The TP Legacy: Shaping Career-Confident Graduates to Create Singapore’s Tomorrow
Post Date: 12 Nov 2025
Introduction
This year, Temasek Polytechnic (TP) proudly celebrates its 35th anniversary. Since 1990, TP has stood as a dynamic force in Singapore’s educational landscape, empowering students to grow academically, professionally, and holistically. More than a place of learning, TP has acted as a launchpad for young talents to explore their passions, innovate boldly, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
As we mark TP35, we celebrate the people and progress that have shaped our journey. For those looking for diploma courses in Singapore or exploring pathways for lifelong learning, this is what sets TP apart.
1. TP's Legacy of Excellence
Temasek Polytechnic has long been recognised for its excellence in polytechnic education, with achievements that reflect the talents of both our students and faculty. Rooted in a spirit of quality education and holistic support, our ethos continues to shape confident leaders in school and beyond.
1.1 A Campus of Achievers
Among Singapore’s highest accolades for youth achievement is the Lee Hsien Loong Award for Outstanding All-Round Achievement. To date, six TP students have received this prestigious award – an extraordinary feat underscoring our commitment to nurturing well-rounded achievers.
Our lecturers have also earned national recognition. The President’s Award for Teachers, Singapore’s highest honour for educators, has been awarded to two of TP’s very own – Ms Iman Tang (School of Informatics & IT, 2021) and Ms Tan Lay Khee (School of Applied Science, 2018) – for their dedication to empowering students and fostering lifelong learning. Their inspiring words reflect TP’s teaching philosophy.
- “Unlocking the motivation to learn in each individual student is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.” – Iman Tang
- “To build students’ capacity in lifelong learning, students need to be empowered to judge their own learning.” – Tan Lay Khee
1.2 Strong Industry Partners, Real-World Experience
TP’s strong industry partnerships connect students with real-world applications, ensuring they graduate career-ready. Through internships, global immersion programmes, and Centres of Excellence, our students gain hands-on expertise:
| Centres of Excellence (COE) | Application |
|---|---|
| TP Advanced Manufacturing Centre | Provides hands-on training in Industry 4.0 technologies, keeping competitive with emerging AI developments. |
| TP Robotics Automation Centre | Immerses students in robotic systems and control automation with in-demand programming, design, and simulations. |
| TP Aquaculture Innovation Centre | Functions as a national centre for sustainable aquaculture innovation, nurturing students to engage in development and analyses, service testings, and workshops. |
| Overseas Internships and International Relations | Cross-cultural experiences and international industry exposure converge here. Our trips cover diverse countries for broadened professional perspectives and student adaptability. |
These partnerships provide access to state-of-the-art tools and industry practices, preparing students to thrive in competitive sectors.
Nurturing Singapore’s Future Changemakers
Since its inception, TP’s mission has been to nurture adaptable, forward thinking Singaporeans. This comes alive through our dynamic ecosystem, where students tackle real-world challenges with creativity, innovation, and confidence.
Guided by our tagline, “Creating Tomorrow”, TP continues to shape education as a force for progress. Across every touchpoint, we foster the skills and mindset needed to build an inclusive and forward-thinking student base and, in turn, nation. Through hands-on learning and industry collaborations, TP embraces innovation, empowering students to define the future of their respective industries.
2.1 Building The Future of Singapore
2.1a) Innovation
At the Enabling Technology Collaboratory (ETC), students experiment with artificial intelligence, immersive media, Internet of Things (IoT) and innovative design to develop cutting-edge prototypes with industry partners.
Our ETC houses four research laboratories:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Immersive Media
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Innovation
Beyond the ETC, TP houses many comprehensive research facilities – cultivating a passion for experimentation early on. We aim to nurture future-ready students through adaptive problem-solving, creating leaders of tomorrow.
2.1b) Sustainability
TP is a committed supporter of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, demonstrated through the development of a Sustainability Committee and publication of its sustainability report. Eco-friendly practices and facilities are also embedded throughout campus, one example being the Centre for Urban Sustainability (CUS). At the facility, students are engaged in applied R&D to pioneer zero-waste and low-carbon initiatives, preparing them to lead Singapore’s green future.
As part of TP’s ongoing mission of Creating Tomorrow, our sustainability efforts cultivate technical expertise in green practices, inculcating a sustained and informed passion for environmental responsibility and encouraging students to reflect on their green understanding.
By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, we empower students to take agency in tackling personal sustainability goals and to participate in national conservation challenges from the early stages of their lives.
2.1c) Digital Transformation in Singapore
Beyond sustainability, TP prides itself on its digital capabilities. Through centres like IDEAS (Interactive Digital Experiments with AI Studio), students merge design thinking with digital tools such as generative AI. This prepares them to contribute to digital transformation in Singapore, equipping graduates with future-ready skills in design and technology.
2.2 Student Development and Community Engagement
TP offers more than 90 Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs), fostering passions from sports and arts to entrepreneurship and mental wellness. These opportunities develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
CCAs that involve group collaborations unlock student leadership opportunities, instilling a strong sense of belonging through shared interests.
For high achievers, the Temasek LEADership Programme (Temasek LEAD) develops value-driven leaders through workshops, projects, and overseas exposure. Complementing this, the Campus Care Network (CCN) provides social, emotional, and financial support, ensuring every student feels connected and cared for.
The spirit of collaborative student care is embedded into TP’s ecosystem through our Campus Care Network. Our commitment to values like empathy, teamwork, and responsibility culminate here. The CCN’s student support services offer emotional, social, and financial aid. TP cares immensely about personal and community growth. This helps students become strong leaders and great team players, uniting towards a better future.
3. Innovating for Tomorrow's Leaders
TP continues to pioneer innovation in education in Singapore through holistic and adaptive teaching approaches.
| Teaching Method | Learning Style |
|---|---|
| Project-based Learning | Students apply knowledge to real-world problems through hands-on, collaborative projects with real industry pain points. |
| Flipped Classrooms | Self-directed learning whereby students learn lesson materials outside the classroom, and apply their skills during class. |
| Interdisciplinary Modules | Modules that blend multiple fields of study, encouraging students to think across disciplines and solve complex challenges. |
3.1 Cutting-Edge Learning
Through holistic teaching methods like project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and interdisciplinary modules and personalised training, students can take charge of their education.
TP is a dedicated proponent for Singapore’s future development, with our curriculum reflecting both professional and personal student growth. Lessons are structured for independent thinking and hands-on exploration.
This innovation in education extends to our Centres of Excellence (COE). Here, students gain direct experience with new technologies and gain opportunities to work with industry partners.
Through vocational training and interdisciplinary exposure, TP nurtures adaptable learners who thrive in complex environments. Facilities like Temasek Launchpad, our entrepreneurship incubator, help transform student ideas into thriving start-ups with mentorship and funding support.
3.2 Embracing Digital Transformation and Sustainability
A strong supporter of Singapore’s digital innovation, TP prepares students for careers in key growth sectors such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital marketing. At the same time, we model sustainability through campus-wide initiatives and applied research. Together, these dual priorities reflect our ethos of shaping future-ready students for Singapore’s continued development.
Reflecting TP’s commitment to shaping skilled, forward-thinking graduates, our ecosystem of ethics promises success for our students, as well as for the greater regional good. Our institute has nurtured future-ready Singaporeans since 1990, standing as a cornerstone for student innovation and tertiary nurture.
As TP celebrates its 35th anniversary, we remain committed to shaping the future of Singapore through lifelong learning, innovation, and a strong culture of care. Our legacy since 1990 is defined by achievements, industry collaborations, and the success of our graduates. Looking ahead, we continue to nurture confident, career-ready leaders who will drive Singapore’s progress for generations to come.
At Temasek Polytechnic, creating leaders of tomorrow is more than a vision - it’s our promise.
For those looking to enroll in Poly courses, discover Temasek Polytechnic’s full-time Diplomas here.
For current students seeking education and career-future guidance in Singapore, check out our career services for expert coaching.
