Celebrating ITE Students for Elevating Beyond the Classroom

Lee Kuan Yew Model Student/Trainee Award (Nine Students, One Trainee) 

The Lee Kuan Yew Model Student/Trainee Award is presented to students and trainees who have performed consistently well in their courses and have displayed outstanding conduct and attitude worthy of emulation by their peers. The Award serves to inspire students and trainees to display exemplary behaviour in training, develop high moral values and show care and concern for others.  

Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award (Three Students) 

The Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award is presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and organisational skills, and have contributed significantly to the improvement and enhancement of campus life. The Award also serves to give recognition to students who have contributed and achieved excellence in sports, games and the arts.  

Lee Kuan Yew Technology Award (10 Teams) 

The Lee Kuan Yew Technology Award is presented to students who have developed excellent projects that embody quality, technical innovation and creativity. The projects are also expected to have industry applications. The Award serves to inspire students to develop a zeal for challenges, creativity and competition.  

Course: Work-Study Diploma in Lifestyle & Recreation Management 

College: ITE College Central 

Building from Ground Zero 

Tze Hao did not perform well in secondary school, so his parents decided to send him to an international school. However, Tze Hao’s schoolmates perceived him as being arrogant and bullied him. This marked a turning point in his life. 

The Tze Hao we see today is unlike his younger self. He believes that to grow, he must start somewhere, even if it means starting from ground zero. Today, he juggles his studies with his role as a Sales and Operations Executive at The WOW Experience Pte Ltd, an events planning company. 

Tze Hao takes ownership of his learning by staying attentive, actively taking notes and contributing meaningfully to group discussions. He offers advice to his classmates or helps them to grasp concepts taught in class. These efforts have fostered a sense of camaraderie.  

Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he manages the children’s programme, handling camp registrations, activities, safety briefings, and parent communication. To support a client’s corporate social responsibility programme, ‘Bag of Love,’ he procured household essentials and arranged delivery to beneficiaries. His greatest challenge was developing a flight simulator for his company’s subsidiary. Despite having no prior experience, he and his team put in extra hours researching and seeking expert advice, ultimately ensuring its successful implementation. 

From the Heart 

“Growing up, I was not strong in my studies, unlike others. I was arrogant and immature, yet fortunate to have met wonderful mentors along the way who believed in me and guided me. As I grew older, I embraced the growth mindset and humbled myself so that I may learn from others. Working at The WOW Experience Pte Ltd for 1.5 years has improved my communication and customer engagement skills.”  

Life after ITE 

Tze Hao will complete his Work-Study Diploma this September. After graduation, he plans to either pursue full-time career in event planning or further his education at a university. 

Top Achievements  

• Tze Hao received commendation for exhibiting exceptional dedication, reliability and willingness to learn at work. He has consistently showcased his work ethic and proactiveness, from managing daily responsibilities to handling unexpected challenges. 

• His contributions earned compliments from clients, particularly parents who appreciated his care for their children during events. 

• Together with his team, he clinched the Top 10 Corporate Team Building Company in Asia (2023) award by Asia Business Outlook, a testament to the hard work and passion he brings to his role. 

Course: Higher Nitec in Accounting 

College: ITE College Central 

Making Waves, Creating Impact 

Justin has always had the desire to give back to the community and help the less fortunate. This led him to join ITE College Central’s Rotaract Club, where he coordinated and participated in numerous community service initiatives.  

Justin became the Club's President because of his strong leadership skills. He took charge of coordinating major events, such as the 2024 Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference. Additionally, he organised overseas community service trips for his Rotaract Club members to Johor Bahru, where they visited an old folks’ home and carried out a beach clean-up. 

Beyond serving in the Rotaract Club, Justin was a member of ITE College Central’s Gavel Club where he worked on improving his public speaking skills. He is also passionate about entrepreneurship and has started a business selling mobile phone cases, which received seed funding support from the ITE Student Enterprise Fund Scheme. 

From the Heart  

“If it were not for ITE, I would not have grown and developed in so many areas. I built my soft skills, learning to lead others and communicate more effectively. I also gained the courage and confidence to try new things, such as public speaking. There are many opportunities at ITE for students to grow, such as overseas community service and leadership trips that offer valuable exposure. I am also thankful to the lecturers who supported my journey at ITE and gave me many cherished memories. They encouraged me to join the Rotaract Club and helped me become the best version of myself.” 

Life after ITE  

Justin is pursuing a Diploma in Accountancy at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He plans to take a business- or accountancy-related degree after attaining his Diploma and aspires to be an entrepreneur. 

Top Achievements  

• In both 2023 and 2024, Justin emerged as the champion of an annual World Speech Day competition organised by the Rotary Club district covering Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia. 

• He was one of five ITE College Central students selected to represent Singapore in the 2023 Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Programme in the United States, a three-week exchange programme that brought together youth leaders from Southeast Asia. 

• By organising a carnival selling food and key chains, Justin led his Rotaract Club members to raise about $2,000 for a Children’s Day event that they organised with the Central Singapore Community Development Council. 

• For his outstanding service contributions, he received the ITE Service Star Diamond Award in 2023 and 2024. 

Course: Nitec in Urban Greenery & Landscape 

College: ITE College East 

Cultivating Success 

When Neesha was young, she would go for walks in the park with her parents and help them care for plants. These activities nurtured her interest in the environment and led her to enrol in the Nitec in Urban Greenery & Landscape course. She joined the Green Ambassadors Club, as she wanted to contribute to promoting environmental sustainability. 

Dedicated and passionate about her cause, Neesha led her peers in driving various sustainability initiatives both on and off campus. These included teaching preschoolers at a kindergarten to create toys with recyclable materials, as well as guiding the elderly at a nursing home to make tissue holders from plastic packaging. Distinguishing herself as a committed leader who leads by example, Neesha was elected Vice President of the Green Ambassadors Club. 

From the Heart  

“ITE helped me to become more open-minded and adaptable. When I was in secondary school, I was very shy and lacked confidence in taking on any leadership role. I am grateful to my lecturers at ITE who encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and gave me many opportunities to lead. I was even able to host different events. All these experiences helped me to adapt quickly to situations and become a better version of myself. At the end of the day, I feel very proud of what I have accomplished.” 

Life after ITE  

Neesha is pursuing a Diploma in Environmental and Marine Science at Republic Polytechnic. She plans to take a degree in environmental studies after attaining her Diploma and aspires to build a career in landscape design or arboriculture. 

Top Achievements  

• For her exceptional efforts in promoting environmental sustainability, Neesha was conferred the ITE Green Ambassador Award in 2024 and ITE College East Sustainability Advocate Award in 2025. 

• She received the ITE Service Star Diamond Award in 2024, in recognition of her extensive service contributions. 

• Showcasing innovation and creativity, Neesha and her team of classmates won the second prize in City Square Mall’s Landscape Design Competition in 2023. 

• An all-rounder, she achieved a perfect GPA score of 4.0 and was in the Director’s List from 2023 to 2024.

Course: Higher Nitec in IT Systems & Networks 

College: ITE College West 

Tech for Good 

Donovan never imagined himself in IT. Although he was passionate about healthcare, he chose to study IT Systems & Networks at ITE, recognising its potential to equip him with versatile skills that are in high demand and applicable across industries. More importantly, it provided the flexibility to explore fields like healthcare, where tech-driven solutions could make a meaningful impact. 

His desire to help others guided his internship choice at a healthcare institution, where he contributed to projects that enhanced patient data security and strengthened system networks. The experience opened his eyes to the impact technology could have on healthcare, deepening his interest in health tech while honing his problem-solving and collaboration skills.  

Donovan embraced every opportunity to learn and serve. He actively participated in 10 CCAs, taking on leadership roles such as Chairman of the Student Council, Service Ambassadors Club, and ACE Club. Whether conducting interactive digital learning sessions for seniors through the Heartware Digital Literacy Programme or organising activities like the Fei Yue Senior Activity Centre Spring Cleaning project, Donovan’s commitment to serving the community remained at the heart of everything he did. 

From the Heart 

"ITE was more than just a place of learning. It was where I discovered my purpose. Every challenge taught me resilience, every project shaped my skills, and every experience strengthened my desire to grow. The journey has shaped me into who I am today. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had and the people who inspired me to push beyond my limits." 

Life after ITE 

Donovan is an Assistant Engineer with Asiatel (S) Pte Ltd and is currently pursuing the ITE Work-Study Diploma in IT Systems Integration. He is also a Freelance Healthcare Assistant with Homage Singapore. Driven by his passion for health tech, he hopes to create innovative solutions that improve lives.

Top Achievements 

• Donovan served as Deputy President of the MEGA ICT Club and led his team to victory at the DJI RoboMaster Youth Championship 2022. 

• He spearheaded the AI Uniform Detection Project as Project Lead, enhancing campus discipline through technology. 

• As Vice President of the Gavel Club, he established the ITE College West Gavel Club publications account. He also placed second in the International Speech Contest 2022 and earned multiple accolades as six-time Best Project Speaker and ten-time Best Table Topics Speaker. 

• Donovan’s dedication was recognised with the ITE CCA Medal (2024), 21^st Century Gold Award (2022 and 2023), and Star Award (2024).  

• He also received the MOE EAGLES award, Edusave Character Award and Edusave Merit Bursary consecutively for two years in 2023 and 2024, and gained a spot on the Director’s List in 2024. 

• Beyond these achievements, he clocked over 886 hours in service and enrichment activities, making impactful contributions to community and technology-driven initiatives.

Course: Higher Nitec in IT Applications Development 

College: ITE College Central 

Out of the Darkness 

Secondary school was a tough period for Ammar. An introvert, Ammar had few friends and had to deal with family and personal problems. He developed anxiety and depression and was unable to focus on his N-level exams. When he applied for ITE in 2020, he was unsuccessful. Though demoralised, Ammar realised he had to step up his game. He spent a year working and picked up soft skills like communication and teamwork. In 2021, he applied again and was successful. This became the turning point for Ammar.  

Determined to give his all, Ammar went out of his way to talk to others. He soon made many friends who became his support network: “Each person I have met taught me a value in life and it keeps me going.” Ammar also took the chance to immerse himself in a variety of activities – from community work and CCAs to participating in dialogues, workshops and conferences. Despite his packed schedule, Ammar displayed the same level of commitment and enthusiasm both in and out of the classroom. His appreciation for others, deep sense of responsibility, proactiveness and leadership qualities have earned him accolades. He is proud to have gone from being, in his words, “the worst student in (his) secondary school”, to becoming a top student at ITE and finding joy in life. 

From the Heart  

“It was at an event when I realised I enjoyed community work. This little boy thanked me for helping him with a big, bright smile on his face. That melted my heart and made me so happy! I believe we should be kind to people because you never know what someone is facing or thinking. If I am there for them now, they will be there for me in the future. I am also grateful for the connections I have built in ITE.  Without my friends and teachers, I do not think I would be where I am today. I appreciate life because of them.” 

Life after ITE  

Ammar is currently pursuing a Diploma in Information Technology at Singapore Polytechnic. He hopes to use his skills in IT to empower and help others.  

Top Achievements  

• Despite having no prior knowledge of IT Applications Development when he entered ITE, Ammar’s diligence saw him achieve an excellent GPA of 3.966. 

• Ammar served as President of the ITE College Central Library Club and held leadership roles in projects and events, such as the NYAA Community Leadership Initiative Project, ITE Student Leaders Forum, and contributed as Class Representative. 

• He sought to grow and broaden his perspectives by participating in a variety of programmes, dialogues and conferences. These include the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference, US Embassy-ITE Alumni Mentoring Programme, Singapore Business Leadership Foundation Programme, and dialogues with political holders. 

• Ammar’s passion for community work earned him the ITE Service Star Diamond Award in 2023. 

• His excellent work ethics impressed his internship company so much, they offered him a scholarship for his polytechnic studies. Ammar almost single-handedly improved and managed the entire website for the company while he was there.    

Course: Higher Nitec in Offshore & Marine Engineering Design 

College: ITE College Central 

Finding her Light 

Despite scoring distinctions for her N-level exams, Ryka decided to enrol at ITE as she wanted to further her studies as soon as possible. A trip to the Singapore Maritime Academy open house piqued her interest in the maritime industry and she decided to work towards a career in it. However, just before her exams in the first term, Ryka was asked to move out of her home. Lost and alone, Ryka turned to her lecturer for help. Within a week, her lecturer found her a place to stay and made sure she settled in well. Relieved, Ryka found she could finally focus on her studies and went on to do well in her exams.  

Although Ryka had no parental support and needed to clock over 40 hours a week in part-time work to pay for rent and make ends meet, she remained diligent and focused on doing her best in school. She credits her leadership skills, drive, and ability to remain calm and rational to her lecturers and the friends she made at ITE. Despite her challenges, Ryka rose above them, excelling as a student leader and team member, while also finding time to give back to the community whenever she is able to. For her, that is one way to show her gratitude for the help she had received.   

From the Heart  

“In secondary school, I was led to believe that lecturers at Polytechnics & ITE would be indifferent toward their students. However, my experiences proved this notion wrong. At ITE, I met exceptional adults who influenced my journey, despite my tendency to seek guidance infrequently. They supported me during challenging times, provided a sense of belonging when I felt lost, and consistently encouraged me. Their unwavering support has been crucial to my personal growth & achievements.” 

Life after ITE  

Ryka is now studying for a Diploma in Nautical Studies at Singapore Polytechnic. She dreams of becoming the youngest female Chief Officer on board a ship. 

Top Achievements  

• Living on her own at a young age was stressful at first but Ryka soon found that this arrangement worked better for her. It gave her a quiet and peaceful environment, allowing her to relax and better concentrate on her work.  

• Ryka received the Keppel Care Foundation Scholarship in 2024 for her outstanding performance in school. The Scholarship is awarded to one student per college each year. By stretching the cash award, Ryka was able to get a year’s worth of living expenses – this meant she did not have to work as many hours, leaving her with more time to rest, pursue other activities, and focus on her studies.  

• Ryka participated in several competitions, earning a commendation award for the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventor’s Award in 2024, and winning First Prize at the Student Ideation & Design Competition the same year.  

• A driven and eager learner, Ryka’s enjoys reading and learning a variety of skills – from baking and budgeting to sports science and storytelling. Her enthusiasm and exceptional work ethics saw her earn five distinctions for her six core modules. This earned her a remarkable 3.957 GPA.  

• Ryka is a member of the Community Services Club and participated in several community events. She also took part in a Team Building Workshop in Brunei for Overseas Services and was the team coordinator and facilitator for the trip. 

Course: Higher Nitec in Interactive Design  

College: ITE College Central 

Designed to Thrive 

Azaleagrace’s journey is a remarkable demonstration of resilience and self-driven achievement. From a challenging childhood, including three years in a therapeutic group home and two unsuccessful foster placements, she transformed adversity into a resolute drive for a better future. She overcame the disruption of repeating a year in secondary school, ultimately earning a place in the Nitec in Urban Greenery & Landscape course. To support herself, Azaleagrace took on a part-time job at a web solutions start-up, which propelled her into the world of web development. Armed with nothing but pure determination and hard work, she mastered a no-code platform to create web and mobile apps. 

Witnessing the tangible impact of design on her clients' lives, Azaleagrace discovered her true calling. She chose to further her studies through the Higher Nitec in Interactive Design, simultaneously immersing herself in freelance UI/UX projects. Her internship at the same start-up provided real-world experience in project management and execution.  

In her personal time, Azaleagrace dedicates herself to Owena, the alumni association of her former therapeutic group home where she advocates for trauma survivors. As secretary and pioneer member, she orchestrates fundraising and anniversary events, giving back to the community that shaped her. Her story reveals a tenacious spirit, driving her personal growth, and leading to both independence and a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to society. 

From the Heart 

“ITE students are not failures, they are just youth who may have met with roadblocks in their lives. ITE can help students shape their goals and give them the confidence to tackle whatever life throws at them. My hope is to inspire other students to bounce back from setbacks and achieve their goals.” 

Life after ITE 

Azaleagrace is currently enrolled in the Diploma in Media, Arts and Design at Singapore Polytechnic, specialising in Experience and Product Design. After obtaining a diploma, she plans to continue working in the design sector and hopes to pursue a part-time degree in the future.  

Top Achievements  

• A diligent student, Azaleagrace graduated with a perfect GPA of 4.0. 

• Representing ITE at the M1 Asia Pacific Golf 2024 fundraising event, she and another schoolmate inspired more than 300 guests with their testimonials of financial challenges, successfully contributing to $308,000 in donations for the ITE Education Fund.  

• As a Harmony Champion, she co-organised the ‘Rise Above Racism Roadshow 2024’, an event that engaged more than 200 students in fostering racial harmony. 

• During ITE Student Leaders Forum 2024, she spearheaded her team’s PR and publicity efforts, directing photography and videography for their project. She was also the narrator for her college during the closing presentation of the forum. 

• Recognised for her leadership qualities, she was appointed Vice President of Yoga Club, where she successfully managed yoga sessions, team-building events, and CCA roadshows. 

Course: Higher Nitec in Event Management 

College: ITE College East 

From Shy to Shining 

Once a shy teenager, Jolene has blossomed into a confident youth, driven by a passion for connection and impact. Her event management studies have been instrumental, pushing her beyond her comfort zone to cultivate strong communication and stress management skills. As a Digital Marketing intern at a social enterprise, she immersed herself in social media strategy, heritage archival research, and cultural tour development, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to cultural preservation. 

Beyond academics, Jolene finds creative expression through photography, a cherished hobby and CCA since secondary school. Her ability to find beauty in the ordinary translates seamlessly into her dedication to community service. She shared her photographic skills by teaching participants at the 15^th Seniors' Learning Camp and assisted elderly residents with redeeming online vouchers during the launch of the Community Development Council Voucher Scheme 2024. 

Recognised for her leadership potential, Jolene contributed actively to her school community, serving as President of Writers' Room and Vice-President of the Photography Club. Her dedication and multifaceted talents make her a true role model. 

From the Heart 

“Things get so much better when you enjoy what you are doing. It shifts your mindset and experiences, including studying. I believe this is our moment to explore and experiment so that in future, we would not have any regrets. That is what keeps me motivated in ITE and in all aspects of my life.”  

Life after ITE 

Jolene is pursuing a Diploma in Business at Temasek Polytechnic.  

Top Achievements  

• Jolene graduated with a perfect GPA of 4.0 and was on the Director’s List in 2023 and 2024. 

• For her academic performance and service contributions, she received the ITE Community Scholarship (2023), ITE Service Star Gold Award (2024), and MOE EAGLES Award (2024).  

• Leading her team at the 2024 Young Trailblazers competition, Jolene’s team pitched the idea of 'iCarrot,' an app designed to boost community garden engagement via a points reward system, earning them the Special Merit Award in the tertiary category.  

• Capturing the essence of the theme 'Hometown Pride,' Jolene's team of three attained second runner-up honours at the Singapore Young Photographers' Convention 2023 with their striking photographs.  

• During her volunteer work as a crew member at the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023, Jolene's exceptional enthusiasm led to her receiving the Outstanding Service Award and the Most Enthusiastic Team Award.  

• She achieved the Merit Award for her College’s Influencer Challenge 2023, a testament to her ability to produce engaging social media content. 

• Jolene showcased her public speaking abilities as a presenter and stage representative at the ITE Student Leaders Forum 2023, and as team lead, stage presenter, and media team member at the ITE International Student Seminar 2024.

Course: Higher Nitec in IT Applications Development 

College: ITE College East 

Green Crusader  

After losing his father in secondary three, Moses faced significant challenges. Transferred from the Express to the Normal (Academic) stream, he struggled with motivation and direction. However, with his mother’s unwavering support, he found new purpose at ITE. Initially, he had little interest in Web Design, but his time in Nitec ignited a passion for technology. With renewed focus and drive, Moses excelled academically. He progressed to the Higher Nitec in IT Applications and Development, where his dedication earned him a perfect GPA of 4.0 and a spot on the Director’s List in 2023 and 2024. His professionalism during an internship at the National University of Singapore led to a full-time contract offer and sponsorship for six professional development courses. 

Apart from his stellar academic and personal achievements, Moses’ passion for sustainability distinguished him from his peers. Recognising the urgent need to address climate change, he combined technology with green initiatives, creating innovative solutions to combat environmental issues. His leadership shone through in competitions, such as the International Exhibition for Young Inventors 2023, where his Zero Food Waste project clinched a Silver Medal among 137 teams from nine countries. He also led his team to third place in the Climate Change Zero Waste Competition 2023, competing against 145 participants. Beyond competitions, Moses played a pivotal role in college-wide sustainability efforts. His involvement in the Bloobox Initiative in 2023 reinforced proper recycling habits among students and staff at ITE College East. For his environmental advocacy, he was recognised with a Silver Medal at the ITE Green Ambassador Awards 2023. 

From the Heart  

"True success isn’t just about winning; it’s about the resilience to rise after every setback and the determination to keep moving forward. This moment is not the finish line but a milestone in a journey filled with endless possibilities. The key is to embrace challenges, push beyond limits, and never stop striving for growth." 

Life after ITE  

Moses is pursuing a Diploma in Information Technology at Temasek Polytechnic. 

Top Achievements  

• Moses is a recipient of the ITE Community Scholarship in 2023 and 2024. 

• He has completed several professional certifications in AI, RPA and UI Path, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and technical skills development.  

• As a member of the school’s Creative Community Club, Moses rallied his members to participate actively, guiding them to achieve notable successes in competitions and projects. 

Course: Higher Nitec in Electrical Engineering 

College: ITE College East 

Engineering a Shared Future 

Determined to pave her own path, Aqilah pursued the Higher Nitec in Electrical Engineering course through the Direct Entry Scheme to Polytechnic Programme, recognising the field’s potential for innovation and long-term impact. As the youngest in a family of ITE alumni, she embraced the opportunities at ITE with unwavering commitment, achieving a perfect GPA of 4.0 while balancing part-time work to support her education. Passionate about sustainability and community service, she applied her engineering skills beyond the classroom. She led innovative projects such as a water-saving prototype for mosque ablution facilities under the HSBC NYAA ITE-SMEs Sustainability Initiative 2024 and developed a self-sustaining floating farm, which was showcased in a Channel NewsAsia documentary. Her ability to blend technical knowledge with real-world environmental solutions sets her apart as a forward-thinking changemaker. 

Aqilah’s leadership extends into competitions and global platforms. She guided her team to a Bronze Award at the SICK Sixth Sense 2023 competition with an innovative vibration-based soil moisture assessment tool for sustainable agriculture. Her social consciousness also drove her to create a wheelchair dolly for videographers with mobility disabilities, earning her team recognition at the VTC-ITE International Student Seminar 2023, in Hong Kong. Beyond academics, Aqilah remains deeply involved in volunteerism, contributing to SG Green Day, Istana Open House events, and Pesta Sukan to promote community spirit and inclusivity. Recognised for her outstanding contributions, she is a recipient of the Rotary Club of Singapore West Bursary and the Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud Award. 

From the Heart 

“My philosophy in life is simple: to give my best and uplift those around me. Every challenge I face is an opportunity to grow, and every project I work on is a step toward creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.” 

Life after ITE 

Aqilah is enrolled in the Diploma in Biomedical Engineering at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. She hopes to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering eventually. 

Top Achievements 

• Aqilah maintained a perfect GPA of 4.0, earning the Electrical Engineering Model Student Award 2024.  

• She is a proud recipient of the Edusave Merit Bursary 2024. 

• For her outstanding service and contributions in various areas, including arts and sports, environmental projects, and community involvement, Aqilah was awarded the Diamond Service Star Award 2024.

Course: Higher Nitec in Facility Management 

College: ITE College West 

Leading with Heart 

After facing challenges in his N-levels, Daryl could have easily given up. Instead, he chose to forge a different educational experience at ITE. Motivated to create a better learning environment, he took the initiative to organise study groups and helped others improve their grades. Daryl not only excelled in his studies but also became a pillar of support for his classmates. His passion for practical learning led him to participate in competitions such as WorldSkills ASEAN 2023 and the Tan Kah Kee Young Inventors Challenge 2024.

Alongside his studies, Daryl served as the President of the ITE Civil Defence Lionhearter Club. He enjoys spending time with residents, particularly the elderly, teaching them how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Perhaps this is because they remind him of his grandparents, whom he considers his best friends. His motto, "I create the environment that I want to be in," demonstrates the positive impact he aims to have on those around him. 

From the Heart  

“During the WorldSkills ASEAN 2023 competition, I made a mistake that deeply affected me and made me want to give up. However, with the encouragement of my course manager and my class advisor, I found the strength to persevere and successfully complete the competition.” 

Life after ITE  

Daryl gained early admission to study Diploma in Facility Management at Singapore Polytechnic. He aspires to build a career in project management. 

Top Achievements  

• Daryl led various public events and community involvement projects as President of the ITE Civil Defence Lionhearter Club and received a Letter of Commendation from the Singapore Civil Defence Force for outstanding contributions during his presidential term. 

• He represented Singapore in the WorldSkills ASEAN 2023, competing for honours in the Refrigerant and Air-Conditioning skill area. 

• He also led teams to participate in other competitions, such as the Sustainable Cities Challenge 2024, winning second place with a proposal for new sustainable ideas for the Hillview Community Centre, and the HSBC NYAA ITE-SMEs Sustainability Initiative, collaborating with Daikin to design and fabricate a SMART Refrigerant Detector Prototype. 

• For outstanding leadership and achievements in CCAs and competitions, Daryl was awarded the prestigious ITE College West 21st Century Star Award 2024. 

• Additionally, his excellent performance during his internship earned him commendation from both Raffles Strata Management Pte Ltd and its client. 

• He was invited back to his alma mater to give a talk about ITE and share his experiences with his juniors. 

Course: Higher Nitec in Sport Management 

College: ITE College West 

Turning Setbacks into Comebacks 

Damien is a caring and determined individual who has faced many challenges in his life, shaping him into a proactive leader and advocate for others. Growing up in a single-parent family, he took on important responsibilities from a young age, looking after his siblings and developing a strong sense of empathy for those who are struggling. These experiences inspired him to help and support others, especially those who feel lost in life. 

Transitioning to a new school environment was daunting for Damien, and he initially struggled to fit in. However, his time at ITE became a turning point for him. As he began to engage more with his peers and the community, he realised the importance of making a positive impact. Being elected as President of the ACE Club provided him with the opportunity to reach out to vulnerable members of the community through projects like ‘MOE-ITE Adopt a Block’, which reinforced his commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. 

Looking ahead, he plans to join the ITE Alumni Association to give back to the community that has helped him grow. He aims to continue supporting his peers who face similar challenges. Ultimately, he aspires to become a solicitor in Singapore, advocating for vulnerable groups. 

From the Heart  

“I used to be very quiet and kept things to myself, rarely opening up to others. However, everything changed when my lecturer encouraged me to join the ITE Student Leaders Forum. She recognised my potential even when I could not see it in myself. With her support, I found the courage to step out of my comfort zone and take on leadership roles in ways I never thought possible!” 

Life after ITE  

Damien is currently pursuing a Common Business Programme at Singapore Polytechnic. 

Top Achievements  

• As President of the ACE Club in 2024, Damien demonstrated initiative and a strong commitment to community engagement. 

• For his outstanding academic performance and exemplary conduct, he received the 21^st Century Star Award 2024 and the Edusave Character Award 2024. He was also on the Director’s List in 2023. 

• Damien played a key role in an international student engagement initiative, collaborating with 19 School of Business students to host overseas students from Vietnam during a two-week inbound programme in Singapore. 

• He worked alongside fellow College students to brainstorm and develop solutions aimed at reducing the country's carbon emissions, creating an application prototype called ‘CW Lite’. 

• In 2024, Damien and his team participated in the HSBC NYAA ITE-SMEs Sustainability Initiative, where they closely collaborated with industry experts, including ‘Crunch Cutlery’ and ‘Seroja’, a Michelin Green Star restaurant. He also helped establish a partnership with the National University of Singapore. 

• Damien was the student emcee for the Finals of the IgnITE Skills Challenge 2024.

Course: Nitec in Western Culinary Arts 

College: ITE College West 

A Taste for Leadership 

Leadership did not come naturally for Xiu Yu. When she entered ITE, she aimed to improve herself and step out of her comfort zone. With guidance from her lecturers and teachers, she realised her desire to lead while learning and growing as a student. Xiu Yu’s family had taught her to have sense of responsibility to contribute to the community. Driven by this value, she embraced multiple leadership roles and contributed in ways within and beyond the campus. 

In 2023, as Class Exco’s Chairman, Xiu Yu initiated a partnership with Willing Hearts, a recognised charity in Singapore and roped in her classmates to help prepare meals for the beneficiaries. As President of the ITE School of Hospitality Culinary Club, she worked with her team to cook meals for elderly residents staying in rental flats at Teck Whye Lane. 

Xiu Yu’s contributions extended beyond Singapore. She was part of the ITE Culinary Team that represented Singapore at the Vocational Training Council’s ‘Singapore Food Event’ in Hong Kong, where they showcased local cuisine. She also joined the Youth Expedition Project programme by Youth Corps Singapore and contributed to community projects aimed at improving local infrastructure in Sabah, Malaysia. She firmly believes that even the smallest of actions can make a big difference in people’s lives. 

From the Heart 

“Be stronger than your excuse.”  

Life after ITE 

Xiu Yu is pursuing a Technical Diploma in Culinary Arts with Restaurant Management at ITE to fulfil her aspiration of becoming a chef. She hopes to inspire others and continue contributing to society to help those who are in need. 

Top Achievements  

• Despite having to juggle her studies, CCAs and community services commitments, Xiu Yu maintained a perfect GPA of 4.0. 

• As Deputy President of the ACE Club, Xiu Yu led the MOE-ITE Adopt a Block community project where students from various institutions worked with residents to reduce water and electricity consumption, while promoting recycling and green efforts. 

• She also played a pivotal role in the Rose of Peace Harmony Champions initiative, promoting social cohesion and multicultural harmony through a series of events like ITE Staff Appreciation Days and Brickland Children’s Day, spreading messages of love and peace with roses. 

LKY Technology Award 2025 Winners