The Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science for polytechnics is awarded to the top Technology or Computer Science graduates in each of the polytechnics. This Award is funded by an honorarium that the late founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew received from various speaking engagements and funds raised from a special edition of his memoirs. The Award was first presented at the 1993 Temasek Polytechnic graduation ceremony.
Recipients:
Charlotte's interest in food science began at home, where a simple routine of cooking for her family grew into a deeper curiosity about the science behind food. What started as practice for her secondary school food science examinations soon turned into a passion. She became fascinated by the science behind food reactions and enjoyed seeing concepts come to life through cooking.
This curiosity led her to pursue a diploma in Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), where she connected scientific concepts with hands-on learning in the laboratory and applied projects. Her dedication earned her the Temasek Polytechnic Scholarship and the CCA Merit Award for Leadership.
Beyond academics, Charlotte has made a strong impact through service and leadership. As Honorary Treasurer of the Community Service Club, she organised initiatives under the elderly care division, including learning journeys to the Science Centre and National Museum, as well as intergenerational cooking sessions that fostered connection and mutual learning between youths and seniors.
She also led a fundraising initiative to support the construction of a school in Siem Reap, Cambodia, an experience that brought to life TP's emphasis on service and global exposure. As President of the Food Interest Group, she guided a team of 10 peers to organise events such as ASCares, engaging more than 1,000 participants and demonstrating her ability to lead large-scale community engagement efforts.
One of her most memorable volunteering experiences was helping to clean and repaint the homes of elderly residents in rental flats. Through these interactions, she learnt to look beyond the surface and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges others face.
Balancing academic and leadership commitments was not without challenges, particularly in her final year when multiple responsibilities overlapped. Through careful planning and collaboration, she learnt to prioritise effectively and support others when needed.
Aspiring to pursue a degree in Food Science and Technology at the National University of Singapore, Charlotte hopes to build a career in research and development within the food industry, contributing to innovation and responding to evolving consumer needs.
Guided by her belief that small actions can make a meaningful difference, she hopes to inspire others to volunteer with sincerity and recognise the value of giving back.
For Jun An, volunteering is simply a part of his DNA. Whenever available, he joins the monthly grocery distribution efforts in Tampines distributing groceries to low-income families, elderly residents, and people with special needs.
“Many of the elderly live alone,” he says. “When we talk to them and listen to their stories, it helps them feel less lonely.” For Jun An, these personal connections make his contributions truly worthwhile.
His desire to make a difference also fuelled a lifelong curiosity about aviation. Inspired by his father's service in the Air Force, Jun An grew up attending air shows and sketching aircraft. This led him to the Aerospace Electronics programme at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), where he turned his childhood interest into practical engineering skills. He later completed Phase I of the Singapore Youth Flying Club Basic Flying Course, gaining hands-on exposure to flight operations while strengthening his discipline and focus.
At TP, Jun An discovered a passion for innovation and leadership alongside his technical training. He co-founded and led DroniX, a student-led drone soccer club. Starting from scratch, he worked with his peers to establish the club, organise training sessions, and prepare teams for competitions. With guidance from lecturers, DroniX grew into a thriving co-curricular activity, culminating in a second-place finish at a national competition, the Drone Soccer Championship 2024. Beyond competition, DroniX also enabled Jun An to introduce technology to students and the community in an engaging and accessible way.
Building on these leadership experiences, Jun An also took on a key role in the Engineering Peer Mentors club. As head of operations, he organised outreach projects, creating meaningful opportunities for students to give back to the community. Even after stepping down, he continues to volunteer, as giving back remains a core value of his.
To Jun An, TP's culture of care and focus on holistic development have been pivotal in shaping his journey, providing mentorship, opportunities, and trust that has helped him grow, both as a student and a leader.
He plans to pursue electrical engineering at a local university, aspiring to apply technology to improve everyday life, while continuing to mentor and give back to the communities that have shaped his journey.
Inspired by his late grandfather, Joash discovered his love for engineering by quietly watching him tinker with and repair electronic items, from audio amplifiers to fish tank pumps. These early memories did more than spark curiosity; they ignited a deep passion for problem-solving and creating innovations with real-world impact, leading him to pursue a Diploma in Computer Engineering at Temasek Polytechnic (TP).
During his first year at TP, Joash demonstrated a strong drive for excellence. He thrived academically and holistically, proudly representing TP in major badminton competitions. He also completed the inaugural run of the National Youth Council's Leaders Course in 2023 as part of the Singapore Young Leaders Programme.
When life seemed to be going well, Joash was struck with the unexpected - Ewing's sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. In his second year at TP, he was forced to defer his studies. Joash then underwent surgery and a series of intensive chemotherapy and proton therapy treatments. Once a competitive athlete, Joash had to learn how to walk again.
Yet through resilience, faith, and the unwavering support of his family, lecturers, peers, doctors and nurses, Joash made a remarkable recovery, resuming school a year later without a walking aid.
What did not break him made him stronger. Joash returned to TP with renewed determination and optimism. His perseverance paid off, with a stellar academic achievement of a perfect 4.0 GPA and repeated placements on the Director's List. In addition, Joash received the CCA Merit Award (Leadership), after serving as President of the Engineering Makers Club (EMC).
Driven by the resilience that carried him through his toughest days, Joash possesses a keen sense of leadership, purpose and service, actively participating in hackathons and youth leadership platforms to apply technical knowledge meaningfully and contribute to broader communities. He was an active participant of the Temasek LEAD Programme, serving others through community projects, overseas engagements and leadership workshops. He also spearheaded workshops with Community Clubs to introduce engineering and coding to children and youths, and continues mentoring juniors and actively contributing to the club even after stepping down.
Joash's real-world readiness is reflected in the way he applies his skills to meaningful, practical solutions. One of his most significant projects was BreathCam, a cost-effective tool for early gum disease detection that has earned validation from professional dentists, as well as recognition at the Engineering Innovation Challenge 2025 (Polytechnic Category).
His capability was further strengthened during his year-long internship with GovTech, where he contributed to two software releases and authored a security compliance standards playbook. Looking ahead, Joash aspires to harness emerging technologies such as AI to create impactful solutions that empower communities.
Having experienced both the highs of achievement and the challenges of adversity, Joash remains grounded in his outlook. His advice to fellow students is to “Be grateful and seize every opportunity” - just as how he embraces each experience as a chance to grow, give back, and shape a future defined by purpose.
Justin's path was shaped by a pivotal decision to step away from a course that did not align with his goals, choosing instead to navigate uncertainty in search of the right direction. He initially enrolled in the Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. However, he soon realised that the course did not align with his long-term aspiration of pursuing a research-driven career and made the difficult decision to withdraw.
Determined to find the right fit, he reapplied for a different course twice and completed his National Service before eventually enrolling in the Common ICT Programme at TP, where he progressed into the Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics. With a deep interest in cybersecurity, he has since developed a passion for investigative work, particularly in understanding how cyber-attacks occur and how systems can be protected. Drawn to the challenge of solving complex problems and uncovering digital threats, Justin has found meaning in a field that aligns with both his strengths and aspirations.
His path has not been without challenges. Justin faced setbacks in his earlier years, including being retained in secondary school following the passing of his grandmother, changing schools, and navigating uncertainty in his academic journey. These experiences shaped his resilience and determination. His National Service played a pivotal role in his growth, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging. His efforts were recognised with accolades such as Best Soldier of the Month and Safety Champion.
Justin has since excelled academically and in leadership, earning the Temasek Polytechnic Scholarship and multiple placements on the Director's List. As President of the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Student Interest Group, he founded SparkCTF, a cybersecurity challenge that attracted over 160 participants, inspiring deeper interest in the field and empowering students to explore beyond the classroom. He also led initiatives such as the Youth Cyber Exploration Programme, aimed at fostering interest among secondary school students. As Head of Welfare in Peer Supporters in Action, he contributed to initiatives supporting student well-being and shared his personal experiences at the Beyond The Label event.
Justin aspires to build a career in cybersecurity, contributing to sectors that safeguard national systems and infrastructure. Having developed a strong sense of belonging during his National Service, he is driven to give back to society and safeguarding Singapore's digital landscape.
The Lee Foundation Award is awarded to the top non-Science and Technology graduates. The Lee Foundation has sponsored the awards in honour of Mr Lee Kong Chian, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, who established the Lee Foundation in 1952 to aid the advancement of education and help the poor, among others.
Recipients:
Growing up in a single-parent household, Joelle was shaped by her father's quiet resilience and unwavering commitment to her education and well-being. His example instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and ownership over her learning.
Without access to external support such as tuition, she learnt to rely on discipline, initiative, and dedication. Through perseverance and academic commitment, Joelle progressed from the Normal (Academic) stream, she to the Polytechnic Foundation Programme. This experience reinforced her belief that progress is defined not by where one starts, but with consistency and effort.
As she considered her next steps, attending Temasek Polytechnic's (TP) Open House became a turning point. Experiencing the School of Business environment and interacting with students and lecturers gave her confidence that it was a place where she could explore and grow. She chose to enrol in the Diploma in Business, drawn to its flexibility and emphasis on applied learning.
At TP, Joelle translated determination into achievement, graduating with a Diploma with Merit and earning multiple accolades, including consecutive placements on the Director's List, the Temasek Foundation – RKS Nachiappan Scholarship, and the Centennial Fund Award. Through TP's applied curriculum and industry-linked opportunities, she gained exposure beyond the classroom and learnt to connect theory with real-world practice.
During her internship at The Bank of New York Mellon, Joelle faced a different challenge. Initially reserved, she found it difficult to speak up but actively embraced feedback as an opportunity for growth. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she became more confident in contributing ideas and developed a dashboard that streamlined headcount reconciliation processes, which was subsequently adopted by the organisation.
Beyond academics, TP's student leadership platforms further shaped her growth. As President of the TP Students' Union, she led initiatives such as the Welfare Engagement Series, creating opportunities for student entrepreneurs. She later returned to this space in a business development role with student-led startup Aston Abode, where she applied her skills in a real-world context.
Once uncertain of her path, Joelle now moves forward with greater clarity and purpose. She plans to pursue a degree in Finance and build a career in investment or fund management. Shaped by her own journey, she hopes to contribute towards reducing gaps in access to opportunities. She believes that potential should not be limited by circumstance but enabled through support and access.
Jermane's journey is shaped by a deep belief in the power of storytelling to connect people and shape perspectives. Her passion for storytelling began in secondary school, where she actively participated in filming projects, sparking an early interest in visual storytelling.
With a deep passion for the arts, she enrolled in the Common Design Programme before specialising in the Diploma in Digital Film and Television to harness the power of filmmaking as a medium to shape society. She finds meaning in the collaborative nature of film, believing that bringing people together to create something from nothing lies at the heart of impactful storytelling. Jermane's journey has been marked by its share of challenges.
During her O-Level year, she was hospitalised for severe tonsillitis, which developed into a serious condition requiring surgery. This disrupted her academic journey and resulted in limited post-secondary options, as she was unable to secure placement in her desired courses. Undeterred, she entered Temasek Polytechnic through the Direct Admissions Exercise, carrying a strong belief that every setback is an opportunity for growth.
Since then, Jermane has excelled both academically and in leadership. She earned placements on the Director's List and received multiple academic awards, while taking on key roles within the TP Student Union, serving as Publications Secretary and later as Vice-President. During her time in the Student Union, she was also a part of the organising committee for the Walk for Health annual event, a school-wide initiative that raised donations for beneficiaries, reflecting her commitment to community impact.
Through the TP Lead Programme, she was given the opportunity to represent the institution at the Global Peace Summit 2026, an experience that broadened her worldview and deepened her belief in empathetic and purposeful leadership.
Jermane is motivated by the belief that growth comes through experience, and that challenges serve as valuable lessons. As she looks ahead, she aspires to further her studies in communications and international relations, with a focus on the intersection of media, policy, and society. She hopes to use her skills in storytelling and communication to shape perspectives, foster understanding, and contribute to a more empathetic and connected world.
At just nine years old, Carine was already caring for her younger brother, unknowingly laying the foundation for a lifelong passion in early childhood development. Her love for nurturing children grew through volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, an experience that shaped her empathy and commitment to helping others.
Carine discovered the Diploma in Early Childhood Development and Education at the Temasek Polytechnic (TP) Open House. She immediately recognised that the programme aligned closely with her interests, offering the opportunity to turn her early experiences into meaningful impact.
At TP, Carine thrived both academically and as a leader. She developed a strong dedication to supporting children with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN). Academically, she earned multiple accolades, including the Daisy Phay TP Foundation Scholarship, the Lee Foundation Scholarship, and consecutive placements on the Director's List.
As Vice President of SENvocates, a student interest group in TP that focuses on raising awareness of people with disabilities and SEN, Carine has spearheaded initiatives promoting inclusivity and awareness of invisible disabilities. Notably, she played a key role in organising “The Hidden Stories: Unveiling Invisible disAbilities”, a collaborative project with the National Library Board and community partners, conducting storytelling sessions that advocated empathy and understanding.
Carine's journey included its share of challenges. After leaving junior college, she experienced a period of uncertainty and self-doubt, while managing Generalised Anxiety Disorder. With steady support from her parents and friends, she gradually rebuilt her confidence over time.
The supportive ecosystem at TP enabled Carine to flourish. With guidance from mentors and Care Persons, she took on leadership roles, gradually transforming from a shy student into a confident leader. She learnt to mentor her peers and manage complex initiatives with external partners. Reflecting on her journey, she notes, “I learnt that nothing big can be done alone.”
These experiences have shaped Carine's aspirations. Motivated by a desire to uplift others and provide a better future for her family, she plans to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy at the Singapore Institute of Technology. She is driven by a strong sense of purpose to support children with special educational needs and remains committed to giving back to the wider community, regardless of age or background.
In 1994, the Tay Eng Soon Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the late Senior Minister of State for Education, Dr Tay Eng Soon, who played a pivotal role in the development of polytechnic and technical education. From the fund, the Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal is awarded annually to outstanding graduates from each of the polytechnics, who graduated from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) prior to their studies at the polytechnic. The Medal was first presented at the 1995 Temasek Polytechnic graduation ceremony.
Recipients:
Inspired by her sister's journey from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to university, Crystal set her sights on following a similar path, striving to push herself further in her studies.
“Knowing that my sister was able to make it this far inspired me to work hard during my time at ITE and Temasek Polytechnic,” she said.
Crystal began her journey in the built environment sector at ITE, where she pursued a Higher NITEC in Civil and Structural Engineering Design. What started as curiosity gradually developed into a deeper fascination with how spaces are imagined, built, and experienced. This interest led her to Temasek Polytechnic (TP), where she enrolled in the Diploma in Architectural Technology and Building Services through the Early Admissions Exercise. The course appealed to her for its blend of technical precision and creative freedom.
There, she discovered her strength in digital construction, specialising in Building Information Modelling (BIM). Using tools such as Revit and AutoCAD, she learnt to turn ideas into detailed technical models while coordinating complex building systems. Her efforts culminated in a defining achievement, where she clinched the gold medal in the Digital Construction category at WorldSkills Singapore 2025. It was recognition of her technical skills, consistency, and focus.
Beyond academics, Crystal took on leadership roles as a class representative and later as secretary of the Global Ambassadors Club. She contributed actively to initiatives such as the itsrainingraincoat Christmas donation drive, helping to pack essential items for migrant workers. She was also involved in the TP Global Ambassadors X Nature Society Singapore (GA x NSS Rewilding) Project, working with external partners and helping to organise a webinar to raise awareness for nature conservation. She views these contributions as meaningful opportunities to give back to the community.
Coming from a family with financial constraints, Crystal learnt early to manage her time and commitments carefully. Her active involvement in school also helped her secure scholarships and allowed her to focus on her studies.
She plans to pursue a degree in Infrastructure and Project Management at the National University of Singapore, with the long-term goal of contributing to sustainability in the built environment sector.
“I want to create spaces that are not just functional, but also greener and more liveable,” she said. “Places where people can pause, breathe, and reconnect.”
The Pan Pacific Award for All-Round Excellence gives commendation and recognition to graduates who excel in their studies and has outstanding co-curricular activities achievements / contributions in areas of Arts, Sports, Community Service, Clubs etc. The Award is sponsored by Pan Pacific Hotels Group, a global hospitality company that owns and/or manages hotels, resorts and serviced suites across three brands – Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL in more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe.
Recipients:
Kai Ning once thought he had his path figured out. As a student-athlete, he counted on basketball to open doors and expected to progress to junior college. When his O-Level results fell short, that path closed, leaving him uncertain, as his peers moved ahead.
Instead of letting that moment define him, Kai Ning chose to start again. As he puts it, “We are bound to face setbacks. The key is not to give up. When one door closes, another opens.”
Kai Ning went on to pursue a Diploma in Business at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), where he found a fresh opportunity to take charge of his journey. Inspired by his mother, who runs a small business, and seeing how COVID-19 affected companies, Kai Ning became interested in how businesses adapt and thrive.
At TP, things did not start perfectly. Kai Ning did not perform as well as he hoped for in his first group assignment for E-commerce and Digital Marketing, which pushed him to do better. For the next project, his team took on one of the toughest briefs, a Chinese New Year horror-themed campaign for an escape room. They filmed in costumes and decorated the school staircases with festive decorations. Seeing their work featured on their lecturer's LinkedIn and gaining traction on TikTok showed Kai Ning what focus and effort could achieve.
He carried this commitment to growth and excellence throughout the rest of his studies, earning a place on the Director's List every year and graduating with a Diploma with Merit. On the basketball court, Kai Ning led as Captain of the Men's Team, representing TP in major competitions. He also played in the Singapore National Division One League at just 17 years old. Balancing these commitments strengthened his focus, discipline, and resilience.
Kai Ning has a strong passion for working with the elderly. Having been raised by his grandmother, he started volunteering at active ageing centres as part of his Values-in-Actions requirements in secondary school, which sparked a passion for working with seniors and continued this commitment during his time at TP. Whether it was organising art sessions or through his grassroots volunteering, he sought to make the community feel heard and valued. He shares, “I see every elderly person as a storybook filled with experiences and lessons. Talking with them lets me learn while also giving them companionship. Knowing I can make even a small difference gives me a deep sense of fulfilment.”
TP's supportive environment enabled Kai Ning to explore these interests. Lecturers offered guidance, and opportunities to balance competitions with studies. These rich and holistic educational experiences not only strengthened his discipline and resilience but also gave him a clearer sense of the direction to pursue beyond TP.
Looking ahead, Kai Ning plans to continue his studies in business at a local university, aspiring to build a small-scale business of his own.
Esben's journey reflects a strong commitment to excellence, leadership, and service. His passion for biomedical engineering began when he studied biology in secondary school, sparking a deeper interest in the intersection between science and technology.
At the age of nine, following the passing of his grandmother from pneumonia, Esben developed an early awareness and interest in hospital processes and how efficiency could be enhanced further. This early experience shaped his desire to contribute towards improving healthcare systems in the future. Since then, he has distinguished himself through his ability to integrate technical expertise with a broader purpose of contributing to society.
This drive for excellence is reflected in his achievements. He represented Singapore and attained Gold in the Autonomous Mobile Robotics Categories at both the WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 and WorldSkills Singapore 2025 competitions. Beyond his academic pursuits, Esben has demonstrated exemplary leadership and initiative. As Team Captain for Team Singapore at WorldSkills ASEAN 2025, he took on the dual responsibility of excelling in competition while mentoring his teammates.
Through this experience, he strengthened his leadership abilities by motivating his team. As part of the TP Engineering Peer Mentors group, he was also involved in organising a mobile grocery initiative, in collaboration with HaoRenHaoShi, that supported more than 100 beneficiaries.
Esben's growth has been shaped significantly by the mentorship of his lecturers and WorldSkills trainers, whose dedication extended beyond technical instruction to the cultivation of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Inspired by their commitment, he approaches his own pursuits with a strong sense of responsibility and purpose. Outside of school, he continues contributing to the community through his volunteer work with HaoRenHaoShi, supporting elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.
A reflective and curious individual, Esben maintains a strong interest in psychology and philosophy, which complements his technical training and informs his aspiration to create human-centred solutions. He has been offered direct admission into the National University of Singapore's Computer Science programme with a second major in Psychology with the intent to further explore the alignment between technology and healthcare.
The Ngee Ann Kongsi Most Outstanding Overcomer Award gives recognition to a graduate who has demonstrated strong perseverance in overcoming the odds and setbacks in life to complete the course of study with good academic records, and is exemplary in his or her conduct. It is named after the renowned charitable foundation, The Ngee Ann Kongsi, in honour of its generous contribution to TP.
Recipients:
Gwyn jokes that she “won the inheritance lottery of not-so-desirable genetics,” a line she delivers casually, but it carries the weight of her reality.
Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and trilateral retinoblastoma that led to visual impairment and respiratory challenges requiring a tracheostomy, she approaches life with a quiet defiance. That perspective was shaped early on, through the guidance of her uncle who encouraged her to look beyond her limitations and assess her situation when making thoughtful decisions about her path forward.
This mindset enabled her to thrive at Temasek Polytechnic (TP), where she found an environment that nurtured her potential. Supported by TP's Culture of Care, including dedicated Care Persons and a special educational needs (SEN) officer, Gwyn was equipped with the guidance and support needed to pursue her Diploma in Business.
Prolonged periods of sitting can be challenging for Gwyn due to severe scoliosis and nerve impingement. Routine tasks also require significant effort from Gwyn. Despite this, Gwyn remained focused, channelling her energy into her studies and essential commitments. She earned a place on the Director's Honours List, ranking among the top ten per cent of her cohort. She also received the SAWL Scholarships Fund and the Daisy Phay TP Foundation Scholarship.
Beyond academics, Gwyn contributed as a Module Representative for Employment Laws, serving as a bridge between her classmates and lecturers. Her internship at Artualize Private Limited, an art gallery, further demonstrated her capabilities. She researched the secondary art market, conducted a market viability analysis for a subsidiary, and produced content for the company's website.
It is ultimately Gwyn's outlook that leaves the strongest impression. She is determined to demonstrate that she is not defined by her physical limitations. With a strong sense of purpose and self-awareness, she approaches each opportunity with resolve. Fully aware of the uncertainties surrounding her condition, Gwyn is intentional in how she invests her time and energy, focusing on work that creates a lasting impact.
Looking ahead, Gwyn aspires to continue her studies at a local university and pursue a career in the legal sector, with the aim of contributing to the community and providing a voice to protect the vulnerable, shaped by her personal experiences. She is particularly passionate about protecting and defending the rights of children, as well as advocating for greater accessibility and stronger social and healthcare support for vulnerable and disabled communities. Her journey demonstrates how resilience, community support, and purposeful action can transform challenges into meaningful impact.
“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength.” This conviction became Rachel's anchor during many challenging periods of her life, as she navigated her personal health struggles, loss of loved ones and a family tragedy.
Rachel's journey reveals a quiet resilience, forged through significant personal challenges. Diagnosed with dyslexia, she struggled with writing and spelling in her early years, often facing embarrassment and self-doubt. Yet, Rachel refused to let those challenges define her. With the steady support of teachers and friends who stood by her, she gradually built confidence and developed her own learning strategies to overcome these difficulties. What was once a limitation became her source of strength, and a sense of empathy towards others walking a similar path.
Driven by a desire to make an impact in shaping young lives, she chose to pursue a Diploma in Early Childhood Development & Education at Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Stepping beyond her comfort zone, she chose the Visual Arts track, overcoming self-doubt about her artistic abilities and discovered new ways to integrate creativity into teaching. She also joined TP SENvocates, an interest group dedicated to advocating for disabilities and special educational needs, to raise awareness and support others through her lived experiences.
Just as Rachel began to find her footing, her life took an unexpected turn during her internship. A severe medical condition left her hospitalised for 23 days, followed by weeks of recovery – keeping her away from what she had been working towards. Before she could fully recover, tragedy struck again – a devastating house fire left her loved ones fighting for their lives in the intensive care unit and high-dependency wards for weeks.
For many, these circumstances would have been overwhelming, let alone for a twenty-one-year-old who had to hold the fort at home. In the face of uncertainty and mental exhaustion, Rachel met each challenge with steady resolve. She returned to complete her internship and continue her studies, supported by the caring community of lecturers and peers at TP.
In her darkest moments, when the thought of giving up on studies weighed heavily on her, Rachel drew strength from memories of the selflessness and sacrifices made by her Grand Aunt and Grand Uncle who had raised her. This motivated her to power through and continue contributing to both school and community initiatives.
Rachel's personal experiences have deeply shaped her belief in the importance of community understanding and support. From her involvement in TP SENvocates to wider public engagement at events, such as the Tampines Learning Festival, the National Gallery Children's Biennale and The Purple Parade, she has used her skills to uplift others and contribute meaningfully to building a more inclusive society.
Against all odds, Rachel's achievements are a testament not only to her academic dedication but also to the strength of her resilience and character. Having been lifted by others in times of adversity, Rachel now aspires to pursue social work, hoping to pay that care forward by empowering individuals and families navigating challenges.
Grounded in purpose and guided by compassion, Rachel continues to move forward — determined to be a source of strength for others, just as others once were for her.
The Temasek Polytechnic - SkillsFuture Lifelong Learning Award recognises graduates of Continuing Education and Training (CET) full-qualification programmes. The award is conferred on individuals who embody the spirit of lifelong learning and upskilling, and who have made a positive impact in their workplaces, as well as their social and learning communities.
Recipients:
Going back to school at 60 was not something Tse Wan ever imagined – let alone returning with his 22-year-old son to pursue a Specialist Diploma together. Yet, that is exactly what this lifelong learner has done to prove that it is never too late to keep up and learn something new.
With an unyielding spirit that has long fuelled his pursuit of continuous self-improvement and new career opportunities, Tse Wan enrolled in the Specialist Diploma in AI Solutions Development at Temasek Polytechnic (TP) alongside his son, Quan Kai. Driven by a deep interest in AI and a desire to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven economy, his commitment to learning reflects a consistent pattern throughout his career- continually upgrading his skills to meet evolving job demands.
Now nearing retirement, he has found not only renewed motivation to keep pace with emerging skills trends, but also the unique experience of studying together with his son. It was Tse Wan who encouraged his younger son to join him in pursuing the Specialist Diploma at TP, turning it into a shared journey. As study partners, they support and motivate one another, strengthening their bond through shared experiences, with Tse Wan contributing industry experience and real-world context, while his son complements this with more technical, digital-native insights.
Tse Wan recognised the importance for upskilling and cross-skilling early on in his career, particularly when he made a career transition from a technical role into sales and marketing. To support this shift, he pursued a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a Professional Diploma in Asia Pacific Marketing. Later, when he was tasked to oversee the logistics department, Tse Wan candidly recalled, “I told my boss I did not know what logistics is.” Undeterred, he took the initiative to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in International Supply Chain Management to bridge the knowledge gap.
Upon reflecting on his experience, Tse Wan found that individuals who cease to enhance their skills risk falling behind in the fast-paced, ever-changing technological environment of today. This reinforced his belief in the importance of lifelong learning in sustaining career growth and adaptability and the TP course offered a timely opportunity to stay aligned with industry needs.
Beyond personal achievement, Tse Wan hopes his example will inspire others to embrace lifelong learning, particularly his children. As a father, Tse Wan hopes to instill values of perseverance, integrity, honesty, and what he calls “autopilot” self-motivation for lifelong learning in his children - the same principles that have guided his path.
Whether for personal growth or future readiness, Tse Wan believes lifelong learning is a journey worth taking – regardless of age.
From balancing company accounts to engaging clients and suppliers at international semiconductor exhibitions, 29-year-old Glen's career transformation is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning.
Motivated by a desire to ease the burden on his ageing parents who run a 22-employee semiconductor sales and services SME, Glen chose the road less travelled by starting from ground up in his parents' SME as an Account & Finance Executive despite achieving a Bachelor of Business Administration with Merit. He hopes to sustain the livelihoods for a largely mid-career workforce, and ensure a continued stability for both the family enterprise and its employees.
Fresh from university, Glen found it challenging to assume a leading role among industry veterans, especially without a technical background in semiconductors. At times, he felt limited in fully understanding the products and processes his company supports. Determined to bridge this gap, he took ownership of his development and enrolled in Temasek Polytechnic's (TP) Specialist Diploma in Semiconductor Technology.
His CET journey required him to sacrifice simple luxuries enjoyed by peers his age – from his leisure activities, to meeting friends, and even date time with his partner. His days stretched from long office hours into late-night classes, followed by assignments and coursework. Beyond technical mastery, Glen also enriches his language capabilities through weekly Japanese and Mandarin lessons.
The programme proved transformative, equipping him with strong technical foundation in semiconductor manufacturing process, particularly the back-end testing and packaging. With this knowledge, Glen moved beyond day-to-day operations to better understand his company's role in the broad supply chain. He began collaborating more effectively with engineers interpreting customer requirements, identifying gaps, recommending solutions, and strengthening relationships with both clients and suppliers.
Today, Glen plays an active role in driving business growth, representing the SME at international semiconductor exhibitions and working closely with partners across markets such as Japan, China, and India. His expanded responsibilities have also translated into tangible career progression, resulting in an increase in remuneration.
Behind Glen's success is a strong support network from family members who supported his studies, to his loved ones who encouraged and stood by him through demanding periods.
For Glen, lifelong learning is more than upskilling, it is a catalyst for growth that opens doors to new opportunities and reshapes career trajectory. As he shares, “Continuous education can be very interesting. It keeps you engaged and may lead to opportunities you never expected.”
