Mr Andrew Chong, Chairman, ITE
Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer, ITE
Mr Xie Yao Quan, Chief Executive Officer, Quantedge Foundation (Singapore)
Mr Wong Yi Fong and Mr Marvin Kang, Executive Directors, The Astronauts Collective
Students, guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
1. Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to be here to witness the MOU signing between ITE, Quantedge Foundation (Singapore), and The Astronauts Collective.
Work-Study Diploma
2. Since 2018, ITE's Work-Study Diploma, or WSDip, provides an apprenticeship-based upskilling pathway that combines classroom learning with on-the-job training at the workplace. This allows trainees to gain work experience, earn a salary as full-time employees, and upskill to a diploma with their employers' sponsorship, all at the same time.
3. The outcomes have been encouraging. From our surveys, the median starting salaries for ITE's WSDip graduates are comparable to those of full-time Polytechnic Diploma graduates.
4. These results are promising, and we want to help more ITE students access such opportunities. The key is to help students discover their interests and equip them with the confidence and skills needed to better transition to work.
Launch of the JumpStart Career Mentoring Initiative
5. This is where mentoring is crucial. Having someone who can share their experience, provide practical advice, and offer encouragement can make a significant difference in helping our youth make informed decisions about their education and career pathways.
6. Earlier, I had the opportunity to speak with Marvin and Yi Fong, co-founders of The Astronauts Collective, or TAC.
7. They shared with me their passion in helping young Singaporeans explore and discover meaningful careers. This led them to start the TAC during COVID. Their ground-up initiative has now evolved into a registered charity with IPC status – a testament to their impact to the community, benefitting over 45,000 youths through their various programmes.
8. Today, they are launching the JumpStart Career Mentoring Programme with the Quantedge Foundation (Singapore). This five-year programme aims to support and mentor prospective ITE WSDip students through their school-to-work transition:
- First, in the Career Discovery stage, TAC volunteers will serve as mentors to ITE students, working closely with them to explore their career interest and aspirations through available WSDips.
- Second, in the Career Access stage, mentors will guide students through the process of securing WSDip positions with partner companies. This includes practical support like interview preparation and resume writing so that students can best present their strengths and potential to prospective employers.
- Finally, the Career Preparedness stage ensures that students who secure WSDip positions are supported throughout their transition to work. Mentors will help these trainees adapt to workplace culture, develop professional skills and build the confidence needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
9. Take Weng Hong for example. Like many students, he first saw the JumpStart programme as just a pathway to WSDip placement. What he found instead was a mentor who supported him well beyond the interview and placement stages, offering practical guidance on workplace transition and personal well-being. These are the stories that we are hearing about our mentors, who are volunteers, alongside the benefits that the students who participate in this programme derive from this relationship that they build with their mentors.
10. I am heartened by the support from not just the volunteers and mentors, but also of Quantedge Foundation (Singapore), or QFS, for this initiative. As a philanthropic organisation committed to helping youth and young adults realise their full potential, QFS will provide funding support that will benefit ITE students like Weng Hong in the next 5 years and allow them to guide more mentors and volunteers through this meaningful cause.
11. Through their "Philanthropreneur in Residence" programme, QFS will journey alongside TAC's co-founders Marvin and Yi Fong, supporting their growth as social entrepreneurs and providing capability funding. This comprehensive support will strengthen TAC's ability to scale the JumpStart Career Mentoring Programme effectively.
12. Their support exemplifies how philanthropic organisations can work hand in hand with ground-up initiatives to create meaningful change. It's this kind of collective partnership that helps turn good ideas into sustainable programmes with lasting impact.
Lifelong Learning and Shifts in the Global Economy
13. The timing of the partnership is significant. TAC and QFS's commitment to support ITE graduates through career mentoring comes at a crucial time in this uncertain economic climate. Rising trade tensions and technological shifts are reshaping jobs, industries, and the nature of work.
14. As a result, we understand that some of you may be anxious and may find it more challenging to secure a job that meets your expectations. We are closely monitoring the employment situation. We will continue to work with ITE and the other Institutes of Higher Learning to support you in your journey.
15. However, I would like to assure you that there are still opportunities to be seized. These may be in sectors or jobs roles that you had not previously considered. The event today offers you the chance to learn more about these other job opportunities, sectors as well as gain further insights into different career pathways and progression opportunities. Take the chance to explore widely, expand your networks and keep an open mind on your career options. Even if you are unable to find an immediate job that checks every box, today's event will still open doors to new opportunities as you gain work experience and expand your networks.
16. More importantly, cultivate a spirit of lifelong learning. In today's fast-changing and uncertain world, lifelong learning isn't just an advantage - it's essential. Your learning journey doesn't end when you graduate; it continues throughout your career. The skills you develop, the knowledge you gain, and your own ability to adapt - these will be your greatest assets.
17. I look forward to hearing your stories and interacting with all of you at the various Connection Zones later.
Conclusion
18. Thank you very much, and congratulations once again to ITE, QFS and TAC on the MOU.
19. Thank you.