ITE’s Inaugural Healthcare Seminar and MOU alliance set to propel healthcare education forward

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) is set to fortify educational-healthcare alliances through its Think Health Seminar and the signing of two pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with esteemed healthcare institutions.

Held on 25 October 2023 at ITE College West, the Think Health Seminar 2023 targets the fitness and health management fraternity. This platform aims to foster knowledge exchange, trend analysis and collaborative problem-solving to navigate the evolving landscape of Singapore’s healthcare system. Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS), Ministry of Health, will grace the occasion as the Guest-of-Honour. She will also witness the signing of two MOUs – one between ITE and Exercise is Medicine Singapore (EIMS) under Changi General Hospital (CGH), and the other between ITE and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).

Think Health Seminar: Participate-Prevent-Progress

Under the theme of Participate–Prevent–Progress, the seminar aligns with the Ministry of Health's Healthier SG and Age Well SG initiatives. With a paradigm shift from reactive care to proactive care, the theme underscores three critical elements of maintaining good health - participating actively, preventing chronic diseases, and progressing towards a healthier nation. Notable speakers will cover a spectrum of topics, ranging from population health strategies, health coaching to effective patient care delivery (refer to ANNEX A for List of Speakers and Presentation Synopsis), facilitating discussions on Singapore’s latest healthcare developments. The objective is to mobilise educators, industry professionals and students as champions for proactive and preventive care, promoting healthier lifestyles and activities among the population.

ITE’s MOUs with EIMS and KKH: Progressive Partnerships

The MOU between ITE and EIMS will be signed by Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO, ITE and Prof Ng Wai Hoe, CEO of CGH. Ms Low will also be signatory for the MOU between ITE and KKH, with CEO Prof Alex Sia representing KKH. Each MOU will last for five years and enable the parties to cooperate in the field of exercise science, preventive health, and active living. The collaborations will focus on:

1. Community Outreach and Events: Initiatives to organise activities promoting exercise science, preventive health, and active living, to engage ITE staff, students, and the wider community. These activities will serve as platforms for ITE students to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings.

2. Development Opportunities for ITE Staff and Students: Providing internships, training, and industry immersion for ITE students; and industry attachment opportunities for ITE staff.

3. Knowledge Sharing: Sharing curriculum expertise and participating in ITE’s relevant seminars/conferences to discuss trends and practices.

4. Industry Research and Projects: Collaborating on research projects and intervention studies, offering authentic learning opportunities for ITE staff and students in exercise science, preventive health, and active living research, enhancing their professional development.

Elevating Competencies, Expanding Career Opportunities

The Think Health Seminar and the MOUs between ITE, EIMS and KKH aim to strengthen the nexus between education institutions and healthcare providers. This collaboration aims to support new competency frameworks and establish industry standards, thereby opening avenues for ITE graduates to explore careers in community-based healthcare and health promotion roles under the Healthier SG Framework.