We think of ITE as a school for vocational and technical training. It's actually much more than that. The ITE story mirrors the development of Singapore, and it has contributed in no small measure to Singapore's growth and success over the years.
ITE is also a launchpad - for skills, careers and entrepreneurship.
Attended the Policy Studies (IPS) held their seminar "SG50 and Beyond: Singapore's Skill's Training System" at ITE Central on Tuesday and launched the book " A Breakthrough in Vocational and Technical Education - The Singapore Story" by Dr Law Song Seng, the founding Director and CEO (1992 -2007) of ITE.
The book traces the ITE story - from early inception, the challenges it faced, how it aligned education with economic development, how it moved toward organisational excellence, how it transformed over the years, the strategic planning behind it and how it became the world-class educational institution that it is today.
The book is worth reading to understand how far ITE has come from its early beginnings. ITE's achievements are something of which we can be proud.
Another thing I am always very impressed with is the fact is that many ITE alumni are entrepreneurs and business owners. Those I met all credited their success to their early education at ITE. They cited the hands-on learning and technical know-how and skills they learnt at ITE as important factors contributing to their success. Their technical and practical experience gave them an in-depth understanding of their respective industries and sectors. Many took the opportunity to upgrade as they went along, some by doing further studies or course, and others via industry certifications. But all were powered by strong personal motivation, resilience and determination to succeed, leveraging on the skills acquired initially at ITE.
Indranee Rajah
*Article first appeared on https://www.facebook.com/IndraneeRajah/photos/a.779335488750089.10737418...