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 Historical Milestones 


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1963
Ngee Ann College was inaugurated on May 25, 1963. Located at the Teochew Building on Tank Road, the College offered four-year degree courses in three main areas: language, commerce and technology.

1967
An extensive study on Ngee Ann’s future culminated in the passage of the Ngee Ann College Act that year. The College became a legal independent institution governed by a Council, and started offering engineering and commerce courses at diploma level in response to popular industrial demand.

1968
To reflect its expanded role and focus on technical education, the College changed its name to Ngee Ann Technical College.

1971
English replaced Chinese as the College’s sole medium of instruction. In April, the College welcomed its first batch of non-Chinese students.

1982
To reflect its expanded role in providing quality higher education, the college’s name was changed to Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Courses were also revised to promote practical and hands-on training.

1985
The Centre for Professional Development (then called Continuing Education Centre) was set up to provide a platform for postgraduates and working professionals to further their education and upgrade their skills.

1988
Ngee Ann Polytechnic celebrated its 25th anniversary. The late president Mr. Ong Teng Cheong planted a Tembusu tree to mark the occasion, and a staff party was held on May 25. In August, the Polytechnic launched The Ngee Ann Story, a commemorative book. Celebrations culminated in the planting of a time capsule by Dr Tay Eng Soon, to be unearthed in 2013.

1993
Ngee Ann launched NPNet, a $9-million campus-wide computer network, making it the first local polytechnic to have such a network.

NP's Human Resource department initiated the International Fellowship and Visiting Lecturer Scheme, a move which has since attracted lecturers from UK, US, Australia, Japan, New South Wales, China and India.

Ngee Ann’s mass communication students launched Tribune (the campus newspaper), and Radio Heatwave (the campus radio station).

1999
Ngee Ann became the first polytechnic to offer a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

2000
Ngee Ann’s Alpha Centre won the Excellence for Singapore Award for its contributions to Singapore ’s automation and robotics culture, and for distinguishing itself as a leader in mobile robotics in the international arena. It was the first polytechnic to receive such an award.

2001
Ngee Ann was conferred the Public Service Award for Organisational Excellence. The Polytechnic became ISO 9001:2000 certified. From helping Singapore to achieve its industrialisation goals, the Polytechnic has evolved to helping Singapore in the new millennium’s Knowledge-based Economy.

The Ngee Ann Learning Module (NLM) was introduced in FY2001/2002, to provide students with a broad-based and interdisciplinary education, and equip them for life-long employability in the New Economy.

To help students develop and maximise their potential at their own pace, the Polytechnic introduced the Summer School programme. The School provides weaker students with a flexible course structure, enabling them to catch up with their peers. At the same time, stronger students can challenge themselves with additional modules.

The Polytechnic also unveiled the Lifestyle Library, the first library in a tertiary institution to provide a Borders-like environment, with non-academic books, magazines, cable TV, Internet access, CDs and DVDs. This year also saw the launch of the Diploma in Biomedical Science.

2002
The then Innohub [now called office for Innovation and Enterprise (IE)]was formed to offer industry partners consultancy services; proffer research and development (R&D) experience, and showcase the Polytechnic’s technological expertise. In July 2002, Innohub launched the EnterpriZe! Scheme to help enterprising students bring their products and business ideas to market.

Three diploma courses were launched this year, namely Diploma in Biomedical Engineering, Diploma in Business Information Technology and Diploma in Engineering Informatics.

2003
Ngee Ann Polytechnic celebrated its 40th Anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, it held its 40-year anniversary dinner at the new Convention Centre with then Education Minister RADM Teo Chee Hean as the guest-of-honour. Other events marking the occasion of Ngee Ann's 40th Anniversary were the National Day Observance, the NP40 Concert and a Heritage Walk in conjunction with the President's Challenge 2003 as well as the naming of an orchid after Ngee Ann Polytechnic - the Christieara Ngee Ann.

This year saw the launch of the Diploma in Information Technology (Mobile Computing) and Internetworking & Communications.

2004
A new phase of the Ngee Ann Learning model was unveiled to further ignite the spirit of innovation and campus on campus. The Polytechnic also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with G&W (Holdings) Ltd to set up Singapore ’s first overseas polytechnic education centre in Shengyang , China . The Diploma in Aerospace Technology and Diploma in Facilities Management for Business were introduced this year.

2005
Important strides were made overseas as the Polytechnic collaborated with Zhejiang University City College that provides NP students taking the Diploma in Chinese Studies with the opportunity to be immersed in an environment that will reinforce the learning of Chinese language and culture. The Polytechnic received a A-4SU Super Skyhawk donated by The Republic of Singapore Air Force, giving the Aerospace Technology students a chance to get up close with the design and structure of a military aircraft.

This year also saw the launch of three new diploma courses - Diploma in Chinese Studies, Diploma in Health Sciences (Nursing), and Diploma in Product Design & Innovation. The School of Engineering also launched the Common First Year Pathway Programme that allows new students who are unsure about which Engineering discipline is best to make a more informed decision in their second year.

2006
Ngee Ann brought their celebration of youth and talent into the heart of Orchard Road for the first time. X!capade saw performances from both students and alumni including Jean Danker, Derrick Hoh and Daphne Khoo. The Polytechnic also launched two new diplomas to bring the number of diploma courses on offer to 34. The new diploma courses are the Diploma in Pharmacy and the Diploma in Tourism & Resort Management.

2007
Ngee Ann introduced five new diplomas. The new diploma courses are in Aerospace Electronics, Audio-visual Technology, Digital Visual Effects, Environment & Water Technology, and Psychology & Community Services. In total, Ngee Ann offers 39 full-time diploma courses. Ngee Ann also launched a degree tie-up with renowned Boston's Wheelock College to offer its students direct path to a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Educational Studies and Leadership, the first of its kind in Singapore. Another achievement is the launch of a $5.5million Centre of Innovation in Marine and Offshore Technology for small medium enterprises, under a partnership with SPRING.

2008
Ngee Ann launched a $1 million dollar Solar Technology in November 2008. Partly funded by the Economic Development Board, the Centre will serve as a hotbed for applied research and student projects on solar technology. A $7.6 million Environmental and Water Technology Centre of Innovation at Ngee Ann Polytechnic was officially launched on 1 July 2008. The applied research facility helps small and medium enterprises develop commercially-viable products and solutions in the areas of water and wastewater treatment and management, waste management, pollution control, and clean energy.

The Polytechnic also launched a new specialised degree programme, Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture with Honours, in collaboration with UK's Newcastle University and Singapore Polytechnic. Under the Polytechnic-Foreign Specialised Institution collaboration framework, Ngee Ann is partnering Chapman University in Southern California, to offer a two-year, full-time degree programme, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Producing. The degree is customised for Ngee Ann's graduates in Film, Sound & Video and Mass Communication diplomas to allow them to acquire a reputable US degree at an affordable cost.

To celebrate our 45th anniversary, Ngee Ann with the support of well-wishers and friends, raised more than $350,000 for the Polytechnic’s Student Aid Fund. The donations will help more needy students cope with school fees and living expenses.

Three new diplomas were introduced in Business & Social Enterprise, Enterprise IT Systems, and International Supply Chain Management. With these, Ngee Ann is offering 42 full-time diploma courses. 

2009
The Polytechnic and the Singapore Media Academy were invited by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency to jointly spearhead a new $40 million Media CET Centre. When completed in 2011, the Centre will be the first of its kind in this part of the world and will provide training for a whole new generation of media professionals. 

Singapore’s fourth specialised independent school - the School of Science and Technology (SST) - signed an  MOU with Ngee Ann and Nanyang Technological University in March 2009 to tap on both  partners’ expertise in developing enrichment programmes for its students. The MOU covers cooperation in the areas of curriculum, facilities and student development. The Polytechnic has been a key partner appointed by the Ministry of Education in the setting up of SST since March 2008.

Ngee Ann introduced six diplomas. The new courses are in Advertising & Public Relations, Child Psychology & Early Education, Chinese Media & Communication, Clean Energy Management, International Business, and Optometry. In total, Ngee Ann offers 46 full-time diploma courses.



 

 
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