Exploring the Future of Work with Siemens

NP’s School of Engineering and School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology partnered Siemens, a global leader in industrial technology, to expand industry-focused training for students from Mechatronics & Robotics and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, alongside adult learners from our Continuing Education & Training Academy.

Through the five-year partnership, learners will gain hands-on experience with real-world technologies and industry projects in areas such as industrial cybersecurity, process control, and automation – key capabilities in increasingly digital and automated engineering environments.

NP and Siemens will also work together on research, technology projects, and industry events, bringing more applied industry expertise into the learning experience.

Launch of Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing

NP’s School of Health Sciences (HS), in partnership with the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Assisi Hospice, launched the Advanced Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing to build advanced capabilities in end-of-life care.

The programme builds on HS’s expertise in running the well-established Specialist Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing. In line with Singapore’s shift towards more holistic, patient-centred end-of-life care delivery, the curriculum also responds to the growing national demand for community-based, integrated care.

Additionally, NP became the first polytechnic to introduce the Entrustable Professionals Activities framework in the full-time Nursing diploma programme. By translating theoretical competencies into observable work tasks, the framework aligns assessment with clinical practice and enhances students’ preparedness for the workplace.

June 2025

FMS M:idea Fest Tackles Real-World Industry Challenges

NP’s School of Film & Media Studies (FMS) organised its annual M:idea Fest aimed at broadening students’ knowledge of industry trends. Notably, second-year students tackled real-world business challenges in a hackathon developed with industry partners including Mediacorp, SPH Media, GOMO Singtel, and Collective Perspectives. In turn, students developed innovative, AI-powered concepts and campaign ideas to meet industry briefs.

Beyond the hackathon, close to 500 students gained exposure to emerging media trends through talks and sessions led by speakers from reputable media companies. These included FMS alumni He Ruiming and Goh Wei Choon, co-founders of The Woke Salaryman; Tong Khoon Mun, Senior Producer at mm2 Entertainment; as well as Nick Tan, CEO of Oceanus Media Global.

Launch of Specialist Diploma in Integrating Health & Social Care

To help address manpower challenges in the social care sector, NP’s School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies (HMIS) launched the Specialist Diploma in Integrating Health & Social Care, the first programme of its kind in Singapore. Developed in collaboration with SingHealth Community Health Office of Learning, it equips professionals with the skills to support individuals with complex health and social care needs. 

The programme strengthens NP’s capabilities in social prescribing and integrated health-social care, equipping professionals and mid-careerists with the skills to support individuals with complex care needs in an ageing population. More than 40 learners have enrolled in the two runs of the programme and can look forward to pursuing careers in community care and social work upon graduation. 

Supporting the Circular Economy 

At Archifest 2025, NP’s Centre for Environmental Sustainability signed a Memorandum of Understanding with homegrown furniture brands ipse ipsa ipsum and Sam & Sara to advance collaboration in circular economy. Key areas include research and development in sustainable materials and waste-to-resource technologies. 

The partnership will build on efforts to transform spent coffee grounds into biodegradable composites for use in furniture, packaging, and consumer goods. It will also explore technology transfer and create opportunities for student training and internships to support the development of green talent.

July 2025

Uplifting SMEs through Skills Training 

NP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Overseas Bank (UOB) to deepen collaboration in driving innovation and skills development for the business community, following UOB’s appointment as a SkillsFuture “Queen Bee” under SkillsFuture Singapore’s initiative to uplift small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

Over the next three years, the partnership will support around 200 SMEs and 800 employees through customised training programmes, workshops, and advisory initiatives led by UOB FinLab. NP will co-develop hands-on training in AI, digitalisation, and sustainability to help SMEs apply new capabilities to improve productivity and drive business growth and transformation. 

Strengthening AI Capability Development with SkillSprint 

NP formalised a partnership with technology services firm NCS Group to co-develop a job role-focused AI training initiative. Known as the SkillSprint Programme, it supports capability development for NCS’s Cloud Infrastructure team by adopting an agile, project-based approach, equipping learners with the skills to tackle real-world AI challenges and apply solutions directly in their day-to-day work. 

The collaboration also creates opportunities for students and staff from our School of InfoComm Technology to take part in internships, educator attachments, and real-world AI projects, enabling them to build industry-relevant skills aligned with evolving digital and AI capabilities.  

Year-long Internships with the RSAF 

NP’s School of Engineering, in partnership with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), will establish a fast-tracked career pathway for Aerospace Engineering (AEG) students.

Under this Memorandum of Understanding, final-year AEG students will have the opportunity to step into the role of Air Force Engineer (Maintenance) before graduation through a year-long internship at the RSAF. By integrating diploma coursework with on-the-job training, the programme provides hands-on experience and real-world exposure, enabling students to develop the technical and operational capabilities required for aerospace engineering roles. 

August 2025

Celebrating 15 Years of Dialogue in the Dark Singapore  

Dialogue in the Dark Singapore (DiDsg) marked its 15th year as a unique experiential teaching and learning centre at NP, the first-of-its-kind in an educational institute. Since its launch, DiDsg has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, trained over 240 interns, and provided employment for over 40 visually impaired trainers to deliver its programmes.  

Building on its strong foundation, DiDsg has extended its impact to the corporate sector with a suite of programmes that leverage training in complete darkness to strengthen communication, teamwork, and leadership. 

DiDSG’s range of programmes, including a new series of SkillsFuture Singapore-funded corporate workshops, has been adopted by organisations such as the Singapore Police Force, GovTech, Infineon Technologies, Pan Pacific Singapore, and Mediacorp. This reflects the growing demand for immersive learning that develops empathy, leadership, communication, and inclusion.

Chinese Studies Turns 20

NP’s Diploma in Chinese Studies (CHS), under the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies, marked its 20th anniversary at an event attended by around 600 alumni, industry partners, students, and staff. Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community & Youth and Trade & Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling, was the Guest-of-Honour.  

As the only polytechnic diploma in Singapore centred on Chinese language and culture, CHS has graduated more than 900 bilingual and bicultural talents who continue to make an impact across sectors including business, education, and media. 

"Let’s Break the Silence Together” Campaign Launch

NP hosted the launch of the refreshed “Let’s Break the Silence Together” campaign by the Ministry of Social & Family Development, a national initiative to raise awareness and encourage collective action against domestic violence.  

As part of their coursework, students from the School of Business & Accountancy and School of InfoComm Technology co-developed campaigns to engage the campus community.  

Four capstone projects that demonstrated how creativity and tech can amplify social impact were presented to Guest-of-Honour Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social & Family Development, as well as invited community partners.   

September 2025

New Diploma Bridging Technology and Law  

NP’s School of InfoComm Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Academy of Law, Lexagle Pte. Ltd. and Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP to co-develop the new Diploma in Computing with Law (CLW) – the first and only polytechnic diploma in Singapore that integrates technology and law. 

Through this collaboration, students will gain an industry-relevant curriculum that includes opportunities to access proprietary LegalTech platforms and mentorship by experts. Coupled with the chance to work on cutting-edge LegalTech projects and intern with our partner organisations, the programme equips students with the technical and legal capabilities to address real-world legal, compliance, and regulatory challenges using technology. 

Advancing Skills and Employability with Xylem 

NP’s School of Life Sciences & Chemical Technology inked a Memorandum of Understanding with water technology provider Xylem Water Solutions Singapore to strengthen skills development and employability for Environmental Science & Sustainability students.

Through this partnership, students will gain industry mentorship and practical learning opportunities through internships and projects in areas such as water and wastewater. The collaboration equips students with the skills and confidence to address real-world challenges and prepares them for careers in the water and sustainability sector.  

Waste-to-Resource Conversion with Buildo Engineering 

NP’s Centre for Environmental Sustainability formalised a Memorandum of Understanding with Buildo Engineering Pte. Ltd., a green construction and sustainable building materials company, to advance collaboration in waste-to-resource conversion. 

This partnership scope includes joint research, development, and consultancy projects, with a focus on glass recycling, resource recovery, and the advancement of thermal insulation materials, including solutions to improve urban heat resilience and environmental sustainability. The collaboration will also bring about internship opportunities, as well as workshops and seminars for NP students. 

Creating a Hub for Social Impact on Campus 

As part of NP’s Campus for Good commitment, we are creating a collaborative hub for greater social impact by co-locating community and corporate partners on campus. These partners range from social enterprises advocating for meaningful causes to businesses that champion inclusive employment. 

One such partner is Soul Food Enterprise, a dining establishment that trains and employs persons with disabilities to prepare and serve home-style European cuisine. By working on Multidisciplinary Capstone projects to support Soul Food’s operations, NP students learn about inclusive practices and what it takes to shape a purpose-driven campus community. 

October 2025

Ngee Ann Kongsi Cheque Presentation 

Philanthropic organisation The Ngee Ann Kongsi (NAK) presented a $13.5 million donation to NP in the presence of Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Education and Digital Development & Information.

The donation will support bursaries, scholarships, student aid grants, and NP’s education fund, as well as strengthen student development initiatives such as the Global Entrepreneurial Internship Programme and Overseas Merit Fellowship. It also contributes to NP’s other efforts to provide students with holistic educational support and broaden opportunities for students.  

ACCtraordinary 2025 

NP’s School of Business & Accountancy, together with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, organised ACCtraordinary 2025, an annual event that inspires students to pursue careers in accountancy through interactive activities and industry insights. 

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development. She highlighted the growing demand for accountants and their evolving role in areas such as sustainability reporting and data-driven decision making.  

NP also introduced the Accountancy Career Launchpad under the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme. This fast-track pathway is designed to equip non-accountancy graduates with foundational competencies to embark on a career in the accountancy sector. 

New Centre for Behaviour and Nudge Design (BaND) 

NP launched the Centre for Behaviour and Nudge Design (BaND) to provide consultancy and training that leverages behavioural science to drive real-world change. By combining human-centred design with evidence-based solutions, BaND supports organisations in addressing complex challenges, improving workplace practices, enhancing productivity, and driving sustainable transformation. 

At the event, BaND introduced Abbi, the world's first AI-enabled behavioural insights coach, co-developed in partnership with the UK- headquartered Behavioural Insights Team and behavioural AI expert Nudgyt. Abbi aids leaders and teams in applying nudging strategies and building behavioural capabilities through guided, practical learning. 

A key programme by BaND is the 11-week Certificate in Behaviour and Nudge Design Signature Programme, supported by SkillsFuture funding, that aims to strengthen workplace transformation and change management efforts. Recognised by the Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP), the programme equips HR professionals with the skills and tools to diagnose, design, and implement behavioural interventions. 

Joint Polytechnic‑ITE Pharmaceutical Science Forum 

NP hosted the 6th Joint Polytechnic‑ITE Pharmaceutical Science Forum which brought together over 260 participants to collectively explore the future of pharmaceutical science.  

Talks by industry partners – Procter & Gamble, Alcon Manufacturing, National University Health System Pharmacy, and the Department of Pharmacy at National University of Singapore – shed light on career opportunities and industry trends.  

The forum also featured industry exhibitions by leading healthcare clusters including SingHealth, National Health Group, and more. By strengthening academia‑industry linkages, the event prepared students for careers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. 

Access to Global Learning with edX 

NP’s Continuing Education & Training Academy announced an exclusive partnership with edX – a global online learning platform founded by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – to support its ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and digital transformation in education.  

Thanks to this collaboration, Singaporeans have the option to use their SkillsFuture Credits to subscribe to the edX platform. Offering over 2,300 high-quality courses from top universities and industry leaders such as Harvard, Oxford, and Google, edX offers programmes across a broad range of topics including AI, robotics, sustainability, business, and public health.  

Inspiring Innovators and Leaders with the RSAF 

NP and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) inked a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen capabilities in human-centred design.   

Since 2024, NP’s Human-Centred Design Institute has helped build stronger capabilities within the RSAF. More than 300 personnel have completed its signature LUMA Human-Centred Design (HCD) courses, which equip learners with structured problem-solving and design thinking skills. 

Recognising the importance of human-centred design, the RSAF has integrated the LUMA HCD Foundation Course into its development programme for leaders and specialists to shape a culture of innovation within the Force.

Supporting UOB Employees for the AI Economy 

NP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Overseas Bank (UOB) to build a future-ready financial services workforce for an AI-enabled economy. 

The partnership will drive productivity and operational efficiency among UOB employees through the adoption of Generative AI strategies. Behavioural prompts will be integrated into their learning journeys to assess impact and encourage mindset shifts towards change adoption. This collaboration will also provide a practical use case to support NP’s research and curriculum development in behavioural science. 

Singapore Optometric Association Conference 2025

NP and the Singapore Optometric Association (SOA) co-organised the SOA Conference 2025 as part of our commitment to advancing education and innovation in eye health. Attended by over 300 experts and partners, the conference focused on the need to strengthen primary eye care and the role of optometrists in an ageing population. 

Graced by then Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health Dr Koh Poh Khoon, the event gave participants insights into new technologies and global trends, inspiring them to drive innovation and raise the standards of care in the community. 

NP’s Annual Walk for Health 

Close to 500 NP staff and students came together for our annual Walk for Health initiative. We collectively clocked 23,000km over the week-long campaign, with the FairPrice Foundation pledging supermarket vouchers to underprivileged residents in the South East District for every kilometre completed. 

November 2025

Growing Biodiversity on Campus with Mapletree 

Close to 100 NP staff, students, and Mapletree staff came together for a tree-planting initiative that added 40 trees of 10 species, enriching a campus that already has over 1,000 trees across 100 species. 

This initiative aligns with NP’s environmental sustainability goals to nurture a thriving, biodiverse campus and is part of Mapletree’s goal to plant 100,000 trees globally by 2030. 

Milestone in LUMA Training 

NP was recognised by the LUMA (Looking, Understanding and Making) Institute for successfully certifying 1,500 LUMA Human-Centred Design (HCD) Practitioners.  

Delivered in partnership with LUMA Institute and software platform Mural, the LUMA HCD Practitioners course equips participants with structured design thinking approaches through the LUMA System of Innovation for creative problem-solving. 

This milestone reflects NP’s efforts in building human-centred innovation capabilities across a diverse range of learners – from working professionals addressing real-world challenges to aspiring entrepreneurs developing new solutions. 

Southeast Asia Fest 2025 

NP’s then-Centre for Southeast Asia* organised the Southeast Asia (SEA) Fest 2025, a student-led event that brought together over 700 students and 100 staff to deepen cultural understanding of the region. 

The festival featured country-themed booths, food and games, alongside sharing sessions by students, alumni, and partners about living and working in Southeast Asia. 

Other highlights included a fireside chat titled “SEA Spotlight: Building the SEA Edge – Education, Innovation and the Next Generation” and a session by The Young SEAkers, a non-profit organisation promoting cooperation between ASEAN and China. Students also put up Southeast Asian-themed performances as well as traditional craft activities.  

*Now known as Careers & Global Immersion. 

Project 60 Strong: Unearthing Stories of Us 

Students from NP’s School of Film & Media Studies (FMS) showcased their work at “Project 60 Strong: Unearthing Stories of Us – Short Films”, a collaboration between SMRT Trains and the National Heritage Board.

This initiative, as part of Singapore's SG60 celebrations, brings archaeological artefacts to Bras Basah MRT station for the first time, alongside community artwork and student-created films that honour local heritage and stories. Marking FMS’s “Media For Good” commitment, it showcased how storytelling connects communities, preserves culture, and inspires change.   

January 2026

AI-Integrated Learning for All 

From 2026, all NP students will be equipped with skills in generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) as part of a curriculum-wide integration to prepare them for AI-enabled workplaces. Every student will engage with Gen AI annually through at least one module. 

Modelled on the PAIR (Problem, AI, Interaction and Reflection) framework, the approach ensures AI complements human judgment, creativity, and problem-solving instead of replacing them. Students are also guided on the ethical use of AI, including verifying accuracy and understanding its limitations.

This is part of NP’s commitment to developing graduates who can use emerging technologies confidently while exercising sound judgment in fast-changing work environments.  

New Cross-Disciplinary Specialisations for Engineering Students 

NP’s School of Engineering introduced new cross-disciplinary specialisations for students enrolling from April 2026, enabling them to develop capabilities in emerging technological fields on top of their disciplinary foundations.

These include the Space Technology specialisation and the Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity specialisation – both firsts at the diploma level. While the Space Technology specialisation supports national efforts to build capabilities in satellite systems and space innovation, the OT Cybersecurity specialisation addresses the growing need to safeguard converging operational, IT, and cloud systems. The third specialisation, AI for Engineers, deepens students’ abilities to use machine learning and neural networks to address real-world engineering challenges. 

February 2026

Inaugural Partnership For Good Event 

NP’s inaugural Partnership For Good event convened by the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies (HMIS) attracted over 70 cross-sector leaders who share a common goal of advancing social sustainability.

The session explored how organisations can co-create initiatives with NP – in the form of curriculum partnerships such as real-world projects, internships, and scholarships – that deliver shared value for learners, businesses, and the wider community.

Notably, Ms Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer of City Developments Limited; Mr Koh Seng Choon, Founder and Executive Director of Project Dignity; and Mr Chia Boon Chong, Senior Director, Group Sustainability of Singtel shared insights on advancing social impact. 

NP Collaborates with JTC on its Industry Connect Initiative 

NP deepened its partnership with JTC through the Industry Connect Initiative to equip learners and professionals with the skills to leverage technology for transformation in the built environment sector.

This collaboration builds on NP’s Whole-of-Government smart facilities management training under the Built Environment Ecosystem launched in 2024. It includes a Gen AI‑focused course that enables facilities management professionals to improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and make better-informed decisions.

Looking ahead, NP will explore new capabilities such as a Gen AI‑enabled optimisation platform to support AI-assisted decision-making in facilities management. 

Designing Across Cultures at Bangkok Design Week

At Bangkok Design Week, 39 final-year students from NP’s School of Design & Environment showcased leathercraft designs developed in collaboration with King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. The “From Local Craft to Global Design” exhibit wove together Singapore and Thai cultural influences, featuring student creations with a fresh perspective on how traditional craftsmanship evolves in a modern world. 

March 2026

World Engineering Day 2026 

NP organised the World Engineering Day 2026 event in collaboration with The Institution of Engineers Singapore, gathering engineers and industry leaders to discuss the sector’s evolution and emerging talent needs. 

At the event, NP and Siemens unveiled a smart manufacturing platform to help small and medium enterprises accelerate their Industry 4.0 transformation. NP and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research also launched Singapore’s first stackable Specialist Diploma in Smart Manufacturing, offering learners flexible pathways to build expertise. 

Graced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, Ms Indranee Rajah, the event affirmed NP’s role in advancing smart enterprise capability and workforce development in support of Singapore’s smart manufacturing ambitions. 

Unveiling the NP-EssilorLuxottica Vision Suite 

NP partnered EssilorLuxottica to launch the NP-EssilorLuxottica Vision Suite, a new clinical training facility that integrates real-world practice with advanced vision care technologies to enhance optometry education.

The suite comprises a training lab, teaching space, and eye examination room fitted with advanced ophthalmic technologies, some of which are introduced in a local education institution for the first time. Specifically, the suite gives students early exposure to industry-standard systems used in vision care.

In conjunction with the launch, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the global vision care company to co-develop and co-deliver optometry curriculum. The global vision care company will also offer internships at its OneSight Foundation, as well as industry-aligned training for optometry professionals through NP’s Continuing Education & Training Academy.