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Introduction

Our institute knows passion.

Students from Temasek Polytechnic (TP) boast skills both in and beyond the classroom. At the heart of our polytechnic lies a dynamic student ecosystem, brimming with talent, determination, and grit.

Thriving in our vibrant campus life are student entrepreneurs, impassioned community contributors and future-driven young talents that are redefining success in a fast-evolving world. Guided by our values of Care, Courage, and Passion, TP nurture individuals who are resilient, compassionate, and driven to shape the world around them—today and tomorrow.

Discover three inspiring stories of TP students who lead with heart and innovation.

Welcome Student Entrepreneurs

At just 23 years old, Mohammed Haikkel Bin Firdhaus, a graduate of Temasek Polytechnic’s Diploma in Business, is already making waves in the local retail scene. His startup, The SGFR Store Pvt. Ltd., has transformed the local Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space for the new generation.

Incubated at Temasek Launchpad, TP’s flagship entrepreneurship incubator, SGFR began with a simple goal to bring international snacks to Singapore as a one-stop shop for global treats. Haikkel’s business model was clear: collectible products that spark community and conversation.

Juggling academics with a growing business was no easy feat. To materialise his ambitions, Haikkel sought support from Temasek Polytechnic through flexible work and study arrangements, expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and workspace resources. Temasek Launchpad serves as the ideal platform for young startups like Haikkel’s to turn their ideas into thriving retail businesses.

Temasek Launchpad offers an immersive startup ecosystem for young entrepreneurs like Haikkel, serving as a startup accelerator for early-stage business ideas. Seasoned mentors provide guidance and strategic insights on how to turn ambition into sustainable ventures. TP’s strong connection with investors, accelerators, and business communities helps business founders bring their ideas to life, with the potential to scale globally

Today, his journey is gaining national attention.

Haikkel snagged the Grand Silver Award at the National Youth Entrepreneurship Awards in 2024, and SGFR has amassed a collective total of 92.9K followers across Instagram and TikTok. With plans for further national expansion, he dreams of turning SGFR into a household name across Southeast Asia, starting with deepening community engagement and building a strong network of franchise stores island-wide.

Haikkel leaves us with the following sentiment for budding entrepreneurs alike:

“Just start, and don’t fear failure… Entrepreneurship is challenging but incredibly rewarding – your journey starts with the courage to begin.”

You(th) Can Do It, Too

Meet Ayuni Nur Izyanti, 19, a student from Temasek Polytechnic’s Diploma in Medical Biotechnology. Driven by a passion for youth-led activism, Ayuni’s volunteering has created an impact island-wide. What began as a simple Values in Action (VIA) opportunity in Secondary Three has since blossomed into a heartfelt mission to make Care Services more accessible, consistent, and youth-friendly.

Ayuni identified a common barrier to volunteering - that many students struggle to commit due to demanding school schedules. She then co-founded “You(th) Can Do It”, a ground-up initiative that connects young people to flexible, meaningful causes.

She cites her primary motivation for volunteering - witnessing, first-hand, the impact a small act can have on someone’s life. Her very first experience of caring for the community saw her helping an elderly woman clean her home’s fans and curtains. The task barely took two hours,

but the woman’s immense gratitude ignited a longstanding passion for societal uplift that now spans over 70 community projects.

In addition to her work with You(th) Can Do It, Ayuni volunteers at a local hospital weekly under the Ward Basic Care Programme. There, she supports children through holistic care, offering a safe space for comfort and conversation.

Her experiences with the children reaffirm her passion for volunteerism:

“Sometimes, it’s not about doing something big. It’s just about being there.”

Ayuni credits Temasek Polytechnic for providing crucial support in her volunteer work. As president of TP’s Community Service Club (TPCSC), she has gained a broadened perspective on both local and global social impact.

Through long-term mentorship, volunteerism within niche communities, and overseas travel opportunities, TP’s Community Service Club aims to instil the spirit of volunteerism within TP students and the broader local community. What begins in our vibrant campus extends beyond borders, shaping a spirit of collaboration and community resilience across regional and global networks.

Ayuni exemplifies TP’s commitment to student care and wellbeing – values deeply embedded in our campus culture. Our institute offers a wide range of resources to ensure every student feels supported, both emotionally and financially. This includes our Campus Care Network that creates a family-like environment and maintains the caring culture in the institute, and our team of qualified counsellors that provides personalised guidance to help students navigate campus life and personal concerns. With holistic support systems in place, TP ensures that every student can thrive with confidence and care.

TP’s comprehensive offerings for both local and global community efforts have strengthened Ayuni’s approach to her passion. Through leading multiple projects, she has honed essential practical skills and developed a nuanced understanding of diverse community needs, and the power of collaboration across dynamic teams.

Sharing on today’s youth volunteerism, Ayuni feels that beneficiaries deeply value the presence of young volunteers. While she understands that students do not know where (or how) to start, she notes that the hardest part is taking the first step.

Ayuni encourages youths to start small, by joining ad-hoc events with TPCSC or other accessible organisations. There is no better time to make a difference than now.

“We are the next generation, full of potential to create real change.”

TP’s Got Passion

For many, balancing full-time studies with Olympic-grade sporting commitments might sound intimidating. For Zackery Tay, 19, however, it’s part of a journey towards diving for something greater - claiming victory at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A student from Temasek Polytechnic’s Diploma in Business, Zackery’s passion for swimming began at age 10 when he joined his primary school’s swim team CCA. There, he discovered his passion for swimming. Since then, he has competed in numerous global competitions and broken national records. Within two months in 2024, Zackery set new benchmarks in the national “200m Backstroke” and “400m Individual Medley” timings. A force to be reckoned with in the competitive swimming scene, his prowess is being honed under world-class coaching.

After completing Secondary One, Zackery relocated to Thailand to train under renowned FINA-certified coach Miguel Lopez. In a pivotal moment of mentorship, Miguel sat Zackery down and asked what he really wanted out of the sport. Zackery’s answer was clear. To qualify and place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His ambition prompted them to craft a career roadmap for Zackery, with intermediate goals to keep him on track toward his main dream.

Zackery cites time management as a crucial factor when juggling his roles as a full-time student and national athlete.

“When you have a passion for something, it’s natural to know how to set priorities.”

Zackery has built an ecosystem of support that spans from family and friends to Temasek Polytechnic. A student from TP’s Swimming CCA, he shares that the Polytechnic’s lecturers have been supportive in his journey, helping to bring out the best in him and unlocking his true potential. He shares that it is a part of TP’s ethos to help students evolve and thrive through kindness and passionate guidance. Within the CCA, camaraderie runs deep. The shared passion among teammates fuels a culture of encouragement, where everyone pushes one another to go further and aim higher.

In 2025, Zackery qualified for the World Aquatics Swimming Championships, representing Singapore in the “200m and 400m Individual Medley”. He hopes to cinch the “A” qualifying time for the SEA Games in December of the same year.

Zackery’s journey reflects not just personal ambition, but the spirit of resilience and excellence we celebrate at TP. We are proud to have such talented, young dreamers on our campus.

Temasek Polytechnic is dedicated to nurturing young minds and big aspirations. A vibrant campus fosters both academic and holistic growth alike, and TP is always ready to help our students evolve.

For those looking to join a vibrant educational campus, discover Temasek Polytechnic’s full-time Diplomas here.

For current students seeking education and career guidance, check out our career services for personalised support, resources and opportunities.