Address by Mr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment at the 10th ITE-VTC International Student Seminar 2026 Opening

Mr Andrew Chong, Chairman, Institute of Technical Education

The Honourable Jeffrey Lam, Chairman, Vocational Training Council

Mr Paul Chong, Deputy Chairman, VTC

Mr Peter Lam, CEO, Institute of Technical Education

Mr Donald Tong, Executive Director, VTC

Distinguished Guests

Students

1. Good morning. It is my pleasure to join all of you today at the 10th ITE-VTC International Student Seminar.

2. This is the 10th edition, and the deep ties of friendship, the mutual benefits, the opportunities to learn, progress, develop together as institutions and as systems is evident from the conversations that I have had. It is a testament to the hard work and the commitment that the faculty and the students in previous editions have put in to making this partnership work.

3. The benefits that ITE and VTC enjoy today are because of the hard work and the commitment of our predecessors, and so we have the responsibility to throw ourselves into this seminar, this opportunity for partnership, and build on what has been done over the last 10 editions and to strengthen that friendship and collaboration for future success.

4. I have no doubt that you will succeed, because, this seminar has grown into a meaningful platform for friendship, exchange and mutual learning between students from Singapore, Hong Kong and our international partners. What makes this seminar special is not just the presentations and discussions but the opportunity for young people from different backgrounds, people with different life experiences to come together to learn from one another, and to build lasting connections. I am glad that this tradition has endured, and that it continues to bring our institutions and our students closer together.

5. As both chairmen have pointed out, this year’s theme, “Youth Voices in a Changing World” is very timely. Our world today is being shaped by many things that are changing; climate pressures, technological disruption, and geopolitical uncertainty. Technical expertise continues to be important, but alongside technical expertise, you need adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to work across cultures and across disciplines. That is exactly why platforms like these matter; platforms like these give you the opportunity to exchange ideas and see the world through eyes different from your own. My eyes are different from yours, and I am going to give you three of my perspectives that perhaps you might like to think about to help you prepare for the road ahead.

6. First, embrace interdisciplinary thinking. Interdisciplinary thinking is not just knowing about someone else's subjects but also understanding how others approach a problem. How do they see the world, how do they see challenges and solutions, and this is where you have an opportunity to explain your mental model. How do I approach a challenge? What is it that is in my worldview that may be of value? This is what I mean by interdisciplinary thinking.

7. Because he challenges of our time are complex. They do not fit neatly into a single domain. We have what are called “wicked problems”. Sustainability is one example; climate change is no longer a future concern – it is here with us now. Temperatures are climbing and sea levels are rising. We need to ensure our cities remain safe, liveable and resilient for generations to come.

8. How do we do this? No single discipline has all the answers, and no single intervention is going to be a quick fix. The most impactful solutions will come from those who can think broadly, draw connections across fields, and bring different perspectives to bear.

9. Secondly, I am sure you will hear several times across the seminar, is to never stop learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, jobs and daily life faster than most of us expected.

10. AI is just today's disruption, but there will be new ones tomorrow. We cannot predict what they will look like. What we know is that the most resilient people are not necessarily those who have the most answers today. They are those who never stop being curious, who keep learning and adapting throughout their lives. That is who you need to be. Have that habit of learning. That is something you can start building right now, and it will serve you long after you leave this seminar.

11. And third, it seems trite and it seems cliched, but it is to build genuine human connections.

12. Technology, for all its benefits, has also made it easier for us to stay within our own circles and to encounter only ideas and perspectives that are very similar to our own. You can sit at your desk and at home scrolling your phone and you can be thoroughly engaged, but you are engaged perhaps in a smaller shrinking world of ideas that are very similar to your own. In such a world, the ability to build trust and connection across differences become even more valuable. You will have a taste of that this week. You came here as strangers from different cities and different backgrounds, but you will find common ground.

13. That is not a small thing. It is actually significant that we can bring together young people from different backgrounds, different experiences, different cities, and have the confidence to know that you will find common ground if you approach each other with an open mind and heart, extend the hand of friendship, and learn from each other.

14. Recognize how that feels and carry that instinct with you. Engage with curiosity, listen with an open mind, and be willing to see the world through different perspectives. Take the opportunity over the next few days to build friendships and nurture these connections beyond this seminar.

15. Thank you all very much for your effort in making this important collaboration and partnership happen. I wish you all very a fruitful and meaningful seminar ahead. Thank you very much.