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Institute of Technical Education
Speech

Speech by Mr Peter Lam, CEO/ITE, at the ITE-VTC 10th International Student Seminar 2026 Closing Ceremony

25 June 2026

Tay Eng Soon Convention Centre, ITE HQ

Ms Jasmin Lau
Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Singapore

The Honourable Jeffrey Lam
Chairman of Vocational Training Council

Mr Paul Chong
Deputy Chairman of Vocational Training Council

Mr Donald Tong
Executive Director, Vocational Training Council

Distinguished Speakers

Representatives from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Elsa and Teresa

Management, Staff and Students of ITE, VTC, Shenzhen Polytechnic University and our partner institutions from the Global Education Network

Introduction

  1. Good morning. Zou San. As we come to the close of the 10th ITE-VTC International Student Seminar, let me begin by congratulating all participants for the energy, creativity and openness that you have shown over the past three days.

From Problems to Possibilities

  1. Through your discussions and projects on sustainability, rapid technological changes, and culture and identity, you have shown that young people can look at complex issues with fresh eyes and proposed practical ideas.

  2. What struck me most was not the challenges themselves, but the mindset with everyone of you approached them. I observed students looking beyond problems and focusing on possibilities. Rather than asking, "What is wrong?", you asked, "What can we do about it?" and the discussions were not about choosing between one good option and another. Rather, they were about finding ways to achieve the benefits of both.

  3. For example, we want our cities to be sustainable, but also vibrant and enjoyable places to live in. We want innovation to improve lives, but we also want progress to remain inclusive. We want to be connected to the world, yet stay rooted in our identities, cultures and communities. This spirit of our participants came through in every presentation — a spirit of shared commitment to improve lives and create positive impact.

Learning Beyond the Seminar

  1. Beyond the seminar, many of you also had the opportunity to experience Singapore in various ways.

  2. At Gardens by the Bay, you observed a living example of how cities can grow greener without sacrificing beauty. Around our cultural precincts, such as Chinatown, Civic District and Kampong Glam, you experienced the traditions, stories and communities that continue to shape Singapore’s identity today.

  3. And through food, such as chicken rice, satay or kaya toast, and durian for the adventurous, such as our guests from the VTC, you get a taste of the cultures and traditions of a place.

  4. I hope these experiences enrich the whole ISS experience for you and created many lasting fond memories for all of you.

Three Takeaways

  1. As we conclude ISS 2026, I hope each of you will take back three things.

  • First, continue to believe in yourselves. The future will bring new opportunities and challenges. I hope everyone of you, especially our young people in the audience, will have the confidence in your ability to learn, adapt and contribute meaningfully to the society and the world.

  • Second, to have passion in what you do. When you are passionate in what you pursue, you will find resilience and drive to keep going. I hope you will continue to have a spark in you to fuel the passion in whatever you want to do in your careers and your life. 

  • Third, is to embrace diversity and differences. The friendships and conversations that you have had this week remind us that we can learn much from people whose backgrounds, perspectives and experiences are different from our own. I hope you will continue to work together with others, especially those who are different from you and in so doing, you can make a positive difference wherever you go.

Appreciation

  1. To our partners from VTC and Shenzhen Polytechnic University, our distinguished speakers, and all colleagues involved in organising ISS 2026, thank you very much for your support, insights and hard work in making this Seminar possible. I just want to thank particularly the Organising Committee headed by Lynn and Katherine, together with a team of very capable people, for organising this very exciting Seminar this year. Thank you very much and please stand up.

  2. To all our students, thank you very much for your enthusiastic participation, openness and willingness to learn from one another. May the friendships and lessons from ISS 2026 continue to inspire you in the years ahead.

  3. Thank you very much, everyone. I wish you all the best and every success in the journey ahead.

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