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ITE Honours Class of 2026
22 July 2026
Celebrating Excellence in Skills, Resilience, and Lifelong Learning
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) honoured 10,955 graduates from the Class of 2026 at its annual Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. At the Ceremony, ITE recognised outstanding achievers, including 522 Certificate of Merit holders, 228 Course Medal recipients, 10 Tay Eng Soon Scholarship Award recipients, and 13 Outstanding Progress Award recipients who overcame challenges to complete their courses.
Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of National Development, presented 21 Top Graduate Awards, comprising:
· 3 Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medals
· 3 Tay Eng Soon Gold Medals
· 3 The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medals
· 3 Singapore National Employers Federation Gold Medals
· 3 Singapore Business Federation Gold Medals
· 1 Singapore Precision Engineering & Technology Association Gold Medal
· 1 e2i Gold Medal
· 1 IES Engineering Award
· 3 ITE-SkillsFuture Lifelong Learning Awards
More details on all the awards can be found in Annex A.
Introduced in November 2025, the SkillsFuture Lifelong Learning Award recognises up to three exemplary Continuing Education and Training graduates from ITE and each of the five polytechnics annually. In support of the SkillsFuture movement, the award honours individuals who have shown a strong commitment to upskilling and lifelong learning, and have applied their learnings to make a positive impact beyond themselves at their workplace or immediate social networks.
Reskilling with Purpose
Sheryl Danielle Eng, one of the three inaugural recipients of the ITE-SkillsFuture Lifelong Learning Award, is also the Valedictorian for Diploma graduates from the Class of 2026. For Sheryl, reskilling opened the door to a new career path after COVID-19 disrupted the theatre industry.
A GCE O-Level single-digit scorer and NAFA Theatre Studies diploma graduate, she started afresh with ITE’s Higher Nitec in Event Management before progressing to an ITE Work-Study Diploma in Event Management, sponsored by International Conference Services. Now a Junior Manager at the company, she hopes to broaden her expertise through a part-time degree in Marketing.
From Setback to Strength
For Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal recipient Brennan Tan Boon Keng, success was not always a straight path. Now Valedictorian for Nitec/Higher graduates from the Class of 2026, Brennan once struggled with motivation and his studies in secondary school. His turning point came during National Service, where he found renewed purpose and resolved to continue his education.
Entering Nitec in Mechanical Technology, he built confidence through hands-on learning and supportive lecturers. He went on to attain a perfect GPA of 4.0, lead innovation projects and represent ITE in competitions, including one in Thailand. Outside class, he served as President of the Mechanical Engineering Club and Director of Logistics for the Peer Support Leaders.
Double Distinctions
Chow Qian Tong received two Top Awards: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal and the IES Engineering Award. Inspired by her father, a Construction Project Manager, she pursued Higher Nitec in Civil & Structural Engineering Design, where she built skills in AutoCAD, technical drawing, and industry-linked projects, achieved a GPA of 4.0, and emerged as Outstanding Graduate of the School of Engineering at ITE College East.
Driven by a heart for service, Qian Tong led the Community Service Club as its President, overseeing meal deliveries to the elderly and guiding teams in recycling activities. Her journey reflects a graduate who has paired technical ability with initiative and a strong heart for the community.
A Recipe for Impact
For Tay Eng Soon Gold Medallist Afiq Anaqi Bin Ramlan, baking was more than a skill — it became a source of calm and a way to make a difference. Naturally reserved, he pushed himself to participate more actively while pursuing his Nitec in Pastry & Baking, graduating with a perfect GPA of 4.0.
Beyond academic achievements, Afiq took on the roles of Class Deputy Chairman, Finance Lead of the Hospitality Club, and Green Ambassador in the Pastry Club. He also led the champion team in a local competition, creating low-sodium snack boxes for elderly kidney patients, and joined a community service project in Vietnam to teach children cooking skills and guide them in building resumes and portfolios. Currently enrolled in Higher Nitec in Pastry & Baking at ITE College West, he hopes to one day open his own bakery — one that gives back to the community.
Write-ups on the 20 Top Graduates (including one graduate who achieved two Awards) can be found in Annex B.
Annex A - Details on Awards
At the ITE Graduation Ceremony each year, ITE recognises graduates who have performed well in their courses with various awards.
Top Graduate Awards
Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) Gold Medal [3 awardees]
Donated in 1999 by the then Senior Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, from the sale of his memoirs, the Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) Gold Medal is awarded to the top ITE graduate of each ITE College, who has excelled in his or her course of study and co-curricular activities, and has made contributions to the community or in enriching College life. He/she will receive the LKY Gold Medal and $600 cash.
Tay Eng Soon (TES) Gold Medal [3 awardees]
The Tay Eng Soon (TES) Gold Medal was introduced in 1994, following the establishment of the TES Scholarship Fund to promote technical and polytechnic education. The Fund was established in 1993 through donations from companies, individuals and staff of ITE and the polytechnics, in memory of the late Dr Tay Eng Soon, former Chairman of ITE, and Minister in-charge of polytechnic and technical education (1981 – 1993).
An outstanding ITE graduate from each ITE College, who has achieved excellent course performance, participated actively in co-curricular activities and contributed to the well-being and development of his or her college, will receive the TES Gold Medal and $600 cash funded by the TES Scholarship Fund.
The Ngee Ann Kongsi (TNAK) Gold Medal [3 awardees]
The Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal is awarded to an outstanding ITE graduate from each ITE College, for his or her excellent course performance, active participation in co-curricular activities and contributions to his or her College.
The gold medals, first presented in 2018, are funded by The Ngee Ann Kongsi, a non-profit Teochew philanthropic foundation actively involved in educational, cultural and charitable activities in Singapore. Over the years, the Kongsi has made significant contributions towards the enrichment of Singapore society and its education scene. The recipient of the award will receive the TNAK Gold Medal and $600 cash.
Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) Gold Medal [3 awardees]
The SNEF Gold Medal is awarded to the top performing graduates of the ITE Work Study Diploma Programme who has excelled in his or her course of study and has made contributions to workplace training, company projects and activities. The recipient will receive the SNEF Gold Medal and $600 cash.
Singapore Business Federation (SBF) Gold Medal [3 awardees]
The SBF Gold Medal is awarded to the top graduate of the Technical Engineer Diploma / Technical Diploma Programme for outstanding course performance. Introduced in 2022, the SBF Gold Medal is sponsored by the Singapore Business Federation. The recipient will receive the SBF Gold Medal and $600 cash.
Singapore Precision Engineering & Technology Association (SPETA) Gold Medal [1 awardee]
The SPETA Gold Medal is awarded to a top performing graduate of the Work-Study Diploma Programme (Engineering/IT-related), working in the manufacturing industry and has made outstanding contributions at the workplace. Introduced in 2023, the SPETA Gold Medal is sponsored by the Singapore Precision Engineering & Technology Association (SPETA). The recipient will receive the SPETA Gold Medal and $600 cash.
e2i Gold Medal [1 awardee]
The e2i Gold Medal was introduced in 2016 to promote lifelong learning among adult learners to increase their employability, and to motivate and give recognition to ITE Continuing Education & Training (CET) graduates for their upgrading efforts and achievements. Top ITE CET graduates will receive the e2i Gold Medal and $600 cash, donated by the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i).
IES Engineering Award [1 awardee]
Introduced in 2013, the IES Engineering Award is awarded to a top graduate for outstanding performance in an Engineering course and contributions in Engineering-related projects and activities. The IES Engineering Award is sponsored by the Institution of Engineers, Singapore. The top Engineering graduate will receive a Plaque and $600 cash.
ITE-SkillsFuture Lifelong Learning Award [3 awardees]
Introduced in 2025, the ITE-SkillsFuture Lifelong Learning Award recognises exemplary graduates of Continuing Education and Training programmes who have made significant efforts in their lifelong learning journey and created positive impact by fostering a culture of continuous learning within their workplace or immediate social network, all while effectively managing their professional and personal responsibilities. The recipient will receive a medal and $1,000 cash.
Other Awards
The ITE Course Medals are awarded to outstanding Certificate of Merit or Diploma with Merit holders in each course. The Major de Promotion, equivalent to the Gold Course Medal, is presented to the top performer of the Technical Diploma in Culinary Arts with Restaurant Management. Recipients will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Course Medal and a cash quantum of $300, $200 and $100 respectively. The Course Medal awards are donated by relevant trade/professional associations and companies.
The Tay Eng Soon Scholarship (TESS) is presented to outstanding ITE graduates who have performed well academically and attained good co-curricular activity records. The TESS is open to ITE graduates pursuing a full-time Diploma course in ITE or the polytechnics. Selection for this award is based on merit.
The TESS is funded by the TESS Fund which was established in 1993 from donations received from companies, individuals and staff of ITE, Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic, in memory of the late Dr Tay Eng Soon, former Chairman of ITE and Minister-in-Charge of polytechnic and technical education from 1981 to 1993.
Introduced in 2023, the ITE Outstanding Progress Awards are awarded to exemplary graduates who have shown strong perseverance in overcoming challenges to complete their course, displayed exemplary conduct, and made valuable contributions to their College and community. The recipient will receive a Plaque and $600 cash.
Certificate of Merit (COM) / Diploma with Merit (DWM)
Certificate of Merit (COM) is generally awarded to the top 5% of the graduates from each Higher Nitec and Nitec course.
Diploma with Merit (DWM) is generally awarded to the top 8% of the graduates from each Diploma course.
Graduates must have passed all core modules at the first attempt within normal course duration and have achieved outstanding performance in their course of study, with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, at the point of graduation, to be considered for the award of COM/DWM.
Course Medals
Course Medals are awarded to the outstanding COM / DWM holders in each course. The number of Course Medals awarded for each course is based on the number of graduates in the course, subject to a maximum of 3 medals.
Graduates will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze Course Medals based on their overall performance in their course of study, CCA achievements and other contributions.
Annex B - Profiles of ITE Top Graduates 2026
Find out more about our 20 top graduates in our Graduation e-booklet [PDF, 1.98 MB]
Also in the e-booklet:
1) CEO's message
2) Tay Eng Soon Scholarship recipients
3) Certificate of Merit recipients
4) Course Medallists