Republic Polytechnic

“I want to give back to Singapore as the country that gave me a second chance to rebuild my life and career,” shares ME4A M Naw Sant Aung, Republic Polytechnic School of Engineering - RP SEG alumnus now serving as a Naval Warfare System Engineer in the Republic of Singapore Navy. ⚓🇸🇬

For M, RP wasn't just a place to earn a diploma — it was about proving he had changed. Years earlier, he dropped out due to financial difficulties at home. When he got a second chance, he took it with purpose. Inspired by his father and brother, both engineers, M enrolled in the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering to build domain-specific skills. ⚙️

“The lecturers at RP go beyond teaching — they make sure we truly understand and can apply what we learn. Excel VBA is one example, and it still comes in handy in my RSN career today,” says the Gan Eng Seng School Singapore alumnus. “But beyond technical knowledge, they also guided me through critical decisions that shaped my career path.” 💪

Today, M is attached to the Force Generation Squadron, where he sees how RSN ships are maintained for operational readiness. In December 2025, he received the Distinguished Graduate award for the 36th Military Domain Experts Course 1 (MDEC 1) — a specialised leadership and military training programme for RSN personnel. 🏆

“I'm very humbled and grateful for this achievement. This course taught me discipline, fighting spirit, and time management,” M reflects. “I want to continue leading by example and influencing the people around me for the better.” 🫡

Want a career that matters? RP's new Diploma in Defence & Security Management is your launchpad to with the Republic of Singapore Navy, The Singapore Army, or The Republic of Singapore Air Force. Apply through RP's Early Admissions Exercise at for.edu.sg/rp-ddsm. 🚀

RP is shaping for the next generation of talent in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JB-SEZ).

As one of the Institutes of Higher Learning identified to strengthen educational initiatives in JB-SEZ, an RP delegation had the honour of meeting YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor, together with the Johor Talent Development Council and Johor Skills Development Centre - Johor Skills, during a recent working visit to Johor.

Discussions focused on deepening collaboration in areas such as industry-relevant skills training, staff and student exchanges, internships, and joint talent development within the JB-SEZ. These efforts reflect a shared vision to equip students with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in cross-border careers – navigating complexity, communicating across cultures, and responding to evolving industry demands.

At RP, we tap on our expertise from sustainability and AI, to agri-food, hospitality, and supply chain management to strengthen our contributions in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives, while working closely with regional partners to create meaningful impact.

Ideas exchanged. Perspectives shared. Possibilities created. This is just the beginning.

“RP’s innovative approach to smart agriculture lighting has transformed our farming capabilities,” said Edwin Ong, CEO and Director of Singapore-based agritech company ARIANETECH-Build Your Dream Farm.

He shared this at the Agriculture Research and Innovation Showcase (ARIS) 2026, where RP unveiled its latest project: the Integrated Smart Urban Agriculture Monitoring and Lighting Control System, co-developed with Arianetech.

The system was developed by researchers from RP's AGRI Centre and the School of Applied Science, led by Wang Wenwei (Deputy Manager, AGRI Centre). Designed for urban farms, it combines real-time sensing, monitoring, and automated control to adjust lighting based on ambient data and plant growth stages. This helps farmers make better, data-driven decisions while maintaining consistent growing conditions across changing weather.

“The AI-powered system not only reduces our energy costs but also ensures optimal growing conditions year-round, giving us a competitive edge in sustainable urban farming,” added Mr Ong. Arianetech has since adopted the solution for further testing and commercialisation, showing how applied research can deliver real-world industry impact.

Through initiatives like ARIS, RP continues to build collaboration across the agrifood ecosystem, pushing innovation towards smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable food production systems.

🔗 Interested in agriculture research and innovation opportunities with RP? Find out more: https://www.rp.edu.sg/industry/solutions/centres/agri/

Bold ideas, creative pitches, and brilliant teamwork marked the inaugural Business Insights for Growth (BIG!) Challenge organised by Republic Polytechnic School of Business - RP SBZ 🎉

More than 24 teams from eight secondary schools stepped into the shoes of marketers and problem-solvers, developing business pitches to help strengthen Swensen's connection with youths.

Lecturers from the Diploma in Consumer Insights & Psychology (DCIP) and Diploma in Business (DBIZ) ran hands-on crash courses in Behavioural Insights, Design Thinking, and Social Media Marketing & Design, giving participants the skills to tackle a real-world business challenge.

Students from DCIP and DBIZ also stepped up as facilitators, guiding participants throughout the day. It was a valuable chance to apply their learning in a real-world setting and sharpen their communication and leadership skills.

This is what learning looks like at RP — turning insights into action, collaborating with others, and solving real business challenges together 💡

Congratulations to the following teams:

🏆 Champion — Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School
🥈 2nd Place — Westwood Secondary School
🥉 3rd Place — Zhenghua Secondary School
🏅 4th Place — Zhenghua Secondary School
🏅 5th Place — St. Margaret's Secondary School
🎨 Aesthetic Award — Yuan Ching Secondary School

A huge thank you to all participating teams, lecturers, facilitators, and our industry partner Swensen's for making this such a meaningful and inspiring experience. 👏

At RP, we prepare students for the future through applied learning and real-world problem-solving.

Discover with RP’s Early Admissions Exercise. Learn more: www.rp.edu.sg/eae

“Having a background in HR and psychology gave me an edge and shaped how I approach workplace challenges,” says 3WO Yee Weng Wai (Francis), a Unit Resilience Trainer at the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance for the Singapore Armed Forces, and a graduate of the Diploma in Human Resource Management with Psychology (DHRMP).

As a Unit Resilience Trainer, Francis works closely with soldiers from diverse backgrounds, helping them adapt to National Service, manage stress and anxiety, and build the resilience to overcome setbacks.

The Republic Polytechnic School of Business - RP SBZ alumnus credits his facilitators for recognising his experience and helping him grow from it. “DHRMP gave me practical insights for engaging today's soldiers. It also helped me apply the right concepts when communicating with them,” he shares.

Francis also found RP's daily Reflection Journals useful. “They helped me connect theory to real-life situations, and gave me space to refine and apply new ideas at work,” he adds.

Since graduating in 2024, he has continued to use the critical thinking and analytical skills he built, supporting NSFs in developing mental, social, and emotional resilience.

“I see my role as contributing to the development of our next generation, and in a way, shaping the future of Singapore. National Service is such an integral part of our identity,” he reflects.

RP's Diploma in Defence & Security Management (DDSM) equips students with the leadership and technical skills needed to meet the evolving demands of Singapore's defence and security sector.

Through DDSM's Work-Learn Programme, students can also gain structured, on-the-job experience through a regular career pathway with the uniformed services.

Find out how you can build a purposeful career in defence and security: for.edu.sg/ddsm

“I want to create educational games that make learning more fun and engaging,” says Clare Ang, a Year 2 Diploma in Design student majoring in Games & Gamification. “For students who struggle to understand certain concepts in class, turning learning into a game could help them learn better.” 🎮✨

The Republic Polytechnic School of Technology for Arts, Media and Design student discovered this during her time at the School of Science and Technology, Singapore (SST), where she tutored classmates in Mathematics and Chemistry. Through the experience, she realised that everyone learns differently, and found ways to explain concepts that better connected with her peers. 🤝

Her love for art led her to take Design Studies at SST, where she explored visual communication, interior design, and architecture- and discovered a passion for coding. Her time in the Robotics Club deepened her interest in programming. She found joy in being able to “make things come to life through code”. 💡

Clare also represented her school at the World Robotics Olympiad Future Innovators competition alongside two teammates, where they won the championship. 🥇

Although she initially wanted to become a Mathematics tutor, Clare eventually realised she could combine her passions for art, coding and teaching to create educational games. This inspired her to apply for RP's Diploma in Design through the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE).

“The modules focus more on the ideas behind games, which is exactly what I was most keen to learn,” shares the articulate self-starter. “I'm also really happy to be studying alongside my best friend, Yoon, and we hope to start our own game studio in Singapore one day!” 🫶

📅 EAE Application Periods:
• 11 – 17 June: ITE students
• 25 June – 1 July: O-Level students

Learn how RP helps you match your passion with purpose: www.rp.edu.sg/eae

“I've always admired people who serve and protect our nation,” says MSG Sivananthan Muthukumar, Republic Polytechnic School of Engineering - RP SEG alumnus now serving as a Commando in the The Singapore Army. “Protecting Singapore is how I give back to society in a meaningful and sustained manner.”

Sivananthan was part of the pioneer batch of students for the Diploma in Engineering Systems & Management (now Diploma in Mobility & Robotic Systems), known for covering a wide range of engineering disciplines. ⚙️

“Before coming to RP, I was quite introverted,” the Si Ling Secondary School alumnus reveals. “The frequent presentations and group projects helped me build and sharpen my communication skills, which I still rely on today.” 💪

His diploma gave him technical grounding, but it was his internship that revealed his passion for structured environments that emphasise discipline, precision, and teamwork. 🎯

“That was when I began to see the appeal of a career in the Singapore Army,” Sivananthan explains. “When the opportunity to join the Commandos arrived, I seized it and never looked back.” 🗡️

Today, as a soldier in a Commando unit, Sivananthan trains soldiers to meet high operational standards while mentoring them to build their soft skills and confidence. 🫡

“I find the most meaning in knowing my work contributes to Singapore's security and stability,” Sivananthan says. “That sense of purpose is very important to me.” ✨

Want a career that truly matters? RP's new Diploma in Defence & Security Management is your launchpad to with the Singapore Armed Forces, The Republic of Singapore Air Force, or Republic of Singapore Navy. Apply through RP's Early Admissions Exercise at for.edu.sg/rp-ddsm. 🚀

"Do you want to be someone special…someone who can see 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒 things?" Mdm Kamariah's voice was soft, the way grandmothers sound when they tell you a secret. She had just finished a story from Pulau Ubin's early days, about a young schoolgirl who had fallen ill with something the doctors could not name- a sickness of the spirit, the kampung folk had said. The students around her looked at one another with wide eyes. "Noooooo," they said in one voice.

Mdm Kamariah had invited them to celebrate Hari Raya early at her kampung home. Not a planned event. Not a programme. Just an Ubin resident opening her door to RP students who had, somehow, found their way back to her island again and again.

One of those students was Chloe Cai, who came through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) and now pursues the Diploma in Biomedical Science at the Republic Polytechnic School of Applied Science - RP SAS.

"To be honest," Chloe admitted, "I hated Pulau Ubin at first. It was like a PTSD place for me."

Her leadership camp had been held there two years ago, and the island had felt hot, buggy, far from everything familiar. She had studied at Orchid Park Secondary School, chosen RP for its hands-on learning and its air-conditioned campus. Ubin was the opposite of all that.

But something happened during the camp. The students were running a small health check booth for the residents. Chloe was taking blood pressure readings when one aunty looked up at her and asked, "When are you going to do your braces?"

They started chatting. By the end of the conversation, the aunty was calling her goddaughter.

Chloe got her braces this year. And she went back to Ubin to show her.

Since then, she has returned again and again- first as a PFP student leader, then as co-lead of a ChangeMaker project, then as a volunteer for GoodStock, an initiative run by her close friend Murshidha. She is now fulfilling her DYI (Designing Your Impact) hours there, helping to map out island tours and learning, as she puts it, "fun facts about Ubin I never knew existed." It is the kind of journey that RP's signature IMPACT Series hopes to spark in students.

The friendships built over those many visits were what led Mdm Kamariah to open her kampung home- kueh-kueh on the table, old stories spilling out between sips of tea. The kids had said no to seeing ghosts. But they had said yes, again and again, to coming back. To listening. To staying long enough for stories to be passed down, the way kueh recipes once were, from one generation to the next. And really, that is its own kind of magic.

Learn more about the IMPACT series at: www.rp.edu.sg/student/beyond-classroom/impact-series

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RP was buzzing before the doors had even fully opened- students and families pouring in from every direction for EAEvolution, our signature event for anyone daring to take their first bold steps into RP's Early Admissions Exercise (EAE).

Student performers Beats Encore drummed, Capoeira flipped, and RePlug serenaded, and before the afternoon had even properly started, the whole place was buzzing with something that felt a lot like . ⚡

That energy carried right into HeadStart@RP Principal's EAE Talk, where every single seat was taken. With Mediacorp 987 DJs Avery Aloysius and Louisa Kan setting the tone, RP Principal Ms Jeanne Liew took the stage, shared EAE tips and told stories- real ones, about real students who found their way at RP.

There was Faiq Faran, who had tough days, became RP's top graduate of 2026, and now has offers from top UK colleges like King's College London to study Global Health and Social Medicine.

And Atlas Chee, who had a rocky start, pushed on, graduated brilliantly, secured employment at Marina Bay Sands, and shone on the sports field too.

And Jorene Lee, who knew exactly what she loved, went after it with everything she had, and walked away with offers from both National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore to study Medicine.

Three students, three different roads- all starting right here.

Over at South Agora, the curiosity didn't slow down either. Students and parents explored RP's learning spaces, had honest chats with lecturers, and rolled up their sleeves at micro-skills stations and portfolio workshops.

Our friends from The Singapore Army, The Republic of Singapore Air Force, Republic of Singapore Navy, and Singapore Police Force drew wonderful crowds too, with students gathering around, asking big questions, and leaving with a much bigger picture of where the new Diploma in Defence and Security Management (DDSM) could take them.

More than anything, EAEvolution was about seeing what's possible- and daring to imagine .

📅 EAE Application Periods:
• 11 – 17 June: ITE students
• 25 June – 1 July: O-Level students

Your story starts here: www.rp.edu.sg/eae

For Shandy Ng, heritage is more than just history. It is about preserving stories, creating shared experiences, and bringing communities together.

That passion inspired the Year 2 Business Process & Engineering Management student to step up as the RP Student Lead for the inaugural Sea Sports Heritage Fest 2026, organised by Sport Singapore.

The festival commemorated 200 years of sea sports heritage in Singapore.

Leading more than 30 RP student volunteers, Shandy and his team ran activities such as dragon boating and programmes at the WaterPlay zone. Members of the public could try these sports and learn about the heritage behind them.

“We've all gained a deeper appreciation for the history and significance of sea sports in Singapore,” Shandy shared. “It was especially meaningful knowing our efforts helped others understand and connect with sea sports beyond just the activities themselves.”

Preparations for the festival began in January 2026, with student facilitators using their March semester break to sharpen their facilitation skills and deliver a meaningful experience for beneficiaries.

Giving back to the community is nothing new for Shandy. He was part of RP's pilot project at Pulau Ubin, where students developed a heritage trail for the public. He also had the opportunity to present the project to Minister for Education Mr Desmond Lee, as well as Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development Mr Alvin Tan 陈圣辉.

This is what learning beyond the classroom looks like at RP: students leading real-world initiatives, building genuine connections, and making a positive impact in the community ✨

As part of RP's GroundImpact initiative, these experiences give students the chance to lead projects that support communities.
Learn more: www.rp.edu.sg/student/beyond-classroom/impact-series/

“RP gives us opportunities to perform in places most people never get to experience,” says Netty Feona Binte Rahimi, an Republic Polytechnic School of Hospitality - RP SOH student and member of RP Selatra. “We’ve performed on iconic stages such as the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, and even during the National Day Parade. Those experiences pushed us to heights we never thought possible, and I’ll always be grateful for them.”

Netty was one of the performers from RP Selatra who recently took the stage at DBS Foundation Esplanade Outdoor Theatre for Tanah dan Nada (Our Roots, Our Songs), a performance tracing the spiritual and artistic roots of Zubir Said and his humble beginnings in Padang, West Sumatra.

Through RP's CREATE Group, students like Netty, Misha Hannah Binte Mohamed Fariq, and Durrah Binte Muhammad Tamhid — once new to silat — discovered new passions and found opportunities to showcase their talents beyond the classroom.

“At RP, I’ve become someone my younger self would look up to,” shares Misha. “I’ve gained the courage to try new things like silat and stopped doubting myself.”

“We also learnt about the different roles involved in staging a performance, from artistic direction to production,” Durrah says. “It gave us a broader experience in both performance and production.”

Netty, Misha and Durrah joined RP through the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) to pursue their passions in Events and Project Management, Sport & Exercise Science, and Biomedical Science respectively. Along the way, they found something more than just their course interests. Discover how RP prepares students to be future-ready, while helping them grow as confident performers, resilient problem solvers and capable leaders.

Learn more: www.rp.edu.sg/eae

She already knew how to teach. But she wanted to learn something new. For decades, Helen Phoa worked in education, teaching, mentoring and developing people across primary and secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher learning.

Then in mid-2024, something shifted. It began with a Health and Wellness Workshop at RP. Just one afternoon. But it sparked a quiet, firm realisation that preventive health was not just something she found meaningful. It was a path she wanted to pursue.

Shortly after, Helen enrolled in Republic Polytechnic School of Sports and Health - RP SSH's Specialist Diploma in Health and Wellness Coaching. A new sector. A new chapter.

At 70, she became a student in an unfamiliar field. Balancing coursework alongside community commitments was not easy. There were moments she questioned if she could keep up with the more technical aspects of the programme.

But Helen carried with her a lifelong habit of learning, one shaped by her late father, a quiet and persevering man who taught himself whatever he needed at every stage of life.

The module that tied everything together for her was Community Health Prescription, hands-on, practical and deeply connected to real life. Helen did not just learn the concepts. She applied them to herself, then went on to design a holistic health and wellness programme for her Cell Group, sharing what she had learnt with the people around her.

The diploma changed more than her career direction. It changed her daily life. She became more intentional about her health. She started going to the gym regularly. Slowly, her mindset shifted too, becoming more grounded, purposeful and at peace.

Helen also completed RP’s signature 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 programme, before attending a five-day health retreat at Aenon Health Lifestyle Centre in Malaysia. She returned with even greater clarity about who she wanted to become and what she hoped to do next.

This is what becoming looks like. Not a dramatic reinvention. Just someone choosing growth, quietly, consistently and with courage.

Helen Phoa graduated with the Specialist Diploma in Health and Wellness Coaching. She came to us as an educator. She leaves as a coach, a passionate community builder, and someone unafraid to begin again.

Want to hear more of Helen’s story in her own words? Catch her full interview with Susan Ng on CNA938, where she shares what inspired this change, what she learnt along the way, and what she hopes to build next.

https://www.melisten.sg/podcast/playlist/Your-Singapore-Weekend-2481996/Redefining-Success--Inspiring-Journeys-of-Polytechnic-Graduates-2--Helen-Phoa--Republic-Polytechnic--3330926

CNA

Growing up with deaf parents, Adino Wong learnt early that love is not always spoken aloud. Sometimes it is signed. Sometimes it is written on paper. And sometimes it is carried quietly in the wishes of the people who raised you.

Raised largely by his grandparents during his school years, Adino held closely to one hope his grandfather had for him after suffering a stroke- that he would one day make it to university. That wish stayed with him. Not just as a goal, but as a promise.

Adino graduates from Republic Polytechnic School of Sports and Health - RP SSH with a Diploma in Health Services Management with Merit (now Diploma in Integrated Community Care) and receives the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital Silver Medal Award- one of the highest honours at graduation.

Yet, his path here was never straightforward. After secondary school, he missed the cut for poly because of one subject grade. He entered Institute of Technical Education, Singapore to study cybersecurity, eventually dropped out, and decided to start over to pursue sports instead. Along the way came rejection after rejection.

“I started to break down crying, sharing my thoughts to the cab driver- a stranger,” he shares. “About how I might not be able to pursue my studies anymore if I wasn’t given a chance.”

That day was supposed to be his final interview chance. Hours later, he received the call. He got in. And from that moment on, he never wanted to waste a second chance again.

At RP, Adino helped form an unofficial sport climbing team from the ground up and led them to a Bronze at the Pol-ITE Games. He taught juniors basic sign language through the interest group DEAFining, contributed to virtual service-learning projects for students in the Philippines, and completed an overseas internship in Bangkok supporting seniors in hospitals and nursing homes.

Step by step, he kept moving forward.

National Service comes next. Beyond that, university. But whatever happens, Adino already knows this: The journey does not have to be perfect to mean something. You just have to keep climbing. Congrats, Adino, for becoming your . 🎓🧗

Learn more: www.rp.edu.sg/greater-me

“Learning about tourism in Singapore and overseas has given me invaluable insights into how guest experiences are crafted. It has reinforced my goal of pursuing a career in hospitality, where I can make a meaningful impact,” said Sharifah 'Aishah Binti Syed Ali Alhinduan, a Year 3 Diploma in Tourism Management with Technology student.

Sharifah is one of six students from RP School of Hospitality who recently received the Sands Hospitality Scholarship at the Sands Future Talent ceremony. Guest of honour Ms. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, spoke about the importance of strengthening talent pipelines to support Singapore's tourism sector.

Running from 2026 to 2029, the SG$2 million programme will support over 160 students across seven IHLs. Scholars like Sharifah will benefit from structured industry exposure, internships at the integrated resort, and potential full-time roles with Marina Bay Sands upon graduation.

“Being a Sands Hospitality Scholar has strengthened my confidence in this path, and I look forward to contributing and growing in this dynamic industry,” said Sharifah.

The MOU was signed by Marina Bay Sands and RP Deputy Principal, Mr Boo Chong-Han, alongside IHL partners.

This ongoing partnership between RP and its industry partners strengthens the pathway from classroom to career. Through real-world experience, RP students build the skills and confidence to thrive in hospitality, while supporting Singapore's pipeline of future talent.

Explore with RP School of Hospitality — Singapore's only dedicated hospitality school within the polytechnic system: https://www.rp.edu.sg/education/schools/hospitality/