ISSUE 1 2020
A publication of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
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http://bit.ly/NP_Knowdell contents highlights
12 New Courses at Ngee Ann Polytechnic
14 Designs to empower NP's School of Design & Environment embarks on projects to benefit the community
16 Business Digitalisation made easy SMEs get a helping hand in adopting digital technologies
18 NP unites in the face of COVID-19 Staff and students reach out to the communities
20 A film tribute to everyday Singaporeans
the last page
cover story 21 Graduation at home - #NPGRAD2020 08 ALL SET FOR THE FUTURE Our future-ready top graduates are set to make an impact in society COVER PHOTO: ISTOCK
ISSUE 1 2020
A publication of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
CLASS OF 2020: A VIRTUAL GOODBYE Our Class of 2020 surfs over the tides of change
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE EDITOR features Sangeetha Naidu SENIOR DESIGNER Career jumpstart for fresh grads Thrive in the New Normal Frances Sim 02 Helping Ngee Ann’s Class of 2020 06 CET courses galore for aspiring WRITER mitigate COVID-19 challenges managers, back-to-work mums and Chan Yee Chun the fight against COVID-19 infection CONTRIBUTORS 04 Transforming living and learning Lea Wee, Amelia Chua
For enquiries, contact us at [email protected]
1 features
CAREER JUMPSTART FOR FRESH GRADS Ngee Ann steps forward to help Class of 2020 mitigate COVID-19 challenges
CAREER JUMPSTART hope to pay it forward to other students and equip myself Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) Class of 2020 are entering the with useful media skills for the future,” said Maxine. job market amid great uncertainty in the Covid-19 economic There are also over 150 work-study programme slowdown. To mitigate the impact, NP curated a “Career placements for graduates to embark on a rewarding career Jumpstart” support package for them, offering close to 400 while deepening their professional skills and knowledge. employment and learning opportunities. Graduates can access On top of this, all 4,500 Class of 2020 graduates were jobs and upskilling options such as work-study programmes, or gifted with two complimentary courses to equip them with even embark on exciting industry projects. professional and life skills to stay on top of change. Through For instance, budding web content developers, digital these programmes, graduates can pick up in-demand skills, marketing communications specialists and those with a keen industry advice and career hacks, while networking with interest in research can look forward to NP’s campus job peers and practitioners to share ideas and acquire new placements. knowledge. When Mass Communication graduate Maxine Angela learnt that there was a marketing position available at NP to raise GOSCHOOL TO GROW GO LANGUAGE TALENT POOL funds for its needy students, she applied for the role to further Go, Google’s programming language has topped the list hone her media and marketing skills. Maxine is currently a of in-demand software skills in a 2020 survey by Hired, a Student & Alumni Services Executive, developing marketing career marketplace that matches tech talent with innovative materials to help in fund-raising for students in need. companies. With Go’s growing popularity, Ngee Ann “I’ve received assistance from NP as a student through Polytechnic (NP), Indorse and OpenNodes launched GoSchool, bursaries and grants. Through my current fundraising work, I the first Go programming language academy in Singapore.
“Our students are graduating in uncertain times and their initiation into the working world has been overshadowed by an unprecedented upheaval. The impetus for these initiatives is to empower our Class of 2020 to face the future confidently. It is our hope that these support measures we have curated will give them an edge in this challenging climate and inspire a passion for continued learning.” - Mr Clarence Ti, Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic
2 Targeting aspiring coders and enthusiast programmers, proficient Go developers, so this is a great opportunity for me to GoSchool aims to train competent Go developers to meet the build on my skills and gain in-depth knowledge about a career as talent needs of fast-expanding companies like FoodPanda, a developer,” she shares. Shopee and Zalora, which require their backend services to be The 10-week GoSchool programme will serve as a career highly scalable, efficient and reliable. springboard, offering over 150 job placement opportunities as NP’s Information Technology graduate, Melissa Ng enrolled well as three-month industry internships. NP has availed these in GoSchool, as she wanted to develop her existing skills while career-boosting opportunities for its Class of 2020 graduates as keeping up with industry trends. “The current market lacks part of its Career Jumpstart initiative.
AT A NGEE ANN’S CAREER JUMPSTART PACKAGE GLANCE FOR CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES GoSchool Startup Talent Factory Career Portal Learn Google’s latest programming Experience startup life and hone Graduates can explore job language in just 10 weeks. Successful entrepreneurial skills through a opportunities offered by Ngee applicants can secure job and flexible 9-12 month work-study Ann and its industry partners. internship opportunities. programme.
PUTTING SKILLS TO WORK Community+ SME Lab Industry Projects Volunteer in underprivileged Get involved in consultancy From robot engineering to R&D roles, communities and make a positive projects to help local SMEs move graduates can look forward to exciting impact. up the digital ladder. industry projects and mentorships.
UP YOUR GAME Upskill Building a Startup Career Consult Pick up professional & life skills Have a smart business idea Learn from career experts and get through a complimentary Masters that needs a boost? Aspiring access to job search tips, resources Collective online experience, plus a free entrepreneurs can get expert advice and interview insights to boost job post-diploma certificate, bootcamp on how to run a successful startup search opportunities programme or SkillsFuture course to open doors to a fulfilling career.
3 features TRANSFORMING Living and Learning
Director of the School of Health Sciences, Dr Phang Chiew Hun, gives a presentation at a MANPIT event.
PAVING THE WAY FOR INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS Persons with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers now have an innovative way to help them manage their condition. The new multi-sensory therapy tool, “halcyon.” comprises three components - a handheld therapeutic device, an interactive digital game and a data analytics web application. Using sensory therapy, “halcyon.” helps PwD gain a sense of control and connection with reality, and facilitates self- expression. Meanwhile, the web application generates suggestions for caregivers to restart conversations emerged from NP’s two-year collaboration with Finland’s with their charges and strengthen their relationship. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Working alongside a “halcyon.” was developed by a group of six Ngee Ann local eldercare service provider Hovi Care, the Metropolia and NP Polytechnic (NP) students from the Nursing and Information Innovate Together (MANPIT) initiative seeks to develop innovative Security & Forensics diploma courses. They were inspired to healthcare solutions for Singapore’s ageing community. work on this innovation after noticing high burnout rates among Under MANPIT, students from both institutions will also gain the caregivers of PwD. opportunities for exposure in gerontological nursing through This novel therapy idea was also one of the projects that project partnerships and sharing sessions.
4 Scan the code to see how Coddie, a robot teaching assistant, is Coddie tells stories and currently on trial at Hougang Primary School. conducts mathematics class! Source: Lianhe Zaobao © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction
LESSONS FROM A ROBOT Coddie will deliver part of the lesson content in an interactive Going to school is a lot more fun when your “teacher” is a robot. and engaging way, ask questions, encourage and remind That is what students from Hougang Primary School are students and conduct assessments. During Coddie’s lesson, discovering in a trial with Coddie (“Coding Buddies in Education”), a a teacher will assess student responses in real-time and can cloud-based educational robot that delivers lessons and collects focus on assisting the weaker students after Coddie’s real-time data on their class performance. The smart assistant session. was the product of a collaboration between the school and Ngee In addition, students will be able to learn programming Ann Polytechnic’s Robotics Research & Innovation Centre. and develop computational thinking skills. “We’ve specially Teachers and even students can easily make use of designed a robot that is easy to use and programme. We also Microsoft PowerPoint to develop class materials for Coddie and hope to involve students in writing programming scripts – that programme it to “teach”. Before class, teachers can customise way, they get to learn IT skills and can programme the robot lessons by pre-selecting the audio-visual materials to be played. to perform any other tasks,” said NP Lecturer Mr Li Yinbei.
CROSSING THE ROAD SAFELY, VIRTUALLY made sure that the virtual simulation Before starting on their final-year project, NP’s Electrical was realistic, so children can transfer the Engineering Class of 2020 graduates Su Mon Than and Guan Siyi skills they have mastered in the virtual visited social service agency, SPD, to learn more about children environment to the real world. with autism. During the meeting, they found that it was a “The occupational and speech therapists challenge for these children to learn to cross busy streets safely. at SPD have provided very useful insights about children with Both Mon Than and Siyi thus set their mind to find a way for autism. Our students learnt about these children’s needs and these children to practise road safety in a safe and controlled how technology can help them develop critical life skills,” said environment. To do that, they used virtual reality (VR) technology Lecturer Mr Eric Chin, who supervised the project. to develop a programme that simulates traffic crossings with He added: “Children with autism learn best through various scenarios. During the practice, the children will wear repeated practice in real-life settings. However, we cannot a VR headset and attempt to cross the “road” in a simulated apply this conventional method in teaching them to cross environment independently. Meanwhile, their therapists will observe the road as we may expose them to great danger. Hence, we their actions and provide them with timely feedback. Through have created a VR platform for them to pick up such skills repeated practice, these children with autism will eventually gain effectively. We hope to introduce more simulated scenarios confidence and learn to cross the road safely on their own. and games to make learning more fun and engaging for Together with the therapists from SPD, the NP students them.”
5 features THRIVE IN THE NEW NORMAL From empowering mumpreneurs, to developing a diploma for aspiring managers, Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses are helping to better prepare our workforce for the new normal TEXT: LEA WEE & CHAN YEE CHUN
NEW DIPLOMA FOR ASPIRING MANAGERS NP’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies and CET Academy have developed a new part-time diploma to enable working adults who have had domain expertise and technical skills but not the generic competencies to become effective managers and supervisors at their workplace. Known as the Diploma in Applied Management for the Future Workplace, it is the first such diploma that equips learners with a very extensive set of generic competencies such as digital literacy and people management skills. The course is particularly relevant for employees who have risen from rank and file, and might have lacked the soft skills to lead teams. It also prepares these would-be managers with digital skills to thrive in the increasingly digital economy.
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6 FREE ONLINE COURSE ON BREAKING INFECTION CHAIN Members of the public can now better understand the coronavirus infection and how to stop its spread by signing up for a free 40-minute course online. The “Infection Control & Prevention 101” course was launched by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and microlearning platform Gnowbe in March this year. The course, developed by NP’s School of Health Sciences in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has benefitted over 8,000 learners locally. Originally in English, it has been translated into 12 other languages including Urdu, Korean and Bengali. At the request of the Ministry of Health (MOH), NP’s School of Health Sciences and CET Academy developed another microlearning course on the Gnowbe learning platform this May. This specially customised course trains volunteers to conduct safe and effective swab tests, as the volume of daily swab tests for COVID-19 at community care facilities and nursing homes rose. Volunteers who have been enrolled in the course said it had boosted their knowledge and confidence.
Scan the code to pick up this free online course
EMPOWERING BACK-TO-WORK MOTHERS Ageism, technological and skills gaps are some key obstacles faced by women looking to re-join the workforce. This observation was based on the experiences of almost 40,000 Mums@Work (MW) members, Singapore’s first career portal supporting women to strike the perfect balance between work and family. In October last year, these mothers and aspiring mumpreneurs received more support in restarting their careers, as Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) partnered MW to curate programmes for them. These ranged from professional image makeovers to digital portfolio development and resume-writing. Mumpreneurs were also trained in e-commerce and digital analytics to help them boost their home-based businesses. To further bridge the digital divide faced by MW members, programmes on digital skills and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and fintech, were also made available to Mums@Work Founder, Mrs Sher-Li Torrey, and Principal of Ngee Ann them. Among them was an eight-week “SkillsFuture Work-Study Polytechnic, Mr Clarence Ti, at the MOU signing ceremony. Programme - Bootcamp in Digital Marketing and Branding”. Over 60 per cent of bootcamp participants secured a placement with Ms Christy Chung, Director of NP’s CET Academy, said, “As a industry partners after the programme. mother of five, I had been away from work for extended periods “An integral part of reintegration is upskilling and staying in five times over. I can fully understand that the days leading up touch with the latest trends and knowledge. With NP’s suite of to returning to work may be daunting. I am thus grateful for courses, the member-mums in our network can rediscover their this opportunity to collaborate with MW to co-curate learning career paths and find different courses to help them restart or itineraries for mumpreneurs and returning mums. Whether they develop their career or entrepreneurial journey,” said Mrs Sher- are restarting, re-anchoring or rediscovering their careers, there Li Torrey, MW Founder. is an itinerary for each of them.”
7 cover story
All Set For THE KOH CHAN HONG FUTURE These future-ready top graduates are set to make
an impact in society TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
SECURING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE Course: Information Security & Forensics we received definitely helped us to do well,” said Chan Awards: Ngee Ann Kongsi Gold Medal & Lee Kuan Yew Award Hong. “Our proudest ‘moment’ after bringing home the Formerly from: School of Science and Technology bronze medal was a personal mention by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on his Facebook page!” He was already building mobile apps in secondary school Ever on a quest to broaden his skillsets, Chan Hong and embarked on his first app development internship at the undertook internships and projects at startups, from tender age of 15. It is no wonder then that Koh Chan Hong’s software development for cryptocurrency payment resume - which includes representing Singapore at a podium products and building an AI-driven data visualisation finish at the WorldSkills competition in Kazan last year – platform to creating a real-time collaboration work tool already resembles that of a more seasoned IT professional. for remote teams. Chan Hong’s first internship at digital agency, Codigo, Chan Hong was also an active student leader at saw him creating mobile apps for clients, alongside senior NP, helping to head a cybersecurity interest group and developers. That led him to take Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s a programming interest group. He is also a founding (NP) Information Security & Forensics course to hone his member of Cyber Youth Singapore, an open cybersecurity cybersecurity skills. “I didn’t want to be developing vulnerable community for youths. software for my clients in the future,” he shared. “I hope to use my skills to make banking services Chan Hong’s skills were put to the test at the WorldSkills more accessible to underprivileged communities in the competition. He and his teammate were evaluated on future. My dream is also to create a decentralised finance malware analysis, digital forensics and penetration testing – platform providing access to sound financial services areas in which he was already well-grounded. and a secure transactional currency via blockchain “Our strong foundation at NP and the additional coaching technology,” said Chan Hong.
8 JOHN LIU
SUI HUI PING
PUSHING SCIENTIFIC BOUNDARIES Course: Molecular Biotechnology Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Achievement Award ENGINEERING SOCIAL CHANGE Formerly from: Canberra Secondary School Course: Engineering Science Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic What drives John Liu is his spirit of excellence and the joy of Outstanding Achievement Award making new discoveries. Formerly from: Geylang Methodist Secondary School Studying biology in secondary school was what first sparked the Molecular Biotechnology graduate’s passion in the field. The As a primary one student, Sui Hui Ping was already serving as a dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the subject, and how it care ambassador in her class and would accompany classmates can be a means to solve real-world problems, appealed to him. who were unwell to the sick bay. She bagged a school award for “It was especially fascinating to learn about genetic her efforts, and was spurred to continue helping others. engineering. With this knowledge, we can develop methods to At Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Hui Ping continued to serve, overcome the challenges of our time, such as genetic disorders on both the committees of the Engineering Science Society, and food security,” said John. as well as Rangers, a team of student outreach leaders whom As a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student, he amassed work she describes as “my second family”. In her leadership roles, experience in research laboratories, including the Genome she mentored junior students, assisted in spearheading school Institute of Singapore. He also volunteered to assist his events, and organised welfare and bonding activities. lecturers in their research projects during his school holidays. Driven by a desire to build a strong foundation for her These stints deepened John’s passion for the sciences, fuelling degree studies, Hui Ping chose NP’s Engineering Science his dream to start his own laboratory and propel local scientific course, as it would provide her with early exposure to university research to the next level. research and curricula. In fact, her final-year project was a “These interactions taught me the importance of constantly research and development collaboration with a professor from innovating and asking myself how things can be done better,” he the National University of Singapore (NUS). shared. “We researched and tested the efficacy of industrial- Outside of the laboratory, John volunteers as a Cadet strength tape as a capacitor in harvesting energy from Inspector in the National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC). electrodes. Seeing our professor and university research “I joined the NPCC as a co-curricular activity in secondary students at work, and brainstorming with them was an eye- school. It has helped me to develop self-discipline and self- opening experience,” said Hui Ping. confidence. Having grown so much personally, I hope to make a Hui Ping’s engineering background has honed her in difference in the lives of others too,” he said. systematic, critical thinking and innovative ideation. And she has plans to put these capabilities to good use, along with her strong sense of empathy. “I would love to work in a role where I can provide direct aid to those who need it the most,” she shared. “My dream is to travel to rural communities and use my skills to make a difference to the underprivileged as a medical sociologist.”
9 cover story
MAKING HIS MARK IN DESIGN INNOVATION Course: Product Design & Innovation Awards: Lee Kuan Yew Award & Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Achievement Award BENJAMIN TOH Formerly from: Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
Opportunity favours the bold – this is an attitude that Product Design & Innovation graduate Benjamin Toh embraces. And it is why he decided to self-source work opportunities in design projects for major companies and immerse myself in a different companies, even during the school holidays at Ngee Ann environment. It broadened my perspectives,” said Benjamin, who Polytechnic (NP). is thankful for the myriad opportunities that had come his way “I wanted to put my time to good use and gain more work in NP, including participating in an innovation challenge in Hong experience,” said Benjamin, who eventually scored jobs at a local Kong and a community service project in Laos. design consultancy and an engineering company. “Although work Benjamin’s creative works have been recognised at was hectic, I learnt to be disciplined and manage my time well. prestigious design competitions. He also won the first prize in These are important skills that I will need to succeed in the future the Omni Remotes Design Competition for developing a multi- workplace across any industry.” functional remote control prototype. Benjamin also did a six-month overseas internship at Kohler “These competitions provide platforms to showcase Design Studio in Shanghai, China, during his final year at NP. He our products in the market, and to demonstrate that we, as performed so well that his employer offered him a job at the firm, designers, can push the boundaries of what is possible,” shared even before his graduation. Benjamin, who hopes to create innovative solutions that improve “My overseas internship gave me a chance to work on the lives of others.
NP’S PIONEER BATCH OF EAE STUDENTS GRADUATE – AND SOME AT THE TOP OF THEIR CLASS They entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) via the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) three years ago, as the pioneer cohort of secondary school students who secured a place in their dream course based on their passion and aptitude. The first batch of EAE students at NP did well, with some even taking top spots in their courses. We highlight two outstanding EAE graduates and their NP journey.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Course: Mass Communication Course: Tamil Studies with Early Education Awards: Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Award: PAP Community Foundation Achievement Award, MediaCorp Gold Medal & Prize, Silver Medal Captive Media Prize and Ethos Prize Naseema Begum Formerly from: Broadrick Secondary Denyse Tan Formerly from: Nan Hua High School School
As the president of her secondary school’s Infocomm Club, When NP first launched the Diploma in Tamil Studies in Early Denyse discovered her knack for photography and storytelling. Education (TSE) in 2016, Naseema Begum immediately knew Wanting to secure an early spot at NP’s School of Film & Media that this was the course she wanted to pursue. She had always Studies to pursue her passion, she decided to apply via the EAE. enjoyed creating engaging teaching kits to help her younger “The desire to study what I’m passionate about motivated brother with his lessons. She also had a keen interest in the Tamil me to challenge myself and capitalise on opportunities that language and participated in many Tamil language competitions. came my way,” said Denyse, who was the president of FMS “Applying for the TSE course through the EAE turned out to Agents, her school’s student ambassadorial unit. She also be the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Naseema. went on an overseas immersion programme to Shanghai and In NP, Naseema completed a three-month internship at completed a six-month internship there. an MOE kindergarten. Witnessing how her teaching positively Denyse is grateful for the exposure she has gained as an impacted her students, Naseema was convinced that she had NP student. She will be pursuing the Philosophy, Politics, and made the right choice. Her overseas immersion stint in India gave Economics major at Yale-NUS College under the Enterprise Naseema a deeper appreciation of the importance of education Singapore Global Executive Scholarship. and the integral role of a teacher in empowering their students.
10 BANKING ON A DREAM TO DO GOOD Course: Banking & Financial Services ZENITH TAY Awards: Lien Ying Chow Gold Medal & Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Achievement Award Formerly from: Saint Joseph’s Institution
Accomplished Banking & Financial Services (BFS) graduate That was the turning point in Zenith’s life. When he entered Zenith Tay has turned over a new leaf since he dropped out Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), he was determined to make a fresh of secondary school six years ago. Back then, he had been start and build upon his interest in finance, which had first been blindsided by the shocking news of his parents’ divorce. piqued when he attended a course on foreign exchange trading. “My family had always been my motivation for studying hard. “NP gave me many opportunities to develop myself. During When my family fell apart, so did my drive to do well in school,” my internship at IJK Capital Partners, I helped to organise said Zenith. “I skipped classes and eventually dropped out of a high-level corporate event and got to interact with CEOs school. from large companies and investment firms,” said Zenith. “In “While working as a waiter, I met colleagues who were addition, I gained exposure to different areas of finance such as struggling financially due to their lack of education. One was derivatives product trading, private equities and hedge funds.” a mother who juggled three jobs to put her daughter through Zenith also had the opportunity to develop himself through university. Another was a dishwasher whose salary remained low an exchange programme in the Philippines, where he visited a despite her hard labour. This made me realise the importance of rural school for students with learning disabilities. a good education and I decided to return to school to sit for the “The teachers purchased teaching aids and tools with ‘O’ levels,” he added. their own meagre salaries. I was moved by their dedication to provide the best possible education, even in a small village,” he said. “It sparked my desire to contribute to global communities through education funding. I aspire to be a private equities or hedge fund trader, and use my success to make a difference to the less privileged.”
CHENG SHI HUI
REBOUNDING FROM lecturers, Shi Hui’s life took a turn for the better. From an SETBACKS introvert, she was transformed into an outgoing and confident Course: Mechanical Engineering young lady. Award: Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal At Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Shi Hui continued to discover Formerly from: ITE College West and Assumption English School her potential. During an overseas immersion trip to Sichuan, China, she volunteered to be the group leader and even planned Mechanical Engineering graduate Cheng Shi Hui is no stranger activities for her peers. to the hard life. After an accident that left her father jobless, “I felt a great sense of achievement in being able to she became her family’s breadwinner when she was just 14 years contribute, whether it was in mediating differing opinions or old. In addition, Shi Hui had to juggle her studies while caring for comforting homesick friends,” said Shi Hui. her family. Looking back, Shi Hui believes that she managed to pull through “It was incredibly challenging and I was tempted to give the difficult times because of the support she had received. up many times,” recalled Shi Hui. “Thankfully, my teachers and “I hope to pay it forward by motivating students who are friends were always encouraging, and I managed to focus and struggling with financial and family issues. I want to let them study hard.” know that I understand the situation they are in and assure But Shi Hui hit yet another stumbling block – she did not them that they are not alone,” said Shi Hui, who volunteers as perform well in her ‘N’ levels and became discouraged. a mentor to secondary school students. With her desire in Fortunately, she decided to enrol in the Institute of Technical reaching out to students, it is no surprise that her aspiration is Education (ITE). Heartened by the care and nurture of her ITE to become a teacher.
11 highlights NEW COURSES at Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Prospective students are set to benefit from three new courses offered by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), starting from April 2020. The diplomas in Community Development, Design and Media Post-Production will equip future-ready students with multiple skillsets for a head start in today’s new economy.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Offered by the School of Humanities & Social Sciences Our Diploma in Community Development is the result of merging the Business & Social Enterprise and Psychology Studies programmes. It trains students to understand human behaviour, discover community needs, and create solutions to serve and empower communities. Freshmen to hone their social entrepreneurship skills. will learn about community needs and be introduced to This diploma will train graduates to join the community psychology, sociology and the local social service sector development and social services sectors which are growing through Community Kickstarter, one of the course’s and expanding their talent pool. They can pursue meaningful signature programmes. In their second year, they will careers such as programme coordinator, volunteer learn about managing social service organisations; and executive, youth worker or social work associate. With the social work marketing, research and counselling. Final- skills they have acquired from the course, they can also year students will gain industry exposure through Social choose to join other sectors and work in a wide variety Innovation in Action, a practicum with key social service of job roles such as marketing, communications, event and non-profit partners; or get to start their own social management or community engagement executive. They can enterprise. They will also go on local or overseas internships even launch their own social enterprise!
NURTURING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Enterprising secondary school and ITE students can learn the ropes their own business proposals. The Sandbox will look through of starting or managing a business, thanks to a free online course every proposal and provide detailed advice for students to take launched by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) from April to June this year. their first step towards entrepreneurship. Featuring engaging bite-sized videos as well as tips from There is a bonus for these students if they are also successful entrepreneurs, the six-hour Entrepreneurship First considering applying to BA, FMS and ICT via the Early Steps (EFS) course is a collective effort by NP’s innovation Admissions Exercise (EAE) – which offers students a conditional and entrepreneurship office The Sandbox and three academic place based on their aptitude and interest. With the completion schools – Business & Accountancy (BA), Film & Media Studies of the EFS, they can boost their portfolio submission for (FMS) and InfoComm Technology (ICT). their EAE application and wow the interviewers with their Students who complete the course will be able to develop entrepreneurial ambition.
12 DESIGN Offered by the School of Design & Environment To groom designers with a solid foundation across multiple disciplines including arts, business and engineering, and who will be equally at home in design and non-design sectors, we merged our Product Design & Innovation and Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering programmes. The new Diploma in Design also gives students the option of specialising in Architecture or Product Innovation. Signature programmes such as Design Playbook let students build strong design fundamentals in their first year, before being exposed to real-world environments and deepening their skillsets through Design Immersion in their second year. Design Beyond will see final-year students undergo local or overseas internships and work with organisations to co-create design solutions. Graduates of this diploma will acquire skills that are there will be 80% more design-related jobs in non-design mapped to the skills framework for the design industry, companies, such as architectural and interior design firms, which will ensure that they will enjoy good career consumer and industrial product developers, furniture prospects. In fact, the demand for designers is also makers, packaging or branding design houses, as well as growing in the non-design sector. It is projected that communication and service/experience design firms.
MEDIA POST-PRODUCTION Offered by the School of Film & Media Studies We also merged our Visual Effects and Audio-Visual Technology programmes to offer students the new Diploma in Media Post-Production course, which broadens their employment opportunities in the arts, design and media sectors. This diploma focuses on the use of new media technologies and tools to create interactive and immersive content for film, television and live stage performances. First-year students will learn post- production fundamentals, storytelling techniques and design principles, and start developing their portfolio of motion graphic videos. In their second year, they will master the craft behind staging live events, through audio-visual set-up, projection technologies, stage lighting and effects, and hone their skills in creating 3D motion production, live stage show and setup areas. They can graphics. Final-year students will learn to manage a media pursue a career as a post-production assistant, video editor, business, and undertake an internship and capstone sound editor and engineer or motion graphics artist. They project. can also join the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and With the increasing demand for multi-skilled visual Exhibitions (MICE), Arts and Entertainment industries as effects producers, graduates from this diploma will be part of the production or technical support crew or as floor able to launch rewarding careers in the media post- manager.
13 highlights DESIGNS TO EMPOWER Ngee Ann’s School of Design & Environment embarks on projects to benefit the community TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
Walking Made Easier Christine’s hands-free crutch mimics natural A desire to help her colleague who was using crutches was the inspiration behind leg movements, and can be adjusted at the Christine Yeap’s project – a hands-free crutch to facilitate easy movement. knee, ankle and foot. “During my internship, I met a colleague who was struggling with simple tasks like walking, holding her handphone, and drinking water on the go, as the crutches caused discomfort on her palms, shoulders and ankles. I wanted to do something to help people like her who depend on crutches to move around,” shared Christine. The Product Design & Innovation student's crutch was developed based on the concept behind bionic prosthetic legs. Incorporating more joints to mimic natural leg movements, Christine fine-tuned her design to make the crutch hands- free, improve its flexibility and allow for adjustments at the knee, ankle and foot. Christine also intentionally designed the crutch to complement formal outfits, making it a perfect fit for working adults. “With its simple streamlined design, it is much less noticeable than a normal crutch,” she said.
No Fear of Needles When he was a student at the Institute of Technical Education, Muhammad Hafiz Bin Mohammad Sadli designed an assistive device to help the elderly sit and rise from chairs more easily for his final-year project. This drove the Product Design & Innovation student to further explore the possibilities of design and how it could improve the quality of healthcare in Singapore. Inspired by innovative injections that tap on vibrations and low temperature to distract patients from pain and discomfort, Hafiz designed a product for children which physically blocks the needle from their sight during injections. It also features gentle vibrations - produced by a coin
A digital rendering motor positioned along the child’s forearm - as a of Hafiz’s design, distraction. which aims to make injections a less painful Hafiz hopes to collaborate with hospitals on the experience for children. development of his design for their young patients.
14 The Bakers Beyond studio empowers mothers to earn a living by selling their baked goods.
Cookies for a Cause “We could see the joy in the mothers’ faces when the baking A six-year partnership between Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) etc. studio was completed. They no longer need to shuttle between lab and Beyond Social Services (BSS) has sparked a range of rental kitchens all over Singapore,” said Mr Raja Mohammad initiatives catering to the underprivileged. Fairuz, an NP lecturer who consulted on the project. “BB was able In 2018, staff at etc.lab, an inter-disciplinary collaborative to fulfil orders for its Christmas and Lunar New Year festive bake design and research centre, embarked on pro-bono consultancy sales at the baking studio.” services for BSS’s new baking studio. Known as Bakers Beyond etc.lab is currently collaborating with BSS on #sgjoypack, (BB), it provided a baking space for a community of mothers an initiative for the public to sponsor festive food packs for living in rental flats, enabling them to earn an income through low-income families. BB will contribute its baked products and baking sales. receive a portion of the proceeds. The etc.lab team also conducted several co-creation “We are developing an ecosystem for BB to take orders workshops for BB, involving the mothers in space planning and during both festive and non-peak seasons. We hope to empower the selection of building materials and finishes. With NP students more beneficiaries through the baking and entrepreneurial skills helping to assemble furnishings, the baking studio was officially that they can learn at the baking studio,” said Mr Raja. opened on 25 Nov 2019.
A Twist is All It Takes Damian Lim was brainstorming ideas for his final-year project design on kitchen Twist is a compact bottle- accessories when he chanced upon a range of kitchen equipment created specially opener designed to be used with for the visually-impaired by local industrial designer, Kevin Chiam. just one hand. “Inspired by his simple yet effective designs, I felt that this would be the perfect opportunity to create a meaningful product to empower people with disabilities,” said Damian. After observing his friends and family struggling to open bottles whenever their hands were greasy, the Product Design & Innovation student realised that such tasks would prove even more challenging for those with limited or one-sided mobility. With no similar products currently available for these users, Damian’s design, Twist, aims to fill the gap. The compact, ergonomically-designed device will enable users to singlehandedly open bottle caps of most sizes as its rubber ribs provide an added grip for more stability while twisting the cap open. Damian is looking to further refine Twist and make it available to users on the market.
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BUSINESS DIGITALISATION MADE EASY Small and medium enterprises get a helping hand in adopting digital technologies TEXT: AMELIA CHUA With the COVID-19 outbreak, local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have had to circumvent economic disruptions, while tackling major changes in business practices and consumer habits. Now, they can get help with mitigating these challenges, thanks to BEYOND Lab. Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) CET Academy and Singapore Management University (SMU) are programme partners of the digital academy, in charge of content and curriculum design. Launched in March, BEYOND Lab aims to provide subsidised courses to equip SMEs with the relevant skills and knowledge for digital transformation. (Seated from left): SMU vice provost Mr Steven Miller, SBF chief executive Mr Ho Meng Kit and Following diagnostic evaluation to set NP Principal Mr Clarence Ti, and (Standing from left): SMU Academy executive director Ms Lim Lai Cheng, Beyond consortium chairman-designate Mr Gan Chee Yen, SMU Professor of Finance performance targets and prioritise (Practice) Prof Annie Koh, at the MOU signing ceremony, on March 18, 2020. areas of growth, they are matched to SkillsFuture Singapore programmes Bootcamps within NP’s CET Academy. “Ngee Ann Polytechnic will make offered by NP and SMU alongside This initiative by Singapore Business available its existing courses to support curated tech partners for digital process Federation and V3 Fintech seeks to SMEs’ transformation and upskilling of applications within their business. empower SMEs to adapt, build resilience their staff. We look forward to being part SMEs can look forward to benefit from and cope with untimely disruptions of BEYOND Lab’s network and developing subsidised courses such as, “Artificial through digital transformations for new programmes together,” said Ngee Intelligence in Finance” and Data Science sustainable business growth. Ann Polytechnic Principal, Mr Clarence Ti.
GIVING SINGAPORE’S CYBERSECURITY AN ADDED BOOST Polytechnic teams up with Group-IB to train cybersecurity talents and develop solutions to keep cyber threats at bay
A partnership between Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Group-IB diploma course. CSF students can gain hands-on experience will see a range of cybersecurity initiatives implemented to thwart through internship opportunities at Group-IB as well as through cybercrime and develop cyber defence measures. Group-IB is undertaking cybersecurity threat and penetration testing a Singapore-based provider of solutions aimed at detection and projects. They will also have opportunities to research and develop prevention of cyberattacks, online fraud, IP protection and high- solutions to new cyber threats within the region. tech crime investigations. “NP is pleased to partner Group-IB to enhance our course This collaboration, announced at CyberCrimeCon, a Global curriculum and work on joint projects that will benefit the industry,” Threat Hunting and Intelligence conference conducted by Group- said Mr Patrice Choong, Director of NP’s School of InfoComm IB last November, will draw on the company’s technological Technology. “The collaboration will enable our students to be know-how and cybersecurity solutions experience to enhance equipped with relevant skills for the fast-evolving cyber landscape the curriculum of NP’s Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics (CSF) and strengthen Singapore’s talent pool in cyber security.”
16 STAYING RELEVANT IN A DIGITAL ECONOMY Ngee Ann’s certification programme equips Prudential staff with machine learning skills
Employees from Prudential now have an opportunity to keep years, the skills in demand are often associated with artificial pace with digital trends, through a certification programme intelligence (AI), data analytics and cloud computing,” he said. developed collaboratively with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP). “If I do not quickly get acquainted with Al and its application, I Over 170 employees have signed up for the online course could start to lose relevance very soon.” “Machine Learning in Humans” since its launch in February. “This partnership is a significant milestone for NP as we They will be trained by data scientists from the public and look forward to equipping companies like Prudential to upskill private sectors. Lessons, which can be completed within their employees and embrace the technology that is changing 30 hours, will be followed by scenario-based assessments the landscape of the financial services sector in Singapore,” for employees to demonstrate their understanding and said NP Principal, Mr Clarence Ti. application of course theories. This is the second such course developed through a Performance management analyst, Mr Nigel Chan was collaboration between NP and Prudential. The first course, “AI among those who enrolled for the course. “Over the last few in Finance” was well-received, with over 200 sign-ups last year.
CREATING ROBOTS FOR A BETTER FUTURE Ngee Ann partners Tiong Seng to set up first construction robotics lab on campus
Tapping on technology to develop industrial-grade robotic solutions for construction sites – that is the aim of the Tiong Seng-Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) Construction Robotics Lab that started operations on campus in November 2019. The first-of-its-kind joint facility is part of a research collaboration agreement between a private sector enterprise and an institute of higher learning. The five-year partnership combines the technological expertise and market know-how of Tiong Seng Holdings Limited - a leading construction and civil engineering company - with NP’s strong research and development capabilities. Projects in the pipeline include developing autonomous robotic solutions to replace current modes of progress (From left): Mr Russell Chan, NP Senior Director; Mr Clarence Ti, NP Principal; monitoring which are laborious and error-prone. The reduction Mr Pek Lian Guan, CEO and Er Lam Siew Wah, Chairman of Tiong Seng Engineering Solutions Private Limited at the unveiling the Tiong Seng-Ngee of manpower intensity is also in view of more stringent safe Ann Polytechnic Construction Robotics Lab. management systems post COVID-19. Beyond capability development, Tiong Seng hopes that this NP has been developing robotic solutions for healthcare joint lab can serve as an avenue for the company to give back and education industries since 2014, when it first launched to the community by grooming budding talent crucial for the “Robocoach”, a fitness instructor robot for the elderly. Since advancement of the construction industry in the coming decades. then, a Robotics Research & Innovation Centre has been set The joint lab has provided eight short-term job openings for up to spearhead cutting-edge applied research in robotics and NP fresh graduates. Current NP students can also look forward nurture industry-ready professionals in support of Singapore’s to R&D internship positions in the facility. Smart Nation initiative.
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NP UNITES IN THE FACE OF COVID-19 The Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) campus was mostly closed during the circuit breaker period from April till early-June. But this didn’t stop our big-hearted students from reaching out to the community in need, while one of NP’s innovative robots went on trial to promote safe distancing at a nature reserve. TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
Fundraising for migrant workers They wanted to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic. And so, Clarice Chua, Lam Xin Yi, Basil Wee and Cynthia Yap started Project Keen to raise funds for the Migrant Workers’ Centre. “We were shocked and concerned to hear about the sudden spike in COVID-19 infections in workers’ dormitories. We wanted to give something back to them for their huge contribution to our country,” said Cynthia. The four students, who are Executive Committee members of NP’s School of Design & Environment’s student-led DOT Club started a donation drive and sold t-shirts which they had designed on their own. “We wanted to engage youths to make a contribution through something familiar to them, like buying a t-shirt,” added Clarice. When The Straits Times, as well as Naomi Neo, a local influencer featured Modelling the clothes themselves, the students Project Keen, the team were surprised by the surge in support from the used the quotes “Even the darkest nights end” public. Their initial goal to sell 100 t-shirts was quickly surpassed, as they have and “And the sun will rise” to raise positivity and since sold over 400 t-shirts and amassed more than $3,500 in donations. hope during the COVID-19 “Project Keen has proved that we can find some good in every situation. pandemic. Because of COVID-19, people came together as one to help strangers. We hope that this project can inspire other youths to make a difference,” said Cynthia.
Care Packs for Staff Singapore has been battling the COVID-19 outbreak since January and new challenges await in the months ahead as the situation continues to evolve. In a show of their concern and support during this difficult period, the NP Co-op and two unions – NP Academic Staff Union and Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union – gifted every NP staff a care pack. In addition, a thank-you care pack was prepared for over 180 colleagues in NP’s COVID-19 taskforce. Some of their duties include coordinating surveillance and preventive measures, planning and executing responses, and acting as points of contact to relay and
Hand sanitiser, hand cream, vitamin C coordinate information and action across NP. tablets and a sweet note to boost staff immunity and morale.
18 (From left) Senior Lecturer Mrs Juliet Tan-Beng, Lecturer Ms Michelle Toh, Lecturer Ms Stella Thng and Senior Lecturer Mr Samuel Tan promoting the initiative. Coffee and Tea on Me NP’s 110 security officers, temperature- taking crew and cleaners enjoyed thirst- quenching treats, as they were “belanja- ed” (“treated” in the Malay language) to free coffee and tea in March and April. The #NPBelanjaKopi initiative was an idea mooted by lecturers from NP's School of Interdisciplinary Studies. It engaged NP staff and students in buying drink coupons, which the front-line workers could then use to redeem a cup of coffee or tea daily at Makan Place, a campus food court. "We were touched by how hard the front-liners were working to keep our campus safe,” said Lecturer Ms Stella Thng on a Workplace post. “Watching them queue up for their daily cuppa with smiles on their faces really lit up our hearts.” The response to #NPBelanjaKopi drive was very encouraging, chalking up a total redemption of 2,000 cups of coffee and tea during the two-month campaign.
Trial of social distancing robot at parks and gardens
Recent visitors to Bukit Timah Nature video analytics, based on the fusion of camera Reserve may have noticed a new addition vision and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). to its greenery – a patrolling robot which It is able to sense when two people are promotes safe distancing and the wearing standing too close to each other. This novel of face masks. algorithm has a detection range of up to 15 A timely innovation to help in metres. The robot can also “spot” people who mitigating the spread of COVID-19, the are not wearing face masks. Upon detection, robot was developed by staff and students the robot will sound an alarm and flash an from NP’s School of Engineering, and is advisory encouraging visitors to adhere to currently on trial as part of a collaboration safe distancing measures. Through a cloud- with the National Parks Board (NParks). based robot management system, NParks The patrolling robot leverages staff can receive photos and live footages autonomous navigation technology and from the robot for remote monitoring.
19 highlights A FILM TRIBUTE TO EVERYDAY SINGAPOREANS TEXT: CHAN YEE CHUN
Inspired by the older generation’s sacrifices to Singapore, Film, Sound & Video student Lionel Seah decided to pay tribute to them in his film, Chapter 2: 12pm-2pm. Lionel was among the five tertiary students selected by the Ministry of Communications and Information to produce a series of short films about the day-to-day stories of Singaporeans, titled Regardless Of. The students worked alongside creative agency Tribal Worldwide Singapore and production company MLC TV, exploring themes on local healthcare, transport and housing. “Chapter 2: 12pm-2pm reflects my appreciation for the elderly in Singapore and how their sacrifices have inspired the young to
NP student, Lionel Seah (second from left), emulate them,” said Lionel. speaking about his experience working on his film. The series of films can be viewed on the government’s official YouTube Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. channel, govsingapore. Permission required for reproduction. Celebrating MAKING THEIR MARK IN ASIA Entrepreneurial Two start-ups founded Efforts by Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) alumni have one more success to celebrate this year. The founders of HighSpark and Eezee were featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list under the Media, Marketing & Advertising and Retail & Ecommerce categories respectively. Class of 2020 Product Design & HighSpark’s Koh Kai Innovation graduate, Xavier Tan clinched Xin and Eugene Cheng’s the Silver Award at the National Youth HighSpark, founded by NP alumni Koh Kai Xin (centre, in canny ability to create vertical stripes) and Eugene Cheng (most right), has come a Entrepreneurship Awards held in long way since its incubation at NP. visually-engaging business February this year. presentation decks saw alumnus. With its rapid expansion, Logan The awards celebrate the their hard work grow to over $1 million sought NP’s help in recruiting business achievements of outstanding individuals in revenue last year. Their stay at NP’s partners and Class of 2017 graduates who have displayed entrepreneurial Startup Incubator provided them financial Terrence Goh and Jasper Yap came qualities and contributed to the and mentorship support, as well as access on-board. Eezee has since successfully start-up ecosystem. For the panel to a business network. The Class of 2013 raised seed funding from Singapore-based assessment, Xavier had presented Business Studies alumni also have plans to Insignia Ventures Partners. The team will on his business, ÜNIK Apparel, a launch a book and an online course. be connecting local businesses with more streetwear brand that supports Eezee, a one-stop online industrial than four million Chinese businesses in youths by translating their stories into supplies marketplace, was started by support of the Singapore-China (Shenzhen) commercial graphic art fashion pieces, Logan Tan, a Class of 2009 Business Studies Smart City Initiative. and his future business plans.
20 the last page GRADUATION AT HOME – #NPGRAD2020 Graduation ceremonies for 2020 may have been cancelled due to Covid-19 but there was a week-long party on Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Instagram page to commemorate this momentous occasion. With specially curated virtual backdrops of the campus, stickers and filters, our graduates could pose in regalia and share their fondest memories of polytechnic life through snapshots or a one-minute of fame video. Lecturers also chipped in to film their farewells and relay their best wishes to this extraordinary cohort graduating in extraordinary times.
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