Javen Francis Koh Wei Yang
Nitec in Business Administration
ITE College Central
Lifting Lives
Javen grew up in a family that is active in philanthropy. Inspired by his family, he developed a strong interest in serving the community from young. This led him to volunteer at Lions Befrienders, a charity that provides care for seniors. He also joined ITE College Central’s Rotaract Club, where he organised and participated in various community service projects.
As President of the Rotaract Club, he would broaden volunteering opportunities for his peers by encouraging them to participate in Lions Befrienders’ community service projects. In school, Javen also actively helped his peers in their studies. He started an after-school revision programme with some classmates, where they would mentor those who need help in their schoolwork.
Guiding Light
“Although I did well in secondary school, I felt that I was lacking opportunities for personal development back then. At ITE, I really enjoyed what I was studying, and I was able to pursue my passion in community service. I also had exceptional lecturers at ITE, who really made the effort to connect with us and care for our well-being. One of them is Mr Zaki Ng. I remember an occasion when I was feeling burnt out from my multiple commitments, and he was there to provide support and advice for me. That meant a lot to me.”
After ITE
Javen is pursuing a Diploma in Maritime Business at Singapore Polytechnic.
Top Achievements
- Distinguishing himself as an exemplary all-rounder, Javen was a recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award (2022).
- He was the champion of a speech competition organised by the Rotary Club of Singapore for ITE students, where he paid tribute to the hard work of frontline workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Javen led his schoolmates to raise almost $1,000 for the Central Singapore Community Development Council’s Children Day’s celebration by selling customised bracelets. The funds were used to purchase necessities for underprivileged children.
- He established a Youth Wing at Lions Befrienders to bring together like-minded youths with a passion in volunteering.
Nurqistina Atiqah Binte Abu Bakar
Higher Nitec in Human Resource & Administration
ITE College East
Aiming for the Courts
Fighting for justice in the courts has always been Nurqistina Atiqah Binte Abu Bakar’s dream but her ‘O’ level Math grade did not meet the minimum requirement for the course of her choice at a polytechnic. Though she was offered a science-related course, Qistina chose to further her studies at ITE instead.
To build up her portfolio and make the best of her two years at ITE, Qistina seized every opportunity offered to her. Her commitment saw her participating in close to 50 college, community and national-level events, while maintaining a near-perfect Grade Point Average. During her internship, her outstanding performance impressed her employer and she emerged as the top intern of her batch in the company.
Though a longer route, the ITE education journey was a most enriching one for Qistina. More importantly, it gave her a second shot at pursuing her legal dreams – in which she was successful!
Network of Support
“I chose ITE because of the internship opportunities. I think internship is very important as it will give me a better sense of working life. The next best thing about ITE would be the amazing people I’ve met – my classmates, the caring lecturers, and my Student Council peers. They were always there to cheer me on and support me; I really appreciate and treasure them.”
After ITE
Qistina is currently pursuing a diploma in Law & Management at Temasek Polytechnic. Inspired by the late criminal lawyer, Subhas Anandan, and his pro-bono cases, she hopes to work in the legal industry and make an impact in the community.
Top Achievements
- Qistina gives her all in everything she does. This was duly recognised through several awards. She earned the Outstanding Graduate Award, CE Community Volunteerism Award and Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award in 2022 and the Service Star Diamond Award in 2021.
- Despite her demanding portfolio, Qistina’s diligence in her studies saw her make the Director’s List in 2020 and 2021.
- As President of the Student Council, Qistina was involved in or organised almost 50 events, including the Credit Suisse Mentoring Programme, ACE Programme, Singapore’s Perspectives Conference and National Day Rally Dialogues.
- Qistina was also a keen volunteer, having participated in several national-level community projects, such as Coding Games for Kids, Digital Learning Circles and Walk for Rice.
Ng Yeong Yee
Nitec in Travel & Tourism Services
ITE College West
Service Superstar
Since young, Ng Yeong Yee has always wanted to join the tourism industry. This ambition spurred her to become a certified Animal Trainer under the Animal Presentation Development Programme during her internship with Jurong Bird Park. While it normally takes six months for a full-time staff to complete the programme, Yeong Yee did it in half the time.
Driven by a strong passion for volunteerism, Yeong Yee also actively sought ways beyond her course to help others. As a team leader, facilitator and volunteer, she spearheaded several community service initiatives in school. Yeong Yee’s exemplary leadership qualities also shone through during her active participation in various community activities. Her enthusiasm and dedication to take on any duties assigned impressed her lecturers and peers.
Reaching for her Goal
“As a student leader, it is fundamental to set clear goals to achieve what is desired. My internship has equipped me with real working experience. I learned how to communicate with people from all walks of life and of different age groups as well. I’m glad to have met many friends in ITE who share the same interest and passion I have in the tourism industry.”
Life after ITE
Yeong Yee is currently pursuing a Diploma in Tourism and Resort Management at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. She aspires to be a motivational speaker to encourage individuals to expand their learning opportunities in achieving their goals.
Top Achievements
- For her excellent contributions, academic performance and conduct, Yeong Yee attained several awards, including Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award 2022, Certificate of Merit (2021), 21st Century Star Award (2021), Edusave Character Award (2020) and EAGLES Award (2020 & 2021).
- Yeong Yee won the Gold Medal for the SBS SPEAK Cluster Competition and emerged as the Best Speaker in the SBS SPEAK Debating Challenge.
- Hardworking and motivated, Yeong Yee achieved a perfect GPA of 4.0. She was also on the Director’s List in 2020 and 2021. This is on top of her active participation in the Student Council. As President, Yeong Yee led a project in hosting a motivational talk for her juniors on adjusting to home-based-learning. She also led a team to conceptualise and create a Fort Canning virtual tour for the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council (VTC) counterparts under the Virtual Exchange Programme, which was co-organised by ITE and VTC.