SPEECH BY REAR ADMIRAL (NS) TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE,

AT THE 37TH SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC GRADUATION CEREMONY, HELD ON TUESDAY, 29TH JUL 97, AT 10.00 AM, AT KALLANG THEATRE

Polytechnic Education In Singapore

It is my pleasure to join you at the 37th Singapore Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony. This year's Graduation will be held over 10 sessions, including the 2 post-diploma sessions which will be held in early September, with a record number of about 5,700 graduands. This large output, by just a single polytechnic, reflects the rapid growth of polytechnic education over the last decade.

The Government has set a target for the polytechnics to admit 40% of each age cohort. When the new academic year started in early July this year, the 4 polytechnics collectively enrolled a total of 16,000 full-time students. Based on an average of 40,000 students in each age cohort, this means that the target has now been achieved.

While reaching our intake target is an important milestone, our work is not done. We will need to focus on other important issues like the quality of Polytechnic graduates, the relevance of Polytechnic training to the economy and how we can attract well-qualified foreigners to attend local Polytechnics. Having foreign students in our midst at all levels of our education system enriches the learning experience and promotes life-long friendships.

The physical infrastructure will be part of our efforts to invest in and upgrade technical education. In this Polytechnic for instance, the government will be spending $31.5 million in the next two years to expand campus capacity, and to upgrade facilities like classrooms, workshops and canteens.

The good news is that there are plans to construct the new MRT station to be built on Commonwealth Avenue West with a direct connection to the Polytechnic's Phase 5 building. Passengers will be able to go from the trains straight into the building via an overhead link bridge. This station will be the first of its kind in Singapore, linking a tertiary institution to the MRT. When completed, it will serve a wide community of students commuting daily to the schools, technical institutions, polytechnics and university in that busy educational belt. I am sure that the construction of this new station will be welcomed by many.

Attributes of Polytechnic Graduates

The Government is investing heavily in our Polytechnics because the quality of our human resources at all levels is the critical success factor for Singapore. Polytechnic education is unique in that it prepares young people to take on important technical and managerial positions in the economy. Our polytechnics have to develop graduates that possess the right attributes. I will list four.

Firstly, you must possess the capacity to embrace new and emerging technologies, and the creativity to apply them in ways that give Singapore a competitive edge. A technologically savvy workforce will provide that edge that distinguishes us from our competitors.

Secondly, you must never stop learning. What the Polytechnic has taught you is only the beginning of your learning journey. You have another 30 to 40 years of working life ahead. Do take advantage of the many continuing education programmes to "recharge your batteries". Singapore Polytechnic has successfully launched its Virtual College, an innovative computer-based distance learning system, to bring training to a wider audience via remote access.

Thirdly, you should be familiar with the region and the various opportunities it presents. You should be willing to venture out to exploit these opportunities. At the same time, please remember to do so in an ethical way that benefits yourself and your host countries.

Last but not least, you should remain committed to Singapore even as you become successful in a world where talent knows no borders.

"Diamonds" instead of "Pyramids"

In a few year's time, 16,000 polytechnic graduates will join the workforce every year. You will be entering a workplace that is undergoing fundamental change. The globalisation of business opens up more opportunities, but also more intense competition.

It is reasonable for you to wonder how you can get ahead when each year, 20% of each cohort will have completed University education and another 40% will have Polytechnic qualifications. Some of you may wonder how hard you need to work to get to the top.

The answer is that the workplace is changing and the roles of managers and workers are being re-defined. If I may use an analogy, the old pyramid structure with a small elite group of University graduates at the apex being supported by a large group of technologists and middle managers who are in turn supported by a large base of workers, is slowly giving way to a "diamond".

In the emerging structure, there will be well-trained people at all levels - about 40% from the Polytechnics, 20% from the Universities and 25% from the ITE. Each one will be expected to be independent, resourceful and self-motivated. He will be expected to contribute not just labour hours to his company, but ideas and suggestions to get the job done better and to get more business. Whether you are working for a company or later on decide to strike out on your own to start your own company, it is not just the qualifications that you possess but your personal qualities such as entrepreneurship, creativity and drive that will take you on to success in life. The more value you are asked to create, the more you will be valued by your employer.

As polytechnic graduates you leave with the skills that will give you a good start in life. Make the best of the many opportunities that are open to you.

Community of Polytechnic Graduates

For those of you graduating this year, I hope that you will keep in touch with your alma mater. Many of you will look back upon your polytechnic years as some of the best times of your lives. You belong to a long line of Singapore Polytechnic graduates and an ever-growing body of Polytechnic graduates in Singapore who have distinguished themselves in industry and commerce. Please return to share your valuable experiences and resources to benefit future generations of students.

In closing, I congratulate you on the successful completion of your polytechnic career. I offer you my best wishes as you embark on your future careers. For the gentlemen who are still serving your national service, I wish you a very rewarding experience during this important period of your lives.

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