22 October 2001

SPEECH BY RADM (NS) TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AT THE ITE GRADUATION CEREMONY HELD ON 22 OCT 2001 AT 1500 HRS AT THE KALLANG THEATRE

Mr Mohamad Maidin Packer Mohd
Senior Parliamentary Secretary
Ministry of Education

1 Today is a special and significant day for all ITE graduands. I would like to congratulate each and every one of you for having successfully completed your ITE courses.

2 Since 1992 when ITE was established, it has trained more than 50,000 school leavers in a wide range of technical skills for our economy. This is not including 15,000 who have undergone continuing education and training (or CET) at ITE. This year, another 8,000 of you will join the many cohorts of ITE graduands who have passed through the Institute's gates. It is opportune for us to reflect on how the Institute has changed over the years to gain wider acceptance and relevance.

3 ITE is an integral part of the post-secondary education system in Singapore. Each year, it takes in about 25% of the cohort. Today, ITE has evolved into two networks of 5 modern campuses each, offering their students quality programmes leading to useful and relevant qualifications and an all-rounded education.

4 The continual review of the curriculum and introduction of new courses ensure that ITE students are equipped with the most up-to-date skills required for a technologically-advanced economy. Under the new ITE Breakthrough Plan which was formulated in 2000, ITE students will also be equipped with employability skills to help them better transit into the working world. This, together with the innovative mindset ITE hopes to inculcate in all its students, will definitely provide the impetus to help ITE graduates face the challenges of the New Economy.

5 All these improvements in ITE have not gone unnoticed. Based on two independent surveys commissioned by ITE - one in 1997 and another completed in 2000, I am pleased to note that there is a significant shift in public perceptions of the image and value of technical training provided by ITE.

6 8 out of 10 Singaporeans now recognise ITE's role in providing high quality technical education to prepare its students for the economy by providing a wide range of up-to-date, relevant courses, as well as lifelong learning opportunities for working adults.

7 The overall public image of ITE has improved. The greatest inroads in changing perceptions were made among employers and parents, both of whom are important groups which have a significant influence on school leavers' choice of ITE as an option for post-secondary education. The survey also showed that ITE was closely associated with high quality training and education which prepared school leavers for work in a technologically-advanced economy.

8 37% of respondents put ITE as one of their top three choices for post-secondary education, up from 30% in 1997. The recent survey also showed that more people have now appreciated that ITE does provide a value-adding educational route which meets their career and academic aspirations. This significant change in perception is indeed a breakthrough for ITE. Our economy needs technically-trained manpower to support the transition into a knowledge-based economy. ITE graduates, with their strong technical skills and talents, are important drivers of growth in our economy.

9 I am heartened by the continuing strong demand for ITE's graduates over the years. In its graduate employment survey of 2001, nearly 9 out of 10 received job offers within 3 months of graduation. A recent Straits Times article in September 2001 also underlined an increasingly positive public perception of ITE and highlighted employers' praise for ITE graduates. They are rated highly in terms of their technical competency, general competency and work attitude.

10 Where do we go from here? I urge ITE to forge ahead and further enhance its role in technical manpower training. Recognising the changing environment and the challenges posed by the New Economy, the Government has further increased its commitment and investment in education and training as a key strategy to ensure our continual progress. Our Prime Minister spoke about the New Singapore at this year's National Day Rally. He told Singaporeans what my Ministry planned to do for the post-secondary sector. Among others, MOE will build a fifth Polytechnic, 3 additional Junior Colleges, and for ITE, 3 regional campuses over 15 years.

11 You may ask why the Government has committed to expanding the training capacity for technical manpower, especially during the economic downturn. Why build new regional campuses for ITE? As part of ITE's long-term strategy over the next 10 to 15 years, these new campuses would enable ITE to carry out greater inter-disciplinary and cross-level training. They will feature modern facilities and amenities which will enhance campus life and maximise the talent development of its students.

12 Singapore is currently experiencing an economic downturn. Workers should seize the opportunity to upgrade their skills now in order to remain employable. At the same time we need to look ahead and prepare for the coming economic upturn where more skilled manpower would be required. ITE plays an integral role in the upgrading of our workforce as it is the major training provider offering more than 100 modular programmes to renew and enhance skills. I am pleased to note that over the past 3 months, ITE's CET enrolment has already exceeded the 10,500 mark.

13 ITE has certainly come a long way. Building on the vision of a world-class technical institution, I am confident that its concept of regional campuses and other new initiatives will help develop knowledgeable, well-trained, active and confident graduates, who are ready to contribute to society and serve the community.

14 As you leave the haven of your classroom for the workplace, many of you must be wondering whether you can find jobs during the economic downturn. It may be difficult. However, as ITE graduands, you have a good foundation to face these challenges.

15 Even as this graduation ceremony marks the end of one cycle of your educational career, it also signals the beginning of your journey in lifelong learning. The journey will no doubt be marked by economic uncertainties and challenges. But there will also be new opportunities. To take advantage of these opportunities, you will need to keep learning and re-learning. Your success will very much depend on your ability to stay relevant by applying your new knowledge and skills innovatively and creatively.

16 On this note, I congratulate all graduands and award winners, especially those who will be receiving Certificates of Merit and medals for outstanding performance in your course.