From the Principal
Dear Graduand,
Congratulations on graduating from Ngee Ann Polytechnic!
You have come a long way to achieve this significant milestone. I hope that your journey at NP has been an enriching and a rewarding one. Whether you have participated in a meaningful service-learning project, an insightful internship, or benefited from the guidance of your lecturers and mentors, these experiences have shaped you for the better and given you a head start in your chosen path.
At the same time, they have developed in you a passion for learning, a big heart for others and a global-smart mindset – all important traits that will help you to navigate these uncertain times.
Indeed, we have seen our NP community reveal its strength, positivity and understanding for others, in light of the adjustments we have had to make due to the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. While we deeply regret that your graduation ceremonies have been upended by this situation, we want you to know that your achievements are no less exceptional.
As the pandemic and its far-reaching implications continue to unfold globally and in our community, you may feel anxious about graduating now. Please know that the NP family stands with you. We have put together a graduation package to help you weather this storm. You will find a variety of opportunities to explore, including jobs, courses and work-study programmes. I encourage you to check it out, as you plan your next steps. For details, visit
www.np.edu.sg/careerjumpstart.
We may not know what the future holds, but we can make ourselves as ready for it as we can. Be flexible, think creatively and find ways to challenge yourself. Every time you step out of your comfort zone, you increase your capacity to make the most of unexpected opportunities that present themselves. Or to borrow famous words from scientist Louis Pasteur, “Chance favours the prepared mind.”
To stay on top of change, I would like to encourage you to build on the foundation you have received at NP and embrace lifelong learning to continuously deepen your skill sets. We will always welcome you back to deepen your professional skills with us. We look forward to supporting you in your learning needs all through your work life. As a poly for all ages, we have also ramped up our course offerings at our CET Academy. There is something for everyone, be it a SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme, a post-diploma certificate or a short course on emerging skills. I hope you will seize every opportunity to learn and add value to your profession.
As you pursue your dreams, remember to be grateful to those who have supported you in your journey. Be the change you want to see. Live life passionately and make a difference in your community.
Let me leave you with this quote, which I hope will inspire you to chart your own path:
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”
I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and look forward to hearing your future stories.
Clarence Ti
Principal, Ngee Ann Polytechnic