Opening Address by VTC Chairman, The Honourable Jeffrey Lam, at the Opening Cremony of the VTC-ITE International Student Seminar 2026

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

Mr Andrew Chong
Chairman of ITE,

Mr Goh Choon Phong
Deputy Chairman of ITE,

Mr Peter Lam
CEO of ITE,

ITE, VTC and Shenzhen Polytechnic University Friends,

Distinguished Speakers, Guests, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Good morning!  It is a great pleasure to be here in Singapore for the Opening Ceremony of the ITE-VTC International Student Seminar (ISS) 2026.  On behalf of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), I would like to sincerely thank the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), our long-standing and valued partner, for your warm hospitality and for co-organising this meaningful event with us. 

2. This is my first-time joining ISS, and I am glad to be here to celebrate the 10th edition of ISS with all of you today.  The partnership between VTC and ITE has long been built on a shared purpose.  Since 2007, we have worked side by side to organise this biennial seminar, taking turns to host it in Hong Kong and Singapore, fostering a strong and enduring bond.  Over the past decades, this seminar has become a vibrant platform connecting our citizens, particularly youths, across borders.   Today, more than 600 staff and students from VTC, ITE and Shenzhen Polytechnic University have come together here, and the energy in the hall is truly inspiring. 

3. This year’s theme, “Youth Voices in a Changing World” is particularly relevant.  We are all living through a time of rapid changes.  New technologies, especially AI, are transforming how we learn, work and live.  At the same time, we are challenged to build cities that are not only innovative, but also sustainable and inclusive.  In times like these, platforms like ISS matter even more.   ISS provides us excellent physical opportunities to exchange ideas, to learn from one another, and to see the world from different perspectives.  And very often, it is through these conversations — direct, honest exchanges — that new ideas spark.  I encourage all of you to take full advantage of this quality platform to make the most of these three days.  Be curious, speak up, listen deeply, and build connections that could last well beyond the ISS.  

4. We are also honoured to have an excellent lineup of speakers.  Today, Professor CHEONG Koon Hoon, Chair of LKY Centre for Innovative Cities, will share insights on how innovation is shaping our cities.  In the coming days, Mr Richard GOH, Head of Strategic Initiatives at Amazon Web Services, will explore how AI is transforming the future World, and Mr Bosco NG, Founder and Director of WEDO Global, Hong Kong, will share his experience in promoting inclusion through social enterprises.  I am sure you will find their perspectives both insightful and inspiring.

5. As you navigate the activities ahead, remember that your voice matters.  Each of you brings your own experience and ideas, and together, you help shape the future we share.

6. Finally, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the management and staff of ITE for their dedication and excellent work in organising this seminar.  I look forward to the presentations and exhibitions over next three days.  I wish you all a fruitful, inspiring, and enjoyable experience at ISS 2026.

7. Thank you.