Published for industry partners of Republic Polytechnic
inCelebration
RP turns 10!
03
inFocus
Taking Flight
Together
07
inNovation
Strong Boost
to R&D
2012 Issue No. 1
12
inConversation
BONJOUR!
13
inCelebration
2
Editor’s Message
T
he year 2012 holds special meaning for Republic
Polytechnic (RP) as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary. The
youngest polytechnic in Singapore – RP has now grown in
stature through the heartwarming support of our stakeholders.
Taking Flight Together. See Page 7.
Features
inCelebration
RP turns 10!
Winners of the FedEx Access Award
Accredited by THE-ICE
inPartnership
Career Fair 2012
RP Island Chicken
Health, Wellness and Nutrition Discovery Day
inExchange
RP-Continuum Furniture Design Workshop
Jamming with the World
inFocus
Taking Flight Together
inReality
Graduate Clinches Film Award
inNovation
Strong Boost to R&D
Chikungunya or Dengue?
inConversation
BONJOUR!
inProfile
The Transforming Educator
Be it student numbers, programme offerings, workforce or
industry engagement, RP has gone from strength to strength.
We will continue to strive for excellence and contribute to the
nation’s increased demand for pre-employment and continuing
education training.
4
The recent Singapore Airshow set a new record for visitorship,
as well as the value of contracts signed. RP has benefited from
this buoyant mood. This issue, incoRPorate highlights the
partnership RP has forged in the aerospace industry, and the
onsite infrastructure we have developed for student’s training
and research. Both will enable RP to take flight in tandem with
the promising industry.
Mr Ong shared how RP grew from the first intake of 800
students back in 2003, to over 14,000 students now coming
through RP’s doors every day. The achievements that RP
attained were also highlighted, particularly on industry
partnerships where RP secured over 1,000 collaborations for
student internship placements in the past two years.
03
incoRPorate says ‘hello’ to Yew Chan, RP’s new Director for the
Office of Technology Development and finds out his plans for
the department.
04
In the blink of an eye, the first quarter of the year has passed.
While we work towards achieving our goals for 2012, do
remember to take a breather whenever possible. Join us in one
or more of our 10th Anniversary celebrations and experience the
true One-RP spirit in all its magnificence.
06
07
11
12
RP
!
0
1
s
n
tur
“The numbers that I have shared with you are impressive.
The RP story in the last 10 years is one that we, and all those
who passed through these doors, can be proud of,” he said.
The RP 10th Anniversary logo was then unveiled amidst
beautiful display of fireworks. The ceremony ended on a high
note with a lion dance performance by RP’s alumni, paying
tribute to their alma mater.
Editor-in-Chief Ronald Wong
We welcome inputs from our readers. If you have an article or suggestion
to improve incoRPorate, please email [email protected]
Editors Josephine Teo • Joey Tang
Writers
Marinne Santiago • Karsten Cramer
Design L’arc-en-ciel Creatives
incoRPorate is published by the Office of Corporate Communications, in partnership with
Office of Technology Development and Office of Industry and Collaboration, Republic Polytechnic,
9 Woodlands Ave 9, Singapore 738964. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited. Information is correct at time of print.
“y-Craft” from RP School of Infocomm clinches the FedEx Access Award
in the Asia Pacific Region category.
A
fter winning the Singapore leg of JA’s Company of the
Year Competition, Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) “y-Craft”
team did the institution proud once more by winning the
prestigious FedEx Access Award at the Asia Pacific finals held
from 15 to 18 February 2012.
“y-Craft” created gifts such as a multi-use pen which included a
USB drive and presentation pointer, and other products to help
build their clients’ brands. Their business plan presented the
most potential for business growth and global expansion. It also
delivered positive impact on the society through job creation
and environmental sustainability. Notably, “y-Craft” was the
only team that demonstrated selling into corporate market and
sourcing internationally.
“I am very impressed with the maturity of all the companies,
particularly y-Craft and their application of Access in their
business model,” said Mr David L. Cunningham, President of
FedEx Express Asia Pacific.
Ronald Wong
The competition is jointly organised by FedEx Express and
JA Worldwide (the world’s largest organisation dedicated
to educating students about workforce readiness,
entrepreneurship, and financial literacy).
Top
Deputy Chairman of RP’s Board of Governors Mr Ong Chao Choon (L) and RP’s
Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow (R) jointly set off the 10th Anniversary celebrations.
Bottom
Board members and RP management with the lion dance troupe.
Adviser Seto Lok Yin
Winners of the
FedEx Access Award
January 2012 was a significant day as Republic Polytechnic
(RP) kick started its 10th Anniversary celebrations. The
event was greeted by Deputy Chairman of RP’s Board
of Governors Mr Ong Chao Choon, other board members, RP’s
management, staff, and students.
Enjoy reading!
13
14
3
Accredited by THE-ICE
R
P School of Hospitality (SOH) is accredited by The
International Centre of Excellence in Tourism and
Hospitality Education (THE-ICE). Despite being a young
school, SOH’s strong support and linkages with the industry,
community and overseas institutions impressed the auditors
from THE-ICE. They also found the commitment and quality of
the school’s advisory board, facilities, qualification of teaching
staff, and student support services to be first-rate.
4
inPartnership
inPartnership
Career Fair 2012
Health, Wellness and
Nutrition Discovery Day
The annual Republic Polytechnic (RP) Career Fair held on 31 January 2012 saw
60 companies participating and more than 3,000 students attending, making
this the largest career fair RP has organised since 2006.
On 7 December 2011, Republic Polytechnic (RP) organised the Health,
Wellness and Nutrition Discovery Day. The theme for this seminar was
“Managing Health and Improving Quality of Life through Innovation”.
Graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Singapore Sports
Council, the seminar allowed participants to experience and discover
three ‘Innovation Pavilions’ in the areas of health technology, nutrition,
and wellness.
This year’s Career Fair recorded over 3,400 job opportunities that spanned
across various industries in both private and public sectors. The good
participation rate was a testimony of strong support from industry partners in
the midst of a slowing global economic growth.
RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow (second from right) presenting
a token of appreciation to Far East Organization.
The Career Fair offered employers excellent recruitment and branding
opportunities. Apart from promoting their companies, the employers also
shared with RP students and graduates the employment opportunities in
their organisations. In fact,
companies such as Singapore
Airlines, Tan Tock Seng
Hospital, and Khoo Teck
Puat Hospital conducted
on-campus interviews and
got first-hand screening
and selection of potential
candidates. 40 students
were eventually offered
permanent positions in
these companies.
(L-R): Assistant Manager of Eu Yan Sang Singapore Mr Andy Goh, Managing
Director of Eu Yan Sang Singapore Mr Vincent Lim, RP’s Principal/CEO
Mr Yeo Li Pheow and RP’s Deputy Principal (Industry Services) Mr Seto Lok Yin.
Top
RP Island Chicken
Bottom
RP’s hospitality students
(centre in white) and
Chef Instructor Flora Lam
(extreme right in white)
strike a thumbs-up with
The Chicken Rice Shop
management.
The new partnership between RP and NEC covers a joint lab
collaboration that seeks to raise industry and student communities’
awareness of the capabilities and technologies of RFID/Digital
Signage.
Deputy Managing Director of Renesas Electronics Singapore Mr Totsuka Takashi (L)
and RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow (R).
In conjunction with the official opening of The Chicken Rice Shop’s new branch
at Causeway Point on 9 March 2012, The Chicken Rice Shop launched a special
dish ‘RP Island Chicken’ – a creation by students of Republic Polytechnic’s (RP)
School of Hospitality.
The RP Island Chicken is available at all The Chicken
Rice Shop’s outlets from 14 March to 30 April 2012.
The joint lab will serve as a vehicle to
promote both RP and NEC as leading centres
for RFID/Digital Signage research. The
know-how will benefit the industry in real
world business uses.
With sound advice from RP’s chef instructors, two second-year students from
the Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management Lim Shu Qin Sharon and
Muhammad Nur Iyliaq Bin Kamsol created the RP Island Chicken – honeygrilled boneless chicken, infused with smoked flavourings
and dressed with pineapple salsa (as pictured).
“We are delighted to have students from Republic
Polytechnic’s School of Hospitality create an exciting new
chicken dish for the opening. Our collaboration with the
students went very smoothly and we are satisfied with
the results. We sure hope our customers will find this dish
delectable as well,” said Mrs Vivienne Tan, Director of The
Chicken Rice Shop.
International experts and industry maven also shared on how
technology and outdoor activities can benefit overall health and
improve the quality of life. During the event, RP renewed memoranda
of understanding (MOU) with Eu Yan Sang Singapore and Renesas
Electronics Singapore, and signed a new MOU with NEC Asia Pacific.
RP and Renesas’ collaboration would enable RP students to learn the
latest technologies from the top microcomputer supplier in the world
as their products are used in RP labs for student-related learning
activities.
RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow (R) presenting a token of
appreciation to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
RP Island Chicken
5
– Mr Leonard Oh, Director, NEC Asia Pacific
Guests visiting the Innovation
Pavilions which showcased
the projects that RP has with
industry partners.
(L-R): Director of NEC Asia Pacific Mr Leonard Oh, Vice President of
NEC Asia Pacific Mr Joseph Tan, RP’s Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow
and RP’s Deputy Principal (Industry Services) Mr Seto Lok Yin.
inExchange
6
inFocus
RP-Continuum
Furniture Design
Workshop
Taking Flight
Together
E
ngaged by SPRING Singapore, Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) School of
Technology for the Arts worked with Continuum, a global design
and innovation consultancy, to conduct a two-day Furniture Design
Workshop for furniture SMEs (small and medium enterprises) on 23 and 24 February 2012.
Managing Director of Continuum Shanghai Mr Chris Hosmer
sharing on “Design Innovation for Commercialisation”.
The first day of the workshop started with a forum, inviting notable speakers
in the design industry. Managing Director of New Black Global Trends,
Ms Genty Marshall presented her keynote address on “Trend Analysis &
Forecasting” where she shared tips and tricks to identify the next big thing
for business growth. Other speakers include Mr Federico Ferretti, Senior
Designer of Continuum Milan, Mr Chris Hosmer, Managing Director of
Continuum Shanghai and Mr Sean Koh, Adjunct Professor from Singapore
Management University.
T
he global economy has seen plenty of storms in recent
years, yet the outlook for the global aerospace industry
appears to be clear skies ahead.
If the recent Singapore Airshow 2012 is anything to go by, the
global aerospace industry is certainly showing positive signals.
Deals worth $31 billion were signed during the event – more
than three times the value of deals signed during the 2010 show.
Such strong results paint an optimistic picture for the industry’s
long-term outlook.
Participants sharing their observations from the field trip to
electronic stores.
Jamming
with the World
I
n collaboration with International Game Developers Association (IGDA),
the Global Game Jam Singapore 2012 was held on 27 January 2012 in
Republic Polytechnic (RP). The Global Game Jam (GGJ) is an annual event
that attracts participants from all over the world to come together to create
games within a 48-hour time period.
RP returned as a host venue this year for game designers and developers to
pit their creativity and skills. The event was graced by Mr Allan Simonsen,
President of IGDA Singapore. This year was exceptional as the event
was kicked off worldwide by industry luminaries: John Romero, Brenda
Brathwaite, Gonzalo Frasca, Baiyon, and Will Wright.
“We try to do our part for Singapore’s game industry by hosting the Global
Game Jam Singapore. For us, it’s about building a sense of community
among game designers here which naturally also helps our game design
students. It plugs them into industry and gives them a competitive platform
to consolidate what they’ve learnt in the classroom. It’s a win-win,” said
Ms Lian Pek, Director of RP School of Technology for the Arts.
Participants presenting their game prototype on the final day of
the Global Game Jam 2012.
The skies are buzzing in Asia, and Singapore’s aerospace industry is charting a promising course.
For the global commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul
(MRO) market, one industry estimate predicts that this will grow
at 3.6% per year over the next 10 years to reach $58 billion.
The second part of the workshop was a design thinking workshop facilitated
by Continuum and RP School of Technology for the Arts.
Participant developing his game prototype.
7
This year’s GGJ Singapore recorded 133 participants from industry and
educational institutions, including RP. 24 games were developed with wider
variety and quality compared to the modest attempt of eight games when
GGJ Singapore first started in 2010.
All systems go in Singapore
The aerospace industry is an important part of Singapore’s
economy. It employs about 18,000 workers, averaged about
12% growth over the past two decades and in 2010 generated
about $7 billion in output.
Singapore is recognised as Asia’s most comprehensive aerospace
MRO hub. The local industry currently accounts for about one
quarter of the fast-growing Asian MRO market, and its importance
in this field continues to grow.
Today, more than 100 of the industry’s top companies have
operations in Singapore. A lot of the activity is centred around
Seletar Aerospace Park, a new purpose-built industrial park
adjacent to Seletar Airport. The park’s current tenants include
leading industry players such as Rolls-Royce, Eurocopter, ST
Aerospace, and Jet Aviation.
Singapore also continues to grow as a key international air hub.
Changi Airport handled 46.5 million passengers in 2011, up by
10.7% from 2010. As part of its strategy for accommodating this
growth, Changi Airport Group – the airport’s operator – recently
announced plans to tear down the existing Budget Terminal and
replace it with a new Terminal 4. Once this is operational by 2017,
Changi Airport’s four terminals will have a total annual capacity
of 80 million passengers.
A growing industry naturally means increased manpower
needs as companies seek trained professionals to help them
expand their operations. To address this demand, Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University is playing an active role in boosting
the aerospace workforce here following the opening of its Asia
campus in Singapore in 2011 to offer aviation-related degree
programmes.
Republic Polytechnic (RP) is also doing its part to meet these
manpower needs. Besides offering three aerospace-related
diploma programmes aimed at training skilled professionals for
the industry, RP partners industry players to ensure its training
and curriculum are relevant and meet the demands of future
employers.
8
inFocus
inFocus
Embry-Riddle Aerona
utical University
Strong collaborations with industry partners keep Republic Polytechnic at the forefront of
aerospace education in Singapore.
A
s Singapore’s aerospace industry continues to grow,
so does the need for skilled manpower to support the
operations of airlines, aviation regulatory authorities, and
companies involved in aerospace maintenance and repair.
Republic Polytechnic (RP) is actively involved in addressing this
need through education. Specifically, RP School of Engineering
offers three aerospace-related diploma programmes: the
Diploma in Aerospace Avionics, Diploma in Aerospace
Engineering, and Diploma in Civil Aviation.
On 16 February 2012, RP sign
ed an
the top-ranked institution in the MOU with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU),
United States for aeronautica
l engineering. The MOU creates
exciting opportunities for RP
and ERAU to collaborate on join
t research initiatives and conduc
staff exchanges. It also establis
t
hes articulation pathways ena
bling RP graduates to enrol with
advanced standing in degree
programmes offered by ERAU.
Commenting on the MOU, Mr
Matthew Flaherty, Director of
Marketing & Enrollment
Management at ERAU Asia, said
, “Embry-Riddle is very happy
to be partnering with Republ
Polytechnic. Whether it be join
ic
t research on important aspects
of aviation such as green
technology, airline/airport opt
imisation or composite usage,
or simply giving RP graduates
an opportunity to receive adv
anced standing credit at our cam
puses in Singapore or the U.S.
Embry-Riddle is proud to be join
,
ing hands with RP to foster an
educational environment in whi
both institutions work together
ch
to enhance the aviation and aero
space industry.”
To ensure that these programmes are industry-relevant,
RP has forged strong ties with a variety of organisations in
the aerospace industry. The nature of these collaborations
spans a broad range of activities, including research, training,
internships, further education, and career recruitment.
Working hand in hand with industry partners, RP is able to
play an important role in producing new professionals for the
aerospace industry.
Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services
i Aviation
On 15 February 2012, RP signed a training agreement with Boeing Shangha
Authority
Airport
i
Shangha
the
Boeing,
among
venture
joint
a
is
which
(BSAS),
Services
y.
Compan
Boeing
The
of
supplier
MRO
d
approve
and China Eastern Airlines. BSAS is an
aircraft avionics
Under the agreement, BSAS will provide theory and hands-on training in
will enable
systems to students in RP’s Diploma in Aerospace Avionics programme. This
i
Shangha
at
facility
BSAS
the
at
course
training
a
in
up to 24 students to participate
tion and
Pudong International Airport in China. The students will then take an examina
be awarded a certificate.
directly
This programme will provide unique opportunities for the students to learn
better
from aircraft maintenance engineers in a hangar environment and gain a
understanding of the career opportunities in this field.
… Embry-Riddle is proud to be joining hands with RP to foster an educational
environment in which both institutions work together to enhance the aviation and
aerospace industry.
World Class
B O A R D I N G PA S S
– Mr Matthew Flaherty, Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management, ERAU Asia
Eurocopter South East Asia
RP and Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) – a subsid
iary of Eurocopter Group, a global
leader in helicopter manufacturing – signed an MOU
on 17 February 2012 that aims to
develop local talents and strengthen Singapore’s
position as an aviation hub.
The agreement encompasses not only internships
for RP students, but also the
provision of training materials for both teaching
staff and students in the field of
rotary-wing aircraft education. Under the MOU, stude
nts and staff from RP School of
Engineering will also have opportunities to partic
ipate in tours at ESEA’s facilities at the
newly opened Seletar Aerospace Park.
CHANGI AIRPORT GROUP
On 8 February 2012, RP and Changi Airpo
rt Group (CAG) signed a memorandum
of understanding (MOU) to provide a stead
y flow of Diploma in Civil Aviation
students to participate in internships at CAG’
s Airport Operations division. The
aim is to equip students with specialist skills
and promote careers in aviation
management.
Prior to this MOU, more than 60 RP students
had already interned in various CAG
departments, where they lent support to
the full-time staff in areas such as quality
service management, airside operations, and
ground operations.
“CAG is a strong believer in the importanc
e of developing and grooming future
airport professionals,” said Mr Foo Sek Min,
Executive Vice President, Airport
Management, CAG. RP has the privilege of
being the first local polytechnic to sign
an MOU with CAG.
Singapore Airlines
On 31 January 2012, Singapore Airlines (SIA) was one of the employers that
tatives
conducted on-campus interviews during RP’s Career Fair 2012. SIA represen
re’s
Singapo
with
nities
opportu
job
explore
to
excited
interviewed about 150 students
national carrier.
participated
“The students were eager to find out more about being a cabin crew and
the
during
done
were
that
s
interview
ent
recruitm
campus
our
enthusiastically in
, SIA.
career fair,” noted Mr Melvyn Lim, Manager of Cabin Crew Division Services
The event proved to be a success, with SIA shortlisting over 30 students to
further in the recruitment process.
proceed
World Class
B O A R D I N G PA S S
9
World Class
B O A R D I N G PA S S
“This is a win-win cooperation,” noted Dr Bernhard
Brenner, President of ESEA. “We
recognise the high quality of education provided
in Singapore. With a meaningful
programme in place, it will serve to motivate these
students even more in pursuing a
career in aviation, which can only be good for the
industry.”
B O A R D I N G PA S S
World Class
FROM:
CHANGI AIRPORT
GROUP
D AT E :
2012 02
JetStar Asia Airways
me to
Since 2010, RP has sent students from the Diploma in Civil Aviation program
fully
success
After
me.
Program
ce
Experien
Airline
ed
specialis
participate in Jetstar Asia’s
certified
as
ip
internsh
an
start
s
student
the
course,
training
k
five-wee
a
completing
not flying,
cabin crew and are placed on the roster to fly with Jetstar. When they are
ing,
schedul
crew
as
such
duties
elated
the students are tasked with other airline-r
.
training
and
ns,
operatio
operational planning, flight
first-hand
This unique programme gives RP students a valuable opportunity to gain
building up
by
benefits
Asia
Jetstar
time,
same
the
At
.
industry
experience in the airline
ion.
graduat
upon
a pool of qualified candidates to potentially join the airline’s team
World Class
B O A R D I N G PA S S
The most important key qualities among all will be their [RP interns’] high
energies, enthusiasm and good attitude. They are attentive, learn fast and
versatile. They have been an asset to the company during their stay with us.
– Ms Angie Leow, Cabin Crew Manager, Jetstar Asia Airways
W
FRO
em
ae
D AT E
20
10
inFocus
inReality
Modern technologies and first-class infrastructure enable
RP students to gain a flying start to a career in aerospace.
Graduate Clinches Film Award
P
R
epublic Polytechnic’s (RP) graduate from the School of
Technology for the Arts (STA), Zulkifli Zaid, clinched the Best
Direction Award for his film “Home” in the Open Category in
the recently concluded ciNE65 competition organised by NEXUS.
roviding students with an industry-relevant education
involves exposing them to industry-relevant technology.
That is why RP actively upgrades and invests in cuttingedge equipment and facilities.
To ensure that students pursuing aerospace-related studies
are familiar with the modern technologies currently used in
the industry, RP has invested strategically in its equipment
and infrastructure. These include a Jabiru fixed-wing plane, an
Airbus-320 flight simulator, and an upcoming hangar facility.
Jabiru J-160 plane
At 8.2 metres wide, 6 metres long and weighs only 300
kilograms, the Jabiru J-160 is relatively small as far as planes go,
but its arrival at RP in September 2011 was nonetheless a cause
for a great deal of excitement. Fully functional, the plane is an
important acquisition for RP School of Engineering as it allows
students to gain hands-on training in aircraft maintenance.
It can also aid students in gaining a better understanding of
topics ranging from aerodynamics and propulsion to aircraft
instrument and navigation systems.
11
ciNE65 is a short film competition that serves as a platform for
Singaporeans to express and embrace the Singapore identity.
Zulkifli’s film “Home” painted a picture of how Singapore is after
all the closest home to our hearts.
Upcoming hangar
A320 flight simulator
RP’s aerospace-related diplomas are set to receive a major boost
with the development of a new aircraft hangar on campus.
Scheduled to be ready in the fourth quarter of 2012, the hangar
will comprise a built-up area of about 1,600 square metres. This
can accommodate up to two fixed-wing aircraft, one helicopter,
and one microlight aircraft.
The new facility will allow RP to gear up to become an accredited
maintenance training organisation with the Civil Aviation
Authority of Singapore (CAAS). For students in RP’s Diploma
in Aerospace Engineering programme, this will likely mean
that upon graduation, their training time required to become
Licensed Aircraft Engineers will be cut by at least six months.
Zulkifli, who graduated from RP in 2010 with a Diploma in
New Media, attributed the technical skills he picked up and his
foundation in filming to STA’s well-equipped studios and stateof-the-art technology. For one of his final year projects in RP, he
was even able to shoot with a Sony XDCAM that uses blu-ray
technology, as compared to the more common digital video
tapes.
He felt that the problem-solving skills and critical thinking
methodologies that he adopted when he was in RP have helped
him stand out from the rest.
RP’s STA graduate, Zulkifli Zaid (centre),
with the Best Direction Award.
“Anyone can learn to operate a camera, hook up a microphone
or set up the lightings on a film set but not everyone can be a
problem-solver and RP has taught me that,” said Zulkifli.
“Republic Polytechnic’s School of Engineering is dedicated to
grooming future professionals for the aerospace industry. The
collaborations we have forged with major industry players and the
new facilities we have invested in will all come together to produce
competent aerospace professionals,” said Dr Wang Jianguo,
Director of RP School of Engineering.
Zulkifli will be graduating from Chapman University Singapore
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Producing coming May 2012,
and he is looking at securing an internship in the United States.
Besides filming, Zulkifli has embarked on conceptualising a
mobile application and is currently getting the prototype done
up by an independent developer.
With all in place, RP is ready to take flight with the booming
aerospace industry.
He is also in the midst of discussing the possibility of creating
a horror web series with another financier. He said, “My interest
lies in new media and I definitely hope to land a job as an Online
Producer in the future!”
A still shot captured from Zulkifli’s film “Home” that clinched the Best Direction Award
in the ciNE65 competition.
Jabiru J-160
Airbus-320 flight simulator
RP’s Airbus-320 (A320) flight simulator provides students in
aerospace-related programmes a realistic peek at what pilots see
when they step into the cockpit of an A320 aircraft. In addition
to simulating various flight conditions, the simulator allows
students to experience the functionality and displays of the
various systems used on this aircraft.
Specifically, students use the simulator to gain an appreciation
for the various operating systems on an A320 plane, such as the
flight control systems and electrical and navigational systems.
In addition, students can develop a better understanding of the
role of an aircraft maintenance engineer by going through the
engine start-up procedure and various ground checks essential
for confirming the functionality of crucial systems.
Artist’s
impressions
of the hangar
12
inNovation
inConversation
Strong Boost to R&D Chikungunya
Four innovative projects in Republic Polytechnic
or Dengue?
(RP) received more than $1. 4 million in project
funding from the Ministry of Education’s
Translational and R&D Innovation Fund.
Outdoor Hot-Spot Remediation
(Led by Dr Wong Luh Cherng, RP School of Applied
Science)
Outdoor ‘hot-spots’ are created by the
radiant heat from sunny walls especially
where there is air flow stagnation. This
project aims to remediate the hot-spots by using
a solar-activated outdoor cooler. The multiple-panel cooler
unit will also be able to function as an advertisement panel.
Content Management System for Digital
Media Censorship and Classification
(Led by David Leong, RP School of Infocomm)
The concern about the negative influence
media exerts on children and adolescents
is on the rise. However, current technology
such as Internet filters and parental lock
systems have limited capabilities to block undesirable
content. This project involves the development of an
innovative software capable of liberalising censorship of digital
media by allowing content providers, service providers, and
home users to censor, rate, and classify digital media stored in
local computer systems, remote video servers, or the Internet.
Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler
(Led by Dr S.E Valavan, RP School of Applied Science)
The key objective of this project is
to develop a flexible and wearable
thermoelectric cooling module that will
reduce body surface temperature, and that
can be integrated into existing sportswear
to provide more comfortable garments for use in extreme
weather conditions and environments. The product will be a
lightweight, affordable, and efficient cooling system which
will help to reduce heat stroke and also improve outdoor
performance for sportsmen.
Republic Polytechnic’s (RP)
School of Applied Science has
developed a test kit to detect and distinguish
between Chikungunya and all dengue serotypes.
O
ne of the biggest challenges for health authorities
and infectious disease clinicians is the early diagnostic
detection and differentiation of the types of mosquitoborne viruses in human patients. In Singapore, the two common
mosquito-borne viruses – dengue and chikungunya – can cause
very similar early symptoms in patients. Therefore, differentiating
these two viruses is almost impossible without performing a
diagnostic analysis. The problem is made worse by dengue
having four different forms or serotypes.
As such, RP in collaboration with the National University of
Singapore (NUS) researched on a test kit to speed up the
detection of dengue and chikungunya viral infections. The kit is
used for diagnostic purposes, allowing rapid detection of both
infections by adding a minute amount of patient’s sample.
incoRPorate welcomes the new Director of
Office of Technology Development Fong Yew
Chan, who loves technology and wears a double
hat as the Director of School of Infocomm in
Republic Polytechnic (RP).
forward. The proliferation of mobile applications will continue
to grow and certainly become a dominant feature in our daily
life. Therefore, the new diploma will train and equip students,
and enable them to ride the waves of mobile computing when
they graduate.
Q: You are wearing two hats as Head of Department for OTD
& SOI. How do you juggle your time?
A: I do exactly what a professional juggler will do. (Laughter)
But seriously, my workload has literally doubled. Now I have
to be very efficient and do things in double quick time. Work
that does not need my specific attention, I will delegate to my
deputies. I am thankful that I have great and talented people in
both SOI and OTD, and that helps!
I begin to enjoy the quick pace in my work. Time flies, and my
mental activity is always at its peak, and that I believe is a great
preventive measure against dementia!
Q: Congratulations on your new appointment! What are some
of your goals you have envisioned to achieve with Office of
Technology Development (OTD)?
A: Thank you! Yes I am indeed very happy to be appointed as
the Director of OTD. I am grateful that the management has
confidence in me to bring OTD to the next level.
My first and foremost responsibility is to bring RP to a level at
which we can effectively engage the industry in innovation
and technology development. For this to happen, it would
involve having a mindset change – staff members must see
capability development as part and parcel of their work. It will
be an exciting journey as we position RP to be recognised as
the leader in certain industry sectors and develop peaks of
excellence in these capabilities.
Q: You had spent a number of years
in France. Can you speak French?
A: Eh oui! J’ai fait mes études
d’ingénieur en France. Il y a bien
longtemps.
(Translation: Oh yes! I studied
engineering in France. Well,
it was a long time ago.)
I went to France to
pursue my engineering
studies. I spent one
year to study the
language, two years
to complete my class
préparatoires, and
another three years
of engineering at
the grande école. I
had to be proficient
in French both
written and spoken,
as everything was
taught in French, be it
the lectures, tutorials,
exams, etc.
When I returned to
Singapore, I had difficulty
speaking English. Now,
the reverse is true.
Q: What role does OTD play in terms of research &
development (R&D) in RP?
With a rapid one-step reaction protocol, the test kit is also
capable of differentiating between the four serotypes of
dengue viruses. This identification allows proper treatment to
be administered faster, thus increasing the recovery rate of the
patients.
A: I feel that OTD plays the role of an enabler in RP, and we are
Led by Dr Ho Phui San from RP School of Applied Science, the
test kit is currently in the development phase. Plans are being
made to commercialise the kit.
Q: The School of Infocomm (SOI) has recently gotten its new
here to assist and guide staff members who desire to pursue
R&D in synergy with the academic responsibilities that they
have. We can carve out a niche in which staff can embark on
their R&D pursuits with as little impediments as possible.
name (formerly known as School of Information and
Communications Technology). Why the change?
A: When I first took over the helm of the School, I felt a little
awkward with the name. It was long and a kind of ‘dated’ name.
I wanted a simpler name, and a name that will resonate to the
students and yet be recognised by the industry.
Q: Share with us the new diploma SOI has just launched.
A: This year, we launched our sixth diploma, the Diploma in
Mobile Software Development, a programme in the area of
mobile applications.
All-solid-state Lithium Ion Thin
Film Microbattery for Smart Card
Applications
In the last two years, mobile computing has taken a great leap
About Fong Yew Chan
(Led by Dr Wang Yihua, RP School of Engineering)
In this project, all-solid-state lithium
ion thin film microbatteries will be
developed to meet the emerging demand
for low power devices such as self-powered
smart cards. This project will produce an environmentallyfriendly thin film microbattery with improved stability and
safety for low-cost applications in smart cards.
BONJOUR!
A Public Service Commission (PSC) scholar, Yew Chan graduated from the French Grande École – École Nationale Supérieure
d’Ingénieurs Electriciens de Grenoble with a Diplôme d’Ingénieur and subsequently received his postgraduate degree, Diplôme
d’Etudes Approfondies, from the École Centrale de Lyon and the Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble.
Dr Ho Phui San (L) and Technology Development Assistant (R) Lynnette Tham working
on the test kit.
13
Yew Chan held various positions in both private and public organisations such as DSO National Labs, Agilis Communications
Technologies, National Science and Technology Board, A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing before joining RP in 2002
and became the founding director of RP School of Engineering.
In 2008, Yew Chan was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) for his contributions to public service.
14
inProfile
The Transforming Educator
incoRPorate catches up with Dr S.E Valavan, TDC (Technology Development Centre) Manager for
New Materials in Republic Polytechnic (RP), whose calling is to teach, share, and innovate!
Q: Hi Dr Valavan, what is your role in RP School of Applied
years from 2008 to 2010. For this, I was awarded thrice the
Outstanding Mentor Award from MOE.
Science?
A: Besides being the TDC Manager, I am also the Manager
for RP-NTU Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory.
My primary role is to promote materials research and
development in RP, train staff and students in cutting-edge
technologies, and prepare them with skills relevant to
Singapore’s manufacturing industry.
Award from MOE for three years, what is your secret
recipe?
A: I strive to understand the needs of the “21st century students”
and work on transforming the traditional teacher-centred
learning approach to student-centric learning. It is my
passion to share my experience and nurture scientific
thinking in young minds as well!
In addition, I also help in the development of curriculum,
facilitation, laboratory infrastructure, industry attachments,
and school outreach for the Diploma in Materials Science.
Q: Share with us your latest research project.
A: The project I am working on now aims to develop a wearable
and flexible thermoelectric cooler suitable for integration into
existing sportswear for use in extreme weather conditions
and environments, thereby improving outdoor performance
and reducing heat stroke.
Q: Congratulations! Having won the Outstanding Mentor
We have just received project funding from the Ministry of
Education’s Translational and R&D Innovation Fund and are
looking into commercialisation opportunities.
Q: What do you think makes a good educator?
A: A good educator must be able to understand the students,
listen to them, teach them to think out of the box and ignite
their passion to learn and innovate!
Q: How has RP helped you in your professional development?
A: As a trained researcher with a passion to teach, share, and
innovate, RP has provided all the infrastructure, training,
flexibility, and guidance for me to excel in my research work
while sharing my experience with young minds through
problem-crafting and facilitation. Therefore, I can proudly say
that I have been transforming in the last six years!
Q: What is the Science Mentorship Programme that you are
involved in?
A: The Science Mentorship Programme organised by Ministry
of Education (MOE) offers secondary school students an
opportunity to conduct scientific research under the close
guidance of researchers from tertiary institutions.
Q: What do you do during your free time?
A: My mind always asks “what is next?” and how best I should
I was involved in the programme since 2008, and have helped
the students from NUS High School and Raffles Girls’ School
win the 3M Young Investigator Award consecutively for three
invest my time in educating or nurturing students while
excelling in my research work. If time permits, I would like to
spend more time with my family.
About Dr S.E Valavan
Dr S.E Valavan (Santhiagu Ezhilvalavan) received his Doctorate in
Philosophy in Materials Science from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
Bangalore, India. Prior to joining RP, he was working as a Senior Research
Scientist in the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN),
Singapore from 2003 to 2006.
To date, he has secured about $4.5 million funding for RP through TOTE
Board, MOE, National Research Foundation, and defence companies. He
has published about 50 technical papers in peer-reviewed journals and
conferences, and filed four patents.
He is currently a reviewer for materials science and applied physics
journals and a member of the Materials Research Society of Singapore.
Dr Valavan (R) with his mentees from Raffles Girls’ School.
Partnering Republic Polytechnic
RP seeks to work with the industry in the following areas:
•
•
•
Republic Polytechnic (RP) has over 14,000 students
and 900 staff, with six schools and two centres offering
39 courses in Infocomm Technology, Engineering,
Applied Science, Technology for the Arts, Sports, Health
& Leisure, Hospitality, Communication, and Consumer
Research.
The first educational institution in Singapore to leverage
Problem-Based Learning approach, RP is committed to
nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial learning in an
environment that develops problem-solving process skills
and a lifelong learning attitude. RP’s academic staff come
with years of industry and research experience that
enhances the students’ learning in practicality and depth.
•
•
•
•
Internship Programmes
Employment Services (Career Fair, Career Talk)
Giving to RP (Scholarships, Endowment, Book
Prize Awards)
Research & Development Projects
Innovation Voucher Scheme
Corporate Training
Other Forms of Collaboration
Discover how RP can help meet your organisation’s
needs in talent management and planning, corporate
philanthropy, research and consultancy projects.
To know more, please contact [email protected]
More information can also be found at
www.rp.edu.sg/industrycollaboration
RP’s mandate is to nurture skilled manpower for the
economy. While RP develops industry-ready and lifeready graduates through industry-focused curriculum,
synergistic partnership with the industry is also
instrumental in nurturing innovation, entrepreneurial
learning, professional and technical competency among
the staff and student community.
inAdvance
Republic Polytechnic looks forward to your participation in the upcoming events.
For enquiries, please email [email protected]
YEAR 2012
11 – 13 Apr
8 May
15 – 18 May
21 – 26 May
RP Freshmen Orientation Programme
National Geographic Photographers’ Award
RP Graduation Ceremony
Momentum Dance Festival (by The Republic Cultural Centre)