Opening Remarks by Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO/ITE, at the ITE Work-Study Diploma Graduation Ceremony 2025 (AM Session)

Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

Mr Andrew Chong, Chairman, ITE

Members of the ITE Board of Governors

Industry Partners

Graduands and Parents

ITE Colleagues

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.           Today marks a significant milestone for 892 WSDip graduands from 40 WSDip programmes. They have successfully completed their 2.5 years work-study diploma programme through their diligence, grit and determination. These qualities are demonstrated at both the company’s workplace as well as at ITE campus.

2.           The Work-Study Diploma is a unique model of applied learning that demands exceptional focus and commitment. Over the last 2.5 years, the graduands had to juggle full-time employment and their studies. There are three areas of commitment:

a)      They must ensure they perform at work, deliver outcomes and create value for their companies.

b)      They must treasure and be conscientious about the training provided on-the-job by their supervisors and company trainers.

c)      They return to ITE for learning on campus which focus on theoretical and conceptual understanding as well as discussion with peers.  

3.           I commend all our graduands for your tremendous growth, both professionally and personally. We congratulate all of you. Your employers and supervisors, as well as your lecturers and parents are all tremendously proud of you!

Stories of Transformation and Grit

4.           Allow me to share the WSDip journeys of two graduands:

5.           Shanti D/O Elangovan from WSDip in Security Operations is from the first cohort to graduate from the WSDip in Security Operations. Shanti joined Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and has distinguished herself. Whether assisting elderly travellers or guiding first-time travellers, Shanti consistently demonstrates excellent inter-personal skills, remains professional under high-pressure situations and is always vigilant. Her strong situational awareness is invaluable as she could promptly alert her supervisors and colleagues on all suspicious activities and persons, thus helping to prevent potential security threats. Shanti is so passionate about her job that she has enrolled in Mandarin and Malay lessons so that she could be even more effective in her work. Shanti will be receiving the Gold Course Medal today. Well done, Shanti!

6.           Wong Dominic Padua is from WSDip in Customer Experience Management (Aviation Services). Dominic joined dnata Singapore as a Customer Service Agent serving Etihad Airways. Dominic demonstrated exceptional customer service and became a top performer, winning him the Shukran Award from Etihad. His supervisor Ms Nurzlizan Ahmad said, “Dominic consistently displays professionalism, strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence. He often goes above and beyond his duties to ensure a superior level of customer experience is delivered. It is a pleasure working with him. His positive attitude and dedication make him an invaluable asset to the team.” Meanwhile, on campus, Dominic was a model student – always mature, punctual, and mastering all the academic concepts. He generously mentored and supported his peers. Dominic has topped his class, achieving a GPA of 4.0 and he will be awarded the Gold Course Medal. Congratulations, Dominic!

Innovation and Creativity in Company Projects

7.           As part of the WSDip curriculum, WSDip trainees have to complete a company project that will add new value to the companies by improving existing or creating new products, solutions or services. Today, nine of these innovative projects are exhibited in the Hall outside. Let me briefly highlight one project.

8.           Stefanie Low Mun Yang from the WSDip in Media, Communication & Digital Marketing, conducted research into the gap between the perceived branding of her company, Broadcast Professional Pte Ltd and  the desired branding. The company is perceived as an AV hardware integrator but the company has desire to make inroads into the immersive-tech market. Stefanie developed a campaign comprising a slogan, creative billboard displays and a content strategy plan to be executed across digital and on-site platforms.  These are to re-position the company’s branding, ensure emotional connection and resonance, as well as market differentiation Well done, Stefanie!

9.           I invite all guests to have a look at the nine projects and appreciate how the WSDip graduands’ innovations have created new value for their respective employers.

Our Industry Partners: Enablers of Success

10.      A key factor of success of our WSDip programmes is the unwavering support from our industry partners. You have journeyed with the WSDip trainees, onboarded them to their job-roles, provided them training, guidance and support as well as demonstrate your belief in their potential by giving them various work situations and challenges.

11.      Our industry partners have also contributed to the setting up of dedicated WSDip training centres on our campuses. For example, for WSDip Security Operations Training Hub, ICA provided the equipment for a special ICA Zone featuring automated border control clearance gates, an X-ray scanning machine and a vehicular search area to simulate the real checkpoint environment and processes. [show photo] We are grateful to our industry partners for enabling the on-campus training to be authentic and engaging.

12.      To all 335 industry partners for the Class of 2025, thank you for partnering ITE as co-educators. Thank you also for enabling 892 graduands to successfully achieve their diploma.

Career Growth and Aspiration beyond WSDip

13.      WSDip graduates have not only achieved a diploma, but they have also achieved career progression as they are promoted to job-roles with greater responsibilities. Their earning power has likewise increased. For many WSDip graduates, they continued to be ambitious and determined to pursue further skills upgrading and higher education. They pursue degree courses with the support of their employers. One such example is Ahmad Khan, a graduate from the WSDip in Land Transport Engineering. After his work-study diploma, Ahmad was promoted by SBS Transit Rail Pte Ltd to be an Assistant Engineer, overseeing and managing both internal and external training programmes for staff. He is currently pursuing a part-time degree at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) for a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Infrastructure and Systems Engineering.

Conclusion

14.      Graduands, while your time at ITE draws to a close, your journey of professional and personal growth continues. I urge you to always be resilient, curious and embrace lifelong learning. In the years ahead, may you continue to grow, lead, and contribute to your respective industries and communities. Once again, Congratulations!

Thank you.