Holistic Education for ITE and Polytechnic Students

Sir, each of the Polytechnics and ITE has its own interesting programmes and unique approach towards the holistic development of its students. Singapore Polytechnic does this through Design Thinking; Ngee Ann Polytechnic through its Ngee Ann Learning Model; Temasek Polytechnic through its Applied Principles for Effective Living curriculum; Republic Polytechnic through its Student Life Activities framework; Nanyang Polytechnic through its Teaching Factory concept; and ITE through its Global Education Programme.

Students at the Polytechnics and ITEs are also strongly encouraged to participate in a wide range of club and interest group activities, and are given opportunities to participate in both local and overseas community involvement programmes to broaden their learning experience.

Supplementary question, Sir. For the enrichment programme and extra programme beyond the curriculum, what are the key objectives that MOE has set for the institutions, and what do they hope to arrive at for these students?

Sir, just like our schools, ITEs and Polytechnics aim to achieve holistic education for their students and, apart from the academic programmes or skills programmes, our students are also given the opportunities to take part in CCA activities. Quite often, the CCA activities are generated by the students themselves – community service as well as international programmes, either in the internship programme or exchange programme. Holistic development is the aim of our Polytechnics and ITEs.

Mr Speaker, a couple of supplementary questions. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary mentioned the enrichment programmes that the students have participated in. I have seen success stories in many of my residents' children and how ITE has helped them and encouraged them. But is there support provided to graduates of ITEs – after they have finished and they are in the industry – for them to enrich themselves and to continue the skills upgrading because the jobs are evolving and changing? The second question: could the Senior Parliamentary Secretary share some notable industries or firms that have played a big role for ITE students to be involved in the international programmes and to upskill? As I have said, it is a very good social leveller, and I want to know if there are any success stories where ITE also work with industry partners.

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I thank the Member for the questions. Yes, generally, both ITE and Polytechnics work with the industries to give our students the opportunities of work experience as well as learn about the skills in the industry. Our students are also given the opportunities to go for international or overseas attachment. But, specifically on continuing education, it is another agency's work. WDA has programmes for both graduates of Polytechnics and ITEs to pursue further skills upgrading, and I think this is quite well funded. We all know this.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary mentioned about the international internship and programmes. May we know the kind of percentage of success among students who are able to go through such a programme? If there are costs to such a programme, how are loans to families assisted if they want to attend an overseas programme?

Sir, I do not have the specific information here. I remember in my last reply to the Member's question on ITE students at the last sitting, I explained that there are support schemes for students to take part in various activities, including international exchanges and attachments.

So, our students are given these opportunities to take part even though they may come from low-income families and may have problems financing their participation.

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