Singapore, July 12 (AseanAll) — As Singapore Polytechnic (SP) celebrates its 70th anniversary, its staff, alumni, industry partners, and friends have raised $2,629,879.28 in endowed donations to continue providing financial assistance to SP students in need.
The substantial sum will translate to over 100 bursaries of $2,500 a year in perpetuity to support SP students facing financial challenges and give them transformative opportunities to pursue their educational dreams. In the spirit of receiving and sharing, $50,000 from the donations raised will be set aside for the President’s Challenge, matched by another $50,000 from Singapore Polytechnic’s income, for a total of $100,000.
As the first graduates’ guild among all polytechnics, SPGG（Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild ) , a steadfast supporter of SP graduates since its establishment in 1971, has been at the forefront of numerous financial support initiatives. Since 2013, these initiatives have benefitted more than 8,000 financially challenged SP students, with over 110 bursaries awarded yearly under the SPGG Education Fund. This enduring commitment underscores the Guild's dedication to supporting the SP community.
Third-year SP students Leen Koh and Adeline Toh are recipients of the SPGG-Tye Wye Ching Bursary and SPGG-ISOTeam Bursary, respectively. The bursaries, which pay for their school fees, reduce the financial strain on their families and allow them to freely pursue their academic dreams. You may read more and find additional profiles in Appendix A.
The symbolic $100,000 cheque for the President’s Challenge, a testament to the SP community’s dedication to supporting other communities in need, was presented to Guest-of-Honour, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, at the SP 70th Anniversary Charity Golf and Gala Dinner. This Gala Dinner, which followed the Charity Golf event held earlier at the Orchid Country Club, saw the participation of close to 1,000 staff, students, industry partners, alumni, donors, friends and some President’s Challenge beneficiaries.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said, "Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has had a quiet but major impact in developing our talents, and on economic progress over its 70 years. As Singapore’s first polytechnic, it has grown a robust network of alumni and industry partnerships. SP must also be commended for nurturing a culture of giving that resonates beyond its campus.”
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of SP, said, “As we commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Singapore Polytechnic, I am profoundly moved by the generosity, compassion and unity that define our community. The community’s contribution which significantly supports the SPGG Education Fund and the President’s Challenge, furthers our mission to aid those in need, provide opportunities and nurture a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Mr Jimmy Lim, President of the SPGG, said, “As we celebrate our Alma Mater’s 70th Anniversary, I am deeply grateful to the SP community, along with friends, business associates and industry partners for providing the Gift of Education to the less privileged, improving students’ learning experiences in SP and transforming their lives. It is heartwarming to see many offering their time, energy, and expertise to organise the charity fundraising event.”
About SP 70th anniversary
Established in 1954, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has been a trailblazer in Singapore's educational landscape. Today, it has 10 schools that offer 30 full-time diploma courses and four common entry programmes for more than 12,499 students. The institution champions innovation in lifelong learning, pedagogy, digitalisation, sustainability, and industry engagement.
In 2015, SP incorporated Continuing Education and Training (CET) in its education model. Since then, SP played an integral role in enterprise transformation, workforce upskilling and reskilling for the future economy. In 2022, it partnered with various institutions to introduce a micro-credentials programme leading to a degree from the Singapore Institute of Technology. Embracing new pedagogical innovations, SP pioneered flipped learning in 2015 and is at the forefront of using Analytics in Education.
Committed to sustainability, SP integrates eco-conscious practices into its curriculum and operations. It aims to develop a net-zero sustainability roadmap and collaborate with industries for innovative, sustainable solutions. The curriculum now includes essential sustainability modules, engaging students in at least one sustainability innovation project.
SP maintains strong industry ties, exemplified by initiatives like the Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC) and a recent MoU with the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) to deepen industry engagement and talent recruitment.
By ensuring our curriculum is just in time with industry developments, we can offer a solution-driven internship programme to our industry partners. This steers our students to be life-ready, work-ready, world-ready, and be of service to industry and society. Our over 235,000 graduates include successful entrepreneurs, top executives in multi-national and public-listed corporations, industry leaders and professionals across various industries, and leaders in government.
In 2024, SP celebrates its 70th anniversary, uniting stakeholders through various celebratory events and activities.
