops problem-solving process skills and a lifelong learning attitude. RP’s academic staff come with years of industry and research experience that enhances the students’ learning in practicality and depth.

• • • •

Internship Programmes Employment Services (Career Fair, Career Talk) Giving to RP (Scholarships, Endowment, Book Prize Awards) Research & Development Projects Innovation Voucher Scheme Corporate Training Other Forms of Collaboration

Discover how RP can help meet your organisation’s needs in talent management and planning, corporate philanthropy, research and consultancy projects.

To know more, please contact one-stop@rp.edu.sg More information can also be found at www.rp.edu.sg/industrycollaboration

RP’s mandate is to nurture skilled manpower for the economy. While RP develops industry-ready and lifeready graduates through industry-focused curriculum, synergistic partnership with the industry is also instrumental in nurturing innovation, entrepreneurial learning, professional and technical competency among the staff and student community.

inAdvance Republic Polytechnic looks forward to your participation in the upcoming events.

For enquiries, please email one-stop@rp.edu.sg YEAR 2012 5 Jan 5 – 7 Jan 31 Jan 8 Feb 7 – 9 Mar

iChef Finals Republic Polytechnic Open House 2011 Republic Polytechnic Career Fair RP-Lenovo Challenge 3rd International PBL Symposium