ITE 06/18/01
News Release No 09/10
INFORMATION EMBARGOED
TILL 25 MAY 2010, 11:30 AM
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, 25 May 2010
ITE CELEBRATES SUCCESS STORIES OF PASSION, PERSEVERANCE AND
RESILIENCE
Outstanding student leaders, sportsmen and innovators honoured at ITE Student
Achievers’ Awards Presentation Ceremony 2010
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) today rewarded the unstinting
efforts of 329 deserving student role models, who have performed exceptionally well
in the fields of technology, sports, arts and music and other co-curricular activities.
These award recipients took centre stage at the ITE Student Achievers’ Awards
Presentation Ceremony 2010 held at ITE College East on the morning of 25 May
2010.
2 The Ceremony’s programme is attached at Annex A.
Presentation of Lee Kuan Yew Awards
3 The highlight of the Ceremony was the presentation of Lee Kuan Yew
Awards to 40 top student achievers, who impressed with their exemplary attributes,
unwavering commitment and spirit of innovation. Awards presented were:
• Lee Kuan Yew Model Student/Trainee Award (ten recipients).
• Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award (three recipients);
• Lee Kuan Yew Technology Award (seven teams comprising 27
students in all)
4 Every recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Award has an inspiring story to tell. One
of passion, perseverance and resilience to pursue success, despite mounting
obstacles, as illustrated in the ensuing paragraphs.
Yue Soon Lye – A Second Shot at Success
5 Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award winner, Nitec in Multimedia Technology
graduate, Yue Soon Lye has an inspiring story to share - about how a second
chance that was not wasted and instead had propelled him to success. Seven years
ago, Soon Lye had enrolled in an ITE course, but he did not do well due to frequent
truancy. After his National Service stint and a year’s work as a retail assistant, he
decided to give studies another shot, having been inspired by the success story of
an ITE graduate. Not only did Soon Lye achieve a perfect Grade Point Average
(GPA) Score of 4.0, he also chalked outstanding success beyond the classroom - in
co-curricular activities and voluntary work to benefit the community.
Alagappan Bhooja Thevar – Staying Positive Despite Hardships
6 Like Soon Lye, Alagappan Bhooja Thevar has shown sheer grit in reaching
out for her dreams. At 32, Bhooja is a mature student who refused to let family
commitments, financial constraints and a poor academic background pull her back.
Bhooja discovered her passion for nursing during her stint as a Health Care
Assistant at the Institute of Mental Health. Her heavy involvement in voluntary work
to help the underprivileged had not stopped Bhooja from scoring a perfect GPA of
4.0 in her Nitec in Nursing course. A perfect model for her younger peers, Bhooja
was also presented with the Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award.
Wang Jingkai Melvin, Ong Bang Ping and Lee Wai Kiat – Creators of AI
Controller
7 Melvin Wang, who led his team in conceptualising and fabricating the Artificial
Intelligence (AI) Controller, which went on to win the Lee Kuan Yew Technology
Award, only had his parents in mind throughout the project. Having suffered from
asthma as a child, he still remembers how his parents would often wake up in the
middle of the night to adjust the air-conditioning temperature. Melvin and his course
mates, from the Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering course, decided to put into
fruition, an idea that would make life easier for parents of asthmatic children and
asthma patients themselves. The AI Controller models the bio-rhythm of the human
body, in which the body temperature decreases as one falls asleep and then
increases closer to waking time. The project epitomises ITE’s “Hands-on, Minds-on,
Hearts-on” education approach. The team’s care and concern for others spurred
their innovative minds and through their practical, hands-on knowledge, a clever idea
turned into reality.
8 More profiles of the Award recipients are attached at Annex B.
Other Awards Presented
9 In addition to the Lee Kuan Yew Awards, ITE also gave recognition to
students who have shone in the areas of music and the arts, sports and various co-
curricular activities. These deserving students were presented with the ITE Arts
Excellence Award, ITE Sports Excellence Award and the ITE CCA Medal.
10 A brief description of each Award presented is included in Annex C.
Media Publicity on Event and Award Recipients
11 Arrangement for interviews and photography can be made through:
Jamie Chan Joycelyn Seet
Head/Media, ITE Head/Publicity
Tel: 6590 2026 Tel: 6590 2027
Email: jamie_chan@ite.edu.sg Email: joycelyn_seet@ite.edu.sg
About the Institute of Technical Education
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore, was established as a
postsecondary education institution in 1992 under the Ministry of Education. ITE is a
principal provider of career and technical education and key developer of national
occupational skills certification and standards to enhance Singapore's workforce
competitiveness. Under its “One ITE System, Three Colleges” Model of Education and
Governance, ITE has three Colleges, comprising ITE College Central, ITE College East
and ITE College West. For more information, please visit www.ite.edu.sg.
Annex A
PROGRAMME
0945 hours Guests to be seated
1000 hours Arrival of Mr Bruce Poh Geok Huat
Director & Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Technical Education
Address by Mr Bruce Poh
Report by Mr Goh Mong Song, Chairman of ITE Arts Council
Report by Mr Chong Leong Fatt, Chairman of ITE Sports Council
Presentation of Awards
Performance by Students
1200 hours Reception
Annex B
PROFILES OF AWARD RECIPIENTS
E UN E
LE K A Y WCCA AWARD
Name
Muhammad Fadzly Bin Abdul Rani
Course
Higher Nitec in Mechatronics Engineering
College
ITE College Central
A Second Chance in Life
A broken leg would have ended anyone’s score of 3.889. He said: “It’s all about time
athletic aspirations but not Muhammad management. I paid attention in class and
Fadzly Bin Abdul Rani’s. “Having recovered revised my notes at home. I am determined
from such an injury sustained in my primary to prove myself.”
school days, I looked for a contactless sport
and found Sepaktakraw,” said Muhammad And prove himself he certainly did,
Fadzly. Today, the 19-year-old is the Muhammad Fadzly is now a student at
recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award Singapore Polytechnic pursuing a Diploma
in captaining a game that demands no in Mechatronics Engineering. He attributed
lesser agility than football. his success to lecturers and fellow
schoolmates at ITE. He said: “I appreciate
More than just excelling in Sepaktakraw, the opportunities given by my lecturers who
Muhammad Fadzly was also the President encouraged me to seize them. Their belief
of two CCA clubs - the Inline Skate Club and encouragement has opened doors
and Mechatronics Club, as well as the Vice- for me. I am also thankful to my group of
Chairman of Publication & Communications understanding friends for their support.”
Committee of the Student Council in ITE
College Central (Tampines Campus). He
even found time for community service,
bringing his ITE International Student
Seminar project on Art Therapy to children
from Muhammadiyah Welfare Home.
Despite wearing many hats in his
CCA, the Higher Nitec in Mechatronics
Engineering graduate aced his studies
with a commendable Grade Point Average
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E UN E
LE K A Y WCCA AWARD
Name
Tan Junjie Alvin
Course
Nitec in Info-Communications Technology
College
ITE College East
A Tree Bringing Life to Others
Failure spurred Tan Junjie Alvin to stand tall, Convention 2009 at Texas, USA. I had to do
and stress provided the environment for a presentation on the leadership courses
him to blossom. Like a strong tree, Alvin is conducted by our Student Council. That
firmly rooted with a heart that is concerned experience made me grow. I became more
for the welfare of others. outspoken after that. I dare to speak up
now.”
Besides championing issues for students’
welfare, Alvin also achieved an excellent Indeed, after that experience, Alvin took
Grade Point Average score of 3.873. As the up roles that required him to address
President of the ITE College East Archery Club, audiences. In addition to being the Master-
Alvin also excelled, having organised many of-Ceremonies for a talk on Polytechnic
activities and charity events and trained courses, he was also appointed instructor
members in the sport. He himself had won for two ITE College East Student Council
several archery medals. As Chairman of the camps and an IT trainer for Metta School
ITE College East Student Council Well-Being students.
Committee, Alvin highlighted problems that
the Student Council faced, as well as issues “The ITE lecturers have motivated me to
affecting the welfare of the students. He succeed and reach my fullest potential. I
also organised a peer counselling course want to return as an ITE lecturer, and provide
for the student councillors, to hone their students the stepping stone to succeed,”
skills in peer counselling, problem-solving Alvin enthused.
and communication. At the International
Student Seminar 2009, Alvin contributed Lecturer, Mr Neo Chee Seng, commented:
as the Multimedia Coordinator for his “Alvin does not strive for self-glory, only to
team to highlight the difficulties faced by be a positive role model for others. His words
intellectually-challenged people. and deeds have often been a source of
encouragement and inspiration for his
Alvin pointed out one key event that peers.” Alvin’s aspiration is to live large –
impacted him while he was in ITE: “In like a strong tree that brings life to others
April last year, I represented ITE at the Phi around him and helping them to be the
Theta Kappa Honor Society’s International best they can be.
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E UN E
LE K A Y WCCA AWARD
Name
Tan You Kai Kelvin
Course
Nitec in Chemical Process Technology
College
ITE College East
An ITE Success Story
Tan You Kai Kelvin’s confidence comes not up my life as a student. Being able to gain
from always being right, but rather, from not such diverse experiences and put my time
having the fear to make mistakes and pick management skills to the test have been
himself up. His excellent time management rewarding to me.”
comes not from good planning skills
but from failed plans and messed-up It is not surprising that Kelvin is the most apt
schedules. His passion for ITE and all that person to be the President of the Student
it entails comes not from being given care Ambassador Club at ITE College East.
or attention by lecturers, but from his selfless Responsible for chairing meetings and
willingness to give of himself to others. His inspiring fellow members, Kelvin led the way
exemplary leadership comes not from in hosting NIE trainee teachers and more
being given power or status, but from simply than 600 students from various secondary
being a role model who is truly dependable. schools. To him, this is a very meaningful
task. “We do not host students because
To espouse Kelvin’s many talents and we were asked to do so. Rather, we want to
positive traits would take a book. Kelvin change their mindset about ITE. By sharing
came from the Normal Technical stream success stories of ITE students and how
in secondary school and despite being a unique ITE is, we are inviting them to join us
“disappointment” to his family and facing on a memorable journey to equip ourselves
lots of pressure, he was determined not with skills and knowledge to better serve the
to stay down. He much preferred to prove society.”
others wrong and he definitely did. It is hard
to wonder just how he did it, juggling a list
of demanding CCA and scoring perfect
As in his studies. “Many people think that I
am crazy to have so many things in my ‘to-
do list’, but I tell myself that it simply spices
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E U N E AWARD
LE K A Y W TECHNOLOGY
Project Title
Ankle Exercise Equipment
College
ITE College Central
Members
Siti Saleha Bte Khalil
Muhammad Irman Bin Zulkiffli
Muhammad Nasri Bin Othman
Nur Hidayat Bin Sariman
Siti Nadiah Nur’Baizurah Bte Mohamed Rafi
Stronger Legs for the Elderly
Before the invention of the Ankle Exercise Mr Khoo Mun Yau, and the physiotherapists
Equipment by ITE students, patients at St. at St. Luke’s Eldercare Centre.”
Luke’s Eldercare Centre were unable to
do ankle and calf exercises. Commercially Added Mr Khoo, Senior Lecturer-Mentor/
available devices are designed only for Mechanical Engineering: “The most
healthy persons to exercise in a standing challenging part of the project is to come
position, but these are not suitable for up with a simple design that would meet all
rehabilitation purposes. the needs specified by the physiotherapists.
We had many discussions with the
According to the physiotherapists at St. physiotherapists and fabricated quite a few
Luke’s Eldercare Centre, ankle and calf prototypes for them to test and feedback
exercises are the most effective forms of to us for improvement and modification
therapy for patients recovering from shin before we arrived at a design that satisfied
injuries caused by accidents, strokes, the patients’ needs. It was a long, tiring but
ageing and other sicknesses. These rewarding process for the students.”
patients are unable to stand and walk in
the initial stages of their recovery and they To the team, the project is a way of giving
need exercise to strengthen their ankles back to the community. As rehabilitation
and calf muscles. In view of this lack, the sessions are rather expensive, they wanted
team took up the challenge of designing to create something that would be both
and fabricating the equipment for St. effective and affordable to people from
Luke’s Eldercare Centre to help conduct all walks of life. The end result is a device
ankle and calf exercises for their patients that patients can use while seated with
effectively. both ankle pads moving independently
and with built-in resistance for patients to
Project Member, Siti Nadiah, shared: “As overcome and adjustable ankle pressure.
engineering students, we were ignorant The device is easily portable, requires no
about the medical aspects of this project. electrical power, and costs less than $200
We knew nothing about the various types of to make.
ankle injuries and treatments available for
patients.Thus, we had to do a lot of research Invention is the talent of youth. Indeed.
work under the guidance of our supervisor,
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S DENT AWARD
T
LE UU NY W TECHNOLOGY
E K A E COMMENDATION
AWARD recipients
Project Title
Artificial Intelligence
(AI) Controller
College
ITE College Central
Members
Wang Jingkai Melvin
Lee Wai Kiat
Ong Bang Ping
Cooling Temperatures, Warming Hearts
“We don’t want our parents to worry about that temperature till the end of an eight-
us. We also want them to sleep soundly,” hour sleeping cycle. This eliminates the
shared Team Leader, Wang Jingkai Melvin, need for users to wake up to adjust the
when asked why his team decided to create temperature at night. Users will also feel
the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Controller. more comfortable when they wake up the
next day, as the temperature would suit
Melvin had suffered from asthma as a their bodies better.
child, and his parents would often wake
up in the middle of the night to adjust Given the concerns arising from global
the temperature in the air-conditioned warming today, Melvin and his team
room. With the skills they picked up at ITE, engaged an accredited energy services
Melvin and his course mates decided on company to check the Artificial Intelligence
prototyping an idea that would make life (AI) Controller’s energy consumption. Their
easier for parents of asthmatic children efforts paid off. Not only will this invention
and the asthma patients themselves. give users a better night’s sleep, it also has
the potential to generate power savings
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Controller worth at least $20 per month for each air-
models the bio-rhythm of the human body, conditioning unit that is switched on for
in which the body temperature decreases eight hours every night.
as one falls asleep and then increases
closer to waking time. Initially, the remote The project indeed epitomises ITE’s “Hands-
controller is set to a base temperature of 18 on, Minds-on, Hearts-on” education
degrees Celsius. It will raise the temperature approach. The team’s care and concern
setting of the air conditioner by a degree for others spurred their innovative minds
Celsius every half-hour until it reaches 23 and through their practical, hands-on
degrees Celsius. It will then stabilise the knowledge, a clever idea has become a
temperature for two hours before increasing reality.
it to 25 degrees Celsius, and maintaining
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E U N E AWARD
LE K A Y W TECHNOLOGY
Project Title
Obstacle Enabler for Powered
Wheelchair
College
ITE College Central
Members
Cheng Jun Jie Leonard
Chua Boon Siah
Ho Zi Shun
Pan Peng
Overcoming Obstacles
Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest wheelchair’s front wheels often get stuck
basketball player of all time, once said: in the gap between the train platform and
“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you train compartment or the drains along
run into a wall, don’t turn around and give walkways may pose a challenge.”
up. Figure out how to climb it, go through
it, or work around it.” Obstacles, physical Following these observations, Leonard
or otherwise, will always be in our lives. It is and his team, armed with mechanical
already tough when you are able-bodied. engineering expertise, experimented with
If you are physically-challenged, and various ways of constructing an “enabler”
have to use a wheelchair, the obstacles that could be attached to wheelchairs to
encountered at every other step seem help users get over these gaps and curbs.
almost insurmountable. The “enabler” is fixed at the centre of the
front wheels and its inertia will lift the front
The Obstacle Enabler for Powered wheels when in contact with gaps or curbs.
Wheelchair was created as a result of This smart invention can be fitted to both
empathetic observations of mobility issues manual and powered wheelchairs, as well
that wheelchair users experience, as well as trolleys and baby prams or strollers.
as a persistence to overcome all obstacles
during the design process by the members Ms Lisa Wang, Lecturer/Mechanical &
of this project. Electrical Engineering Design, who was the
supervisor for this project, revealed that they
Team Leader, Cheng Jun Jie Leonard, said: are already collaborating with an industry
“We spent weeks reading, researching and partner to manufacture and market this
observing the difficulties encountered by product. But the biggest reward is, and will
wheelchair users, and realised that while always be, the chance for students to put
many facilities have been built to help their knowledge and skills to good use while
them in public areas, small gaps and curbs helping the less fortunate at the same time.
can be real problems. For example, the
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S DENT AWARD
T
LE UU NY W TECHNOLOGY
E K A E COMMENDATION
AWARD recipients
Project Title
Universal Projection Kit
College
ITE College Central
Members
Tan Jian An Kenny
Boo Meng Seng
Chee Zhi Xian Benjamin
Lee Meow Lian
Inspired by ‘Hassle’
The best ideas come from necessity. A “We are grateful to our lecturer, Mr Chua
study group of four Nitec in Aerospace Ming Sing, who helped us understand some
Technology students started off with a of the complex mathematical equations
common difficulty in reading serial numbers that were encountered during our research
on obscure corners of aeroplane parts. process. These equations were necessary to
A mirror would not work as well because ensure precision in the device,” said Kenny.
numbers and letters were seen in reflected
images. This hassle was compounded This innovative venture may be the first
when they had to do this in the dark, which one for these students, but they have
required holding a small torch with one since been ‘bitten by the entrepreneurship
hand and balancing a mirror in the other. bug’. Kenny said: “This product has a lot of
market potential, especially for the military
Realising an opportunity to meet an organisations, which have numerous
industrial need, these students, led by aeroplanes, tanks and vehicles that
Team Leader, Tan Jian An Kenny, drew constantly need thorough inspections in
up a wish list of solutions and decided to harsh environmental conditions. We have
try inventing something that could help gotten our ‘stepping stone’ into the foray of
smoothen the inspection process. After 22 Research and Development. This is just the
weeks of working on the project, observing beginning.”
hours after school and even on weekends,
the Universal Projection Kit was born. It
has an infra-red LED illuminated camera
with a connected handheld LCD display
screen that boasts a built-in crystal clear
recording function and telescoping arm.
The capabilities of this device allow the
user to inspect hard-to-reach places even
in total darkness.
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E U N E AWARD
LE K A Y W TECHNOLOGY
Project Title
Electronics Elderly
Exercise (E3) Apparatus
College
ITE College East
Members
Humairah Bte Abdullah
Muhammad Al Matin Bin Sarjali
Muhammad Yusof Bin Sulaiman
Sanjay Shashikant Shivlal
Senior Citizens Can Now Exercise their Upper Limbs and
Eye-Sight Concurrently!
Singapore reportedly has one of the world’s two lecturers who guided this team. He
fastest ageing populations. By 2030, one elaborated on the project: “The apparatus
in five residents here will be aged 65 and can be used both indoors and outdoors,
above. due to its great portability and mobility.
The outdoor exercise equipment currently
Motivated to keep our senior citizens available in the market is not suitable for
healthy, four Higher Nitec in Mechanical the elderly to exercise and requires little
Engineering students have designed an movements of the upper limbs.”
exercise equipment called the Electronics
Elderly Exercise (E3) Apparatus for the Existing exercise equipment may be too
elderly. This apparatus, which is powered by vigorous for the elderly and does nothing
renewable energy, allows the exercising of to sharpen their mind reflexes. Hence, the
the upper limbs and eye-sight concurrently. Electronics Elderly Exercise (E3) Apparatus
can help fill the gap. In fact, an entrepreneur
Team leader, Humairah Bte Abdullah, has already expressed interest in the
shared: “Our apparatus is user-friendly and product and intends to purchase it for his
trains both the motor skills and minds of grandmother.
senior citizens. It has an easy-to-use touch
screen panel which allows the elderly to The students integrated electronic,
pause activities at random. But to do so, electrical and mechanical engineering
they need to stretch and reach up to the applications so as to create a prototype that
screen to reset the machine. In this way, they costs $1,850 to fabricate. Mass production
will also exercise their upper limbs. There are and improved technology may just bring
also interactive games to make exercising down the final production cost by 20 to 30
interesting. Users can monitor their progress per cent. The Electronics Elderly Exercise
through the scores that appear on the (E3) Apparatus is likely to gain usefulness
screen at the end of each cycle.” and popularity in the hospitals, clinics,
nursing homes, physiotherapy centres and
Mr Seah Yew Chin, Senior Lecturer/ residents’ centres.
Mechanical Engineering, was one of
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S DENT AWARD
T
LE UU NY W TECHNOLOGY
E K A E COMMENDATION
AWARD recipients
Project Title
ELite (Emergency Locator ITE)
College
ITE College East
Members
Soh Yang Zhi Eddie
Carmen Tung
Mohamed Riduan Bin Sogimen
This Could Save Your Life!
It is three o’clock in the morning and you pinpointing the exact location of the user
are jolted from your sleep by a sharp pain in within a few seconds. In the context of a
your chest.There is no one else at home and medical emergency, the patient activates
you have only enough strength to reach the programme by simply pressing a
for the mobile phone beside your bed. “quick-touch” button on his phone. Once
The thought of calling for an ambulance the patient’s location is determined, a text
and having to describe your predicament message is automatically forwarded to a
leaves you even more unsettled. You pass monitoring system, which will, in turn, deploy
out in a matter of seconds. the nearest serving ambulance and alert
the nearest hospital.
Thankfully, the above scenario is a
hypothetical one, but it could happen to Explaining how the team came up with the
anybody. With such a scenario in mind, a idea for ELite, Team Leader, Soh Yang Zhi
team of three students from ITE College Eddie said: “My father experienced a heart
East brainstormed to devise a user-friendly attack at his workplace early last year, but
programme that would minimise the time none of his co-workers noticed it. Although
needed for a patient to receive emergency he eventually managed to seek help in
medical attention. time, there was no guarantee that such an
incident would not happen again. That was
The team’s contraption, dubbed ELite why my team-mates and I decided to come
(Emergency Locator ITE), is a one-touch up with this real-time solution that could be
mobile phone application embedded of use in emergency situations.”
with a location-based solution (LBS). The
LBS employs three different technologies Eddie also shared that, in the course of
– Wi-Fi, GSM (global system for mobile doing their project, the team made use
communications) and GPS (global of what they had learnt in class about the
positioning system) – to enable the different technologies.
detection of user mobile phones, thereby
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E U N E AWARD
LE K A Y W TECHNOLOGY
Project Title
Archery Training Kit
College
ITE College West
Members
Alfian Bin Abdullah
Chang Zexun
Juwita Herna Bte Khamis
Muhammad Sofian Bin Abu Samah
Shooting For Gold
Something in the news caught the eyes of further improvements in skills could be
Alfian Bin Abdullah and his team, one day. made.
It was about Singapore planning to spend
more to develop shooting sports, such as Not only will the Archery Training Kit allow
air pistol and archery, so that Singapore for a more systematic way of training
could shoot for Gold in these fields at the athletes, it can also help promote the sport
international level. to beginners. While the Archery Training Kit
was conceptualised to help Singapore’s
With the first Youth Olympics Games (YOG) athletes win medals, it also won for its
drawing close, the team was inspired to inventors the Lee Kuan Yew Technology
do something to help Singapore’s young Award. The team’s enthusiasm in wanting
athletes strike gold, too. to contribute to Singapore’s sporting glory
shows just how everyone can play a part
“We wanted to help our athletes win more to make life better for others with his or her
medals at the YOG, and that was when we unique skills.
hit upon the idea of creating an archery
training kit to enhance athletes’ training in
archery,” explained Alfian.
The Archery Training Kit comprises a
Wii Remote Control (Wii-mote) which is
attached to an archery bow. When the
athlete makes his shot, a built-in Bluetooth
transmitter in the Wii-mote would feed an
attached computer with information such
as the extent of tilt and roll. This would help
the archer and his coach analyse how
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S UA E AWARD AWARD
T
LEE K DENT COMMENDATION
U NY W MODEL STUDENT/
TRAINEE recipients
Name
Koh Zhi Xiang
Course
Nitec in Mechatronics
College
ITE College Central
Multi-Tasking Pays Off for All-Rounder
The epitome of an all rounder, Koh Zhi include adopting a give-and-take attitude,
Xiang, is not only active in school, but also accepting others and being flexible in
in social work. To top it all, Zhi Xiang excels adapting to changes,” he reflected.
in his studies too.
“Zhi Xiang is able to carry out activities
He was the President of the Student Council independently with minimal guidance. He
at ITE College Central (MacPherson also has excellent presentation skills and
Campus) for a year. One of the novel was able to articulate his views clearly in
initiatives he implemented during his term the Students’ Forum,” said Mr Thian Eng Poh,
was the buddy system. Section Head/Mechatronics Engineering.
“Previously, whenever there was a meeting Zhi Xiang had the opportunity to participate
or activity, we would have to call every in an industrial attachment project in
member to inform them. But with the buddy Chang Zhou, China, for over a month. There,
system, I divided the members into groups he worked with the factory supervisor to
of four. So, whenever we have an event, I only brainstorm ways to shorten production
have to inform the leaders of the groups lines, improve quality control methods
to cascade the message downwards. It and manage workers. His exposure in
has proven to be very effective,” Zhi Xiang the international arena has improved
shared. his outlook and analytical skills towards
problem-solving and public-speaking.
According to his lecturers, Zhi Xiang has
demonstrated outstanding leadership Because of his leadership skills and excellent
abilities in planning and organising academic results, his lecturers have asked
games and other social activities for the him to coach weaker classmates. This
campus. He is also creative and innovative promising lad has just enrolled in Temasek
in contributing ideas and suggestions Polytechnic, where he will be pursuing his
for games and other events. “Some of Diploma in Mechatronics.
the invaluable soft skills I have learnt
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U N E TRAINEE AWARD
LEE K A Y W MODEL STUDENT/
Name
Toh Chin Long Derrick
Course
Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering
College
ITE College Central
“Success is a Bonus…”
Toh Chin Long Derrick’s story is one of students. In Derrick’s words, one of the most
persistence. He felt lost after his GCE ‘N’ levels memorable parts of his ITE journey was
and did not know where to go, but a friend planning these events so as to “make the
encouraged him to apply for a course in campus an enjoyable place for students to
ITE. ITE did not offer him the course of his be in, not just to study, but also to participate
first choice, but offered him the Nitec in Info- in campus life”.
Communications Technology instead. He
decided to give it a go. Upon completion Not only is Derrick an excellent student
of the Nitec course, Derrick tried applying and an inspiring student leader, he is
to a polytechnic but it was in vain. However, also an outstanding sportsman and a
ITE offered him a chance to progress to compassionate volunteer. As Captain,
the Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering Derrick led ITE College Central’s Badminton
course, and he decided to give it his best team to various tournaments and brought
shot. This time he achieved a perfect Grade glory to ITE. At the community-level, Derrick
Point Average score of 4.0. is also a volunteer with Jamiyah Children’s
Home, where he interacts with hyperactive
“I believe that we must never say ‘no’. We children to help them express themselves
must always try. Even if we fail, we would and deal with their fears.
know that we have at least done our best
and will live without regrets. Success is Derrick has a long list of many other
always a bonus,” he enthused. achievements in various arenas. He
attributes his success to his parents,
If success is indeed a bonus, then Derrick teachers and friends who have always
has many bonuses to be proud of. As supported him even in the face of defeat
President of the ITE College Central and failed attempts. Now, all that efforts
(Tampines Campus) Student Council and have paid off and he can enjoy success,
Vice Chairman of the Student Council’s the fruit of his persistence.
Students’ Well-Being Sub-Committee,
Derrick organised many events for staff and
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S UA E AWARD AWARD
T
LEE K DENT COMMENDATION
U NY W MODEL STUDENT/
TRAINEE recipients
Name
Yue Soon Lye
Course
Nitec in Multimedia Technology
College
ITE College Central
Second Chance in Life
If you do not believe in second chances, at the ITE International Student Seminar
you probably have not met Yue Soon Lye, 2009, where he led a team of students in
a Nitec in Multimedia Technology student. hosting foreign exchange students.
His first course in ITE seven years ago was
nothing short of a disaster, as he failed to To date, Soon Lye is the only ITE student, in a
graduate due to frequent truancy. After his team of 26 youths, selected to be part of the
National Service stint and a year’s work as NextGen Leadership Programme (NGLP),
a retail assistant, he happened to catch an initiative spearheaded by Senior Minister
a television programme that featured a Goh Chok Tong. Through the programme,
successful ITE graduate and was inspired. Soon Lye undergoes grooming, by serving
The night that ensued was one filled with the community, to be one of Singapore’s
struggles on whether he should give himself future grassroots leaders. He is currently
another shot in life. By morning, he had helping out at the Meet-the-People session
made up his mind. involving Member of Parliament, Mr
Matthias Yao, at the MacPherson precinct,
Today, the 24-year-old is the proud recipient every Monday.
of the Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award.
He has not only done exceptionally well in Soon Lye is grateful for everything that ITE
his studies by scoring a perfect Grade Point has done for him. He said: “My lecturers
Average score of 4.0, but also achieved did not just teach for the sake of teaching.
outstanding success beyond the classroom, They took effort to encourage me and even
in co-curricular activities. Elected as Vice stayed back to help me with my work.” He
President of his campus’ Photography Club, also has faith in his peers to come good if
Soon Lye has helped to organise workshops they put their minds to it. “I find ITE students
and outings, and has even represented the passionate and sincere.They just need to be
Club at the National Youth Achievement engaged to succeed. I hope that my story
Award (NYAA) photography seminar. He has can help influence the next generation.”
also displayed sterling leadership qualities
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U N E TRAINEE AWARD
LEE K A Y W MODEL STUDENT/
Name
Alagappan Bhooja Thevar
Course
Nitec in Nursing
College
ITE College East
Leading a Purpose-Driven Life
“I am not Mother Theresa nor do I aspire to at ITE College East. And all with the full
be another Florence Nightingale. It is simple. support of her family and colleagues.
I just love what I do - nursing people back
to health both physically and emotionally. Despite being a mature student with family
My life, now, has a purpose. I, now, have a commitments and financial constraints,
meaningful identity!” Alagappan Bhooja Bhooja remained positive in her outlook
Thevar exuberates such confidence and and gave the studies her best shot at the
pride, but few would realise that this is a College. Working closely with her lecturers
far cry from the person she was, just a few and peers, Bhooja was always able to
years back. perform consistently well to achieve her set
goals and maintain a perfect Grade Point
Without any direction or motivation in Average score of 4.0. She was an inspiration
life, the docile lady tried various jobs and to her younger peers and they found her a
professions but found none satisfying. It did good role model to emulate.
not help that her ailing mother and elder
brother had given up on her, because As a member of the Red Cross Humanitarian
she was not doing well in her studies. It Network, she even found time to actively
was during a short stint as a Health Care volunteer her services for numerous
Assistant, at the Institute of Mental Health, community activities, such as blood
that Bhooja noticed a difference and felt donation drives, organised by the Network.
connected with her job. Wanting to take She was also elected Leader for the Youth
this a step further, Bhooja requested for a Expedition Project trip to Myanmar in
transfer to Tan Tock Seng Hospital to gain December 2009.
experience in general nursing.
Eagerly anticipating the start of her Diploma
Bhooja blossomed in her new vocation. in Nursing course at Nanyang Polytechnic,
She fostered trusting relationships with Bhooja shared: “What I have gained in the
the patients. She gained the respect and last two years is immeasurable. I am now
admiration of her colleagues, something leading a purpose-driven life. I know I can
she never thought possible. With new found make a positive difference in people’s lives.
passion, purpose and self-confidence, she And most importantly, for me, I have earned
mustered the courage to go back to school the respect of my family members and
at the age of 32, to attain a Nitec in Nursing become someone my loved ones can be
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proud of!”
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S UA E AWARD AWARD
T
LEE K DENT COMMENDATION
U NY W MODEL STUDENT/
TRAINEE recipients
Name
David Christopher Pang Jin-Yang
Course
Higher Nitec in Business Studies
(Sport Management)
College
ITE College East
Running a Good Race
Talk to any ITE lecturer who has taught An ace student has his down moments,
David Christopher Pang Jin-Yang, and it is too. Fortunately for David, he is never short
very likely that their eyes will light up as they of friends who always provide him with
gush about how outstanding a student he constant encouragement and support.
is. “The years in ITE have been the best years
of my life, and I will always cherish the
He truly is. David has the qualities every memories of the times I have spent with this
teacher would want in a student. He is extended family of mine.Yes, my friends and
respectful, well-mannered, self-motivated, I were like a closely-knit family.”
responsible and diligent. David has the
qualities every student would want in a High achievers are usually guided by
classmate. He is sociable, helpful and their dreams and aspirations. Likewise for
trustworthy. David also has the qualities David. His long-term goals include a Sports
every member of a club would want in their Diploma, a Business Degree, and a sports
leader. He is charismatic, compassionate, enterprise he can call his own. David has
leads by example and has the uncanny his future all mapped out and it sure looks
ability to make difficult tasks simpler. It is bright.
little wonder that David has been named
as one of the Lee Kuan Yew Model Students. We can be sure David will run a good race,
as always.
David had to juggle studies alongside
duties and responsibilities as the Chairman
of Bridge Leaders, as well as training for
Track and Field events. A natural and
articulated speaker, David was always the
perfect choice for the role of Master-of-
Ceremonies at various College events.
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U N E TRAINEE AWARD
LEE K A Y W MODEL STUDENT/
Name
Wong Zhi Cong Jared
Course
Higher Nitec in Business Studies
(Sport Management)
College
ITE College East
A Sacrifice for the Better
Sometimes, we have to pay a heavy price of ITE College East in 2008, as a highlight
for chasing our aspirations. For Wong Zhi of his ITE experience. He said: “ITE has
Cong Jared, the sacrifice was a financial given me the confidence to lead and
one. After working in the Singapore Armed assume major responsibilities. This is an
Forces for six years, as an Infantry Army opportunity that I did not get when I was
Specialist, he wanted to upgrade his in secondary school.” An active individual,
academic qualifications and pursue his Jared’s portfolio of co-curricular activities
passion in the field of sport management. in ITE includes a long list of voluntary work
This decision was not an easy one, as it in Singapore sporting events, including the
meant going on a two-year no-pay study Asian Youth Games 2009 and Singapore
break. Grand Prix 2009. He is also honoured to
have led a team of students in assisting
An obvious question to ask at this point the Singapore Sports Council with a sport
would be “Why ITE?” To this, Jared said: “I safety review, for the Singapore Dragon
believe that ITE is an excellent option. In Boat Association in 2009.
the Higher Nitec in Business Studies (Sport
Management) course that I am taking, For someone committed to so many
the technology used to facilitate learning activities beyond school hours, Jared
is cutting-edge and relevant. Our lecturers is an old-hand when it comes to time
are also dedicated and always ready to go management. He quipped: “Being older
the extra mile for us.” than most of my peers in ITE, I am aware
that others look up to me. Self-discipline is
The 26-year-old graduated with an very important. I make it a point to always
outstanding Grade Point Average score of listen in class and clarify questions with my
3.922 and counts his elected appointment, lecturer. I also find that a half-hour revision
as Deputy President of the Student Council of study notes daily before bedtime helps.”
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S UA E AWARD AWARD
T
LEE K DENT COMMENDATION
U NY W MODEL STUDENT/
TRAINEE recipients
Name
Mark Aaron Lee Weng Tat
Course
Higher Nitec in Business Studies
(Administration)
College
ITE College West
Making His Mark
An unfortunate slew of events in his family A natural leader, Mark headed the
forced a young Mark Aaron Lee Weng Tat to ITE College West (Clementi Campus)
grow up sooner than he would have liked. Entrepreneurship Club, as its General
At 14 years old, he took it upon himself to Manager, between 2008 and 2010.
stop schooling so that he could take care The mature and confident young man
of his blind and bedridden grandfather. It advocates servant-leadership and firmly
was a challenging period for Mark and his believes that “a good leader must be
younger brother, as their mother was also able to make leaders out of his followers”.
saddled with health problems, while their He also led his team to victory in the 2008
father had to work extra hard to support the Shell LIVEWire-ITE Social Entrepreneurship
family. Business Plan Challenge, by proposing
a unique business strategy and making
Despite his less-than-privileged an impressive presentation during the
circumstances then, the gutsy teen did not competition.
wallow in self-pity. After his grandfather’s
demise, Mark decided that he had to go Having to juggle between school work
back to school for a shot at a better future. and heavy co-curricular commitments was
He enrolled at the then Geylang Serai no mean feat, but Mark made sure that
Vocational Training Centre (GSVTC) and he stuck to his axiom of “prioritising the
passed his ITE Skills Certificate course in Food important over the urgent”.
Preparation & Service with flying colours.
He then went on to complete courses in Ever the humble lad, Mark is grateful for
Nitec in Service Skills (Tourism) and Higher the opportunities that ITE has given him. He
Nitec in Business Studies (Administration) at said: “Coming from GSVTC, I really treasured
ITE College West, scoring a perfect Grade the chance to study in ITE. The practical
Point Average score of 4.0 for both. He has training I have received in ITE has given me
also secured a place to do a Diploma in a stable foundation before I embark on my
Business Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, polytechnic education.”
after he fulfills his National Service duties.
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U N E TRAINEE AWARD
LEE K A Y W MODEL STUDENT/
Name
Mohamad Noor Halim Bin Mazlan
Course
Nitec in Digital Media Design
(Digital Video Effects)
College
ITE College West
The Right Formula for Success
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said,“Every man despite the language barrier. He was one
must decide whether he will walk in the of the group leaders and doubled up as
light of creative altruism or in the darkness the official photographer and Facebook
of destructive selfishness”. Mohamad Noor account administrator.
Halim Bin Mazlan has chosen the former.
Despite having to cope with the rigorous Halim’s lecturers have only praises for him.
demands of his studies, Halim devotes time Recounting one event where Halim was
to social work.“Being involved in community appointed leader, lecturer Ms Fahimah
service makes me feel alive,” he shared. Begam recounted: “Despite numerous
obstacles that came along, Halim
The Nitec in Digital Media Design (Digital portrayed true leadership quality in leading
Video Effects) student makes good use of the team to complete the project to the
his holidays doing voluntary work. Among client’s satisfaction. He also received rave
others, he has conducted animation reviews when he was a speaker at the
workshops for the Jamiyah Children launch of the READ! Singapore 2009. He has
Home, mentored other students under boundless energy and he uses it to the best
the Malay Youth Literary Association’s bITE of his abilities.”
programme, participated in the donation
drive for the Singapore Association for the Halim dreams of becoming an art educator
Deaf, collected donations for Boys’ Town, one day, so that he could use his talents to
and taught basic computer skills to blind benefit the larger community. “Just like how
and deaf students. my teachers from ITE have impacted my life
and guided me, I want to be a role model
Halim’s warm and caring nature has not only and be part of someone else’s progress,”
touched the hearts of Singaporeans. Under he added. His perseverance and positive
a Youth Expedition Project in Cambodia, attitude will certainly lead him towards
the 21-year-old Halim managed to impart realising his dream one day.
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basic computer skills to the students there
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S UA E AWARD AWARD
T
LEE K DENT COMMENDATION
U NY W MODEL STUDENT/
TRAINEE recipients
Name
Stephanie Raphaela Ho Shi Qin
Course
Nitec in Digital Media Design
(Digital Video Effects)
College
ITE College West
Making a Difference with Her First Step
Graphic designing, painting, and belly This spunky go-getter has a dream to
dancing – these are just some of the talents become a prominent figure in the design
Stephanie Raphaela Ho Shi Qin is gifted in. industry one day. Her first step towards this
Besides being an interesting personality dream started when she took up studies in
with varying interests, Stephanie has also the Nitec in Digital Media Design (Digital
excelled academically with a perfect Video Effects) course. A mature student,
Grade Point Average score of 4.0. Stephanie only joined ITE five years after
her GCE ‘N’ levels. She initially had no plans
When asked what her slogan in life would to join ITE, but five years of being in the
be, Stephanie replied: “If you ever have workforce convinced her that she needed
a dream or a vision to do something, do to upgrade her skills in order to achieve her
it!” Looking at her list of achievements, goals.
it is clear that this is one young lady who
means what she says, and puts into action And what a change that one step has
what she has envisioned. made. Today, Stephanie is an all-rounded
achiever equipped with design skills, and
As President of the Arts and Design Club well on her way to realising her dreams.
in ITE College West (Ang Mo Kio Campus),
Stephanie organised various workshops
for the members, and was the first student
to be appointed as a trainer for one of
the workshops. She was the animator and
background artist in the Read! Singapore
2009 project. Stephanie also gained
fruitful work experience through freelance
designing and doing community work for
various organisations.
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U N E TRAINEE AWARD
LEE K A Y W MODEL STUDENT/
Name
Koh Chong Boon
Course
Nitec in Marine Electrical Technology
Company
Keppel Offshore and Marine Ltd
Finding One’s Self in the Sea
“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), Chong Boon explained: “As a former trainee
it’s always ourselves we find in the sea,” so myself, I know it is tough.The major stumbling
says E. E. Cummings. block for any trainee is getting integrated
into the work as smoothly as possible. I help
And Koh Chong Boon agrees. To him, the new trainees by going through the basics
sea means more than just his livelihood. of the work involved and not giving them
The sea has never failed to stir an ocean too many tasks. Having knowledge is good,
of emotions within him. It offers a sense of but without guidance, it is hard to get a
self-fulfillment and has opened his eyes and proper head start.”
his heart. He elaborated: “We see things in a
different perspective... size-wise. It’s an eye As an ITE trainee, Chong Boon has had
opener for a lot of people, me included.” the opportunity to develop a deep and
practical understanding that one will not
Indeed, the word ‘big’ takes on a whole get from a pure classroom perspective.
different definition in the ocean. No wonder Armed with a Nitec, he is now ready to surf
Chong Boon is proud of his job and all it bigger dreams and has already applied to
has to offer - good or bad, sun and sea or enrol in a Diploma course. And no, he will
soot and smoke. not stop there. He has plans to upgrade
himself continuously until he becomes an
As a Trainee Supervisor with Keppel Offshore engineer or even higher. “I’ve got a master
and Marine Ltd, Chong Boon is in charge of plan to become a consultant engineer
a group of workers who conduct electrical some day!”
installation for newly-built tug boats. What
makes him stand out is his passion for
helping others. He enjoys guiding new
trainees in their on-the-job training.
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Annex C
BRIEF ON AWARDS
Lee Kuan Yew Model Student/Trainee Award
The Lee Kuan Yew Model Student/Trainee Award is presented to students and trainees who
have performed consistently well in their courses and have displayed outstanding conduct
and attitude worthy of emulation by their peers. The Award serves to inspire students and
trainees to display exemplary behaviour in training, develop high moral values and show
care and concern for others.
Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award
The Lee Kuan Yew CCA Award is presented to students who have demonstrated
outstanding leadership and organisational skills and have contributed significantly to the
improvement and enhancement of campus life. The Award also serves to give recognition to
students who have contributed and achieved excellence in sports, games and the arts.
Lee Kuan Yew Technology Award
The Lee Kuan Yew Technology Award is presented to students who have developed
excellent projects that embody quality, technical innovation and creativity. The projects are
also expected to have industrial applications. The Award serves to inspire students to
develop a zeal for challenges, creativity and competition.
ITE Arts Excellence Award
The ITE Arts Excellence Award is awarded to new students and on-going students who have
displayed outstanding performance in music and the performing arts. Those receiving the
Award have performed at an event organised at the Singapore Schools, Singapore Youth or
National level. With the skills they have acquired and the achievements they have made,
they are expected to develop and raise the standard of music and arts in their respective
Colleges.
ITE Sports Excellence Award
The ITE Sports Excellence Award is awarded to new students and on-going students who
have displayed outstanding performance in sports and games. Those receiving the Award
have represented Singapore Schools or Singapore in the National Team in a sports or game.
With the skills they have acquired and the achievements they have made, they are expected
to develop and raise the standard of sports and games in their respective Colleges.
ITE CCA Medal
The ITE CCA Medal is awarded to outstanding students who have displayed a high level of
involvement in their chosen co-curricular activities (CCA). Students who are receiving the
ITE CCA Medal have excelled in the field of music and arts, sports and games, contributed
significantly in CCA or demonstrated qualities of leadership and organisational ability in
major College events.