Celebrating Excellence Beyond Classroom

More than 400 students were honoured at the annual ITE Student Achievers’ Awards Ceremony held at ITE Headquarters today, celebrating their well-rounded achievements and excellence across arts, sports, co-curricular activities, and innovation.

Of 432 students, 58 received the prestigious LKY Awards – comprising the LKY Model Student/Trainee Award, the LKY Co-Curricular (CCA) Award, and the LKY Technology Award. Details on the LKY Awards can be found in Annex A. The remaining 374 students received the ITE Arts Excellence Award, ITE Sports Excellence Award, ITE CCA Medal, ITE Student Commendation Award and Keppel Care Foundation Scholarship.

This year marks a meaningful milestone for the awards, with the number of LKY Model Trainee Award recipients increased from one to three. This expansion enables more outstanding Work-Study Diploma trainees, who balance full-time employment with their academic and personal development, to be recognised for their achievements.

Across all award categories, the recipients embody what it means to strive for excellence beyond the classroom. From navigating personal challenges to pursuing their passions, contributing to society, and innovating for the future, each recipient's journey is a testament to the transformative power of determination and hard work.

A Fearless Spirit With a Heart for Others

Always ready to step out of her comfort zone, Crystal chose to pursue unique interests, such as playing the guzheng in primary school and exploring robotics at ITE despite having no prior knowledge in these. Fuelled by a fearless curiosity, she decided to pursue Nitec in Mechatronics & Robotics at ITE College West to gain exposure to electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering within a single discipline. She eventually emerged as a top student from the course and even clinched awards at robotics and technology competitions.

Despite facing financial and caregiving challenges at home, Crystal remains undaunted. Living in a rental flat and receiving social assistance, she had to balance her studies with part-time work to support her younger brother and parents, who are unable to work due to chronic health conditions. She manages these heavy commitments with maturity and self-reliance, viewing them not as a burden, but as a challenge to be met with a positive mindset.

Grounded by her own experiences, Crystal pays it forward through weekly tuition for younger students and participation in elderly outreach initiatives. During an overseas community service trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, she conducted storytelling for children, constructed a water filtration system, and refurbished school facilities. As a recipient of the LKY Model Student Award, Crystal’s grit, excellence, and genuine care for others make her a true role model for her peers.

Improving Cleanroom Safety Training with VR

The semiconductor industry involves working with dangerous chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid and ammonium hydroxide. To make chemical safety training safer, more engaging and time-efficient, a pair of students from ITE College Central partnered with ST Microelectronics to create the Cleanroom Chemical Safety virtual reality (VR) learning package. This VR system allows trainees to learn both theory and practical skills in a safe, simulated cleanroom environment.

The learning package includes two parts. The Guided Mode walks learners through procedures step-by-step. The Assessment Mode monitors how well they perform, so trainers can identify areas for improvement. The package can be used on both blackboard systems and web platforms, supporting self-directed learning, while reducing the safety risks that come with physical sessions. For their innovation, the team is a winner of the LKY Technology Award.

Profiles and Winning Projects

Profiles of the LKY Model Student/Trainee Award and CCA Award winners can be found in Annex B. Details of the LKY Technology Award winning projects can be found in Annex C.