Latest news with #PatrickTay
CNA
31-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Charting a path for skills-first learning in a changing economy
The global push to reskill 1 billion people by 2030 has underscored the urgency of rethinking how people learn. This theme set the tone for the fifth Applied Learning Conference (ALC), held in early July, where the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) convened close to 700 educators, policymakers and business leaders at its new Punggol Campus to explore the evolving role of higher education and its impact on building a future-ready workforce. Speakers including JTC CEO Jacqueline Poh, strategist and author Kelly Palmer and NTUC's assistant secretary-general Patrick Tay – alongside international experts from Ireland, Germany and Australia – stressed the need for agile, skills-first learning ecosystems. The event highlighted SIT's applied learning model – built around real-world projects, industry collaboration and modular pathways – as one approach that supports Singapore's efforts in preparing its workforce for change. 'We're building a system where people can pick up what they need, when they need it – and immediately apply it at work,' said Professor Chua Kee Chaing, president of SIT, in a fireside chat with Emeritus Professor Martin Betts, HEDx's CEO. TRAINING FOR REAL-WORLD OUTCOMES Established in 2009 to offer applied degree pathways for polytechnic graduates, SIT became an autonomous university in 2014. Since then, it has developed programmes grounded in work-integrated learning and strong ties with industry. Today, the university is moving towards a modular approach rooted in competency-based education (CBE), where learners are assessed based on what they can do, with less emphasis on time spent in the classroom. The aim is to develop skills that reflect shifting industry demands. Short, targeted modules known as micro-credentials form the building blocks of SIT's stackable programmes for adult learners. These certify specific competencies and can be accumulated over time towards full qualifications. 'It's about training for tasks that are needed in the workplace, rather than just covering broad academic content,' said Prof Chua. He noted that businesses move quickly and expect graduates to contribute from day one. 'Because enterprises can't afford to spend a year getting someone job-ready, we want SIT graduates to hit the ground running,' he said. 'Our extended internships help – one in two now receives a job offer during their attachment.' SIT's CBE programmes – including the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Infrastructure and Systems Engineering – feature hands-on assessments tied to workplace tasks. This approach is central to the university's strategy for closing the global skills gap. Ms Palmer, co-author of The Expertise Economy, cited an example of the disconnect between technological change and workforce readiness. Speaking at ALC, she noted: 'While 70 per cent of companies are investing in artificial intelligence (AI), only 20 per cent of workers feel prepared [to use this technology].' She also pointed to the flood of credentials in the global market. 'There are over 1.1 million credentials available worldwide, but only 12 per cent lead to significant wage gains. Employers are increasingly seeking credentials that carry real value,' she said, adding that today's in-demand skills include AI literacy, process optimisation and large language model development. SIT's focus on skills-backed credentials extends to its Continuing Education and Training (CET) programmes, developed with industry partners to support working adults and respond to evolving job demands. One example is a collaboration with SP Group to train electrical workers in smart grids and digital power systems – with content aligned to job requirements and structured to accommodate full-time employment. It exemplifies how applied learning can address both industry demands and the realities of working professionals. These efforts are part of SIT 2034, the university's roadmap to becoming a 'university for industry' through partnerships that shape education, research and enterprise. 'As a university that works closely with industry, we share responsibility from the start – rather than train students in isolation and hand them over later,' said Prof Chua. A CAMPUS DESIGNED FOR APPLIED LEARNING To support its applied learning model, the SIT Punggol Campus functions as a live teaching and research environment. Its new Living Lab Network (LLN) connects over 20,000 Internet of Things sensors across smart building, energy and cybersecurity systems. These systems generate real-time data that students can use for coursework and applied research. Engineering students might analyse energy use, while cybersecurity students can model live threats. Companies, in turn, can test technologies in real-world conditions. 'The LLN allows us to embed applied learning into every part of our teaching,' explained Prof Chua. 'In tandem, it enables our partners to test new ideas and drive innovation.' Collaborations are already underway. SIT is partnering with NEC Asia Pacific on the LLN's infrastructure, supporting both applied research and talent development. It is also working with Hitachi to explore how the LLN can facilitate district-level energy optimisation and drive the adoption of renewable energy in green buildings, including data centres. As SIT strengthens its role as Singapore's university for industry, it is inviting more partners to co-create programmes, co-train talent and co-develop solutions. Companies and training providers can work with SIT to customise learning, shape curricula and pilot technology through the LLN. 'We're here to work with those who want to build a skilled, confident and job-ready workforce – not just produce credentials on paper,' said Prof Chua.
AsiaOne
03-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
PAP's Patrick Tay wins Pioneer SMC with 65.42% of votes over PSP's Stephanie Tan, Singapore News
Results for Pioneer SMC in GE2025 Patrick Tay (PAP) 65.42% Stephanie Tan (PSP) 34.58% The People's Action Party (PAP) has won Pioneer SMC against the Progress Singapore Party (PSP). PAP's Patrick Tay received 15,323 votes while PSP's Stephanie Tan received 8,101 votes. Tay, 53, is the assistant secretary-general and director of the National Trades Union Congress, has served as Pioneer's MP since the 2020 election. He has also been the Chairman of West Coast Town Council since 2015. During the 2020 election, he won 61.98 per cent of the vote in a three-cornered fight that included PSP's Lim Cher Hong (35.22 per cent) and independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah (2.78 per cent). PSP's Stephanie Tan, 37, is a newcomer to electoral politics and has worked in both the public and private sectors. She also was an assistant director in the legal policy division of the Ministry of Law. Pioneer SMC has 25,207 electors. For our GE2025 microsite, visit here. editor@
Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Reactions ‘quite positive' so far, as Patrick Tay seeks to defend Pioneer SMC seat
PAP candidate for Pioneer SMC Patrick Tay speaking to a resident as he went about distributing his manifesto on April 24. ST PHOTO: KIMBERLY KWEK Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – It will be a straight fight between two candidates in Pioneer SMC in GE2025, but incumbent MP Patrick Tay said the shift from a three-cornered contest in the previous election will not change his campaign approach. The PAP labour unionist is facing off against PSP newcomer Stephanie Tan, a 37-year-old full-time homemaker and former lawyer. In GE2020, Mr Tay won 62 per cent of the vote in a three-way race against PSP's Lim Cher Hong and independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah. They received 35.22 per cent and 2.78 per cent of the vote, respectively. The 53-year-old said in an interview on April 24: 'We have a strategy, we have a game plan, we just execute it, and we hope to have a clean, very good campaign so that the residents can make a judgment for themselves and go to the polls on May 3.' Pioneer SMC, which has 25,207 electors, is one of nine constituencies that remained unchanged in the latest review of Singapore's electoral map. This is the first time Mr Tay is defending his seat. He entered Parliament in 2011 as an MP for Nee Soon GRC and was fielded in West Coast GRC for the 2015 General Election. He was then deployed to Pioneer in GE2020, with then incumbent Cedric Foo retiring. Asked how confident he was in being re-elected, Mr Tay said he 'wouldn't say, you know, super confident', but pointed out that the people he has met in this campaign so far have been 'quite positive'. 'I think I have managed to power up quite a lot of things here,' Mr Tay said, noting that he had completed two rounds of house visits to the 131 blocks in the constituency in the past five years, as well as had interactions with residents through activities there. He pointed to ground-up community events, like barbecues, and support schemes such as pro bono legal clinics and centres for young children with development needs, initiated during his tenure. But he said the most significant aspect of his term there was being able to mobilise more volunteers across the age groups in the constituency, which he said consists of 80 per cent to 85 per cent white-collared workers, living in four- or five-room HDB flats. If re-elected, he intends to focus on three broad pillars – youth, families and the elderly – in the next term. Three active ageing centres are already expected in the constituency by the first half of 2026, with the first officially opening next week. Broader national concerns that surround employment and the rising cost of living also remain priorities for Mr Tay, who is a National Trades Union Congress assistant secretary-general. He had introduced initiatives, such as a one-stop centre that provides legal and employment support, in the constituency, and plans to build on these initiatives if re-elected. Mr Tay said he would share more plans on social media, and maybe a rally, during this campaign period. Meanwhile, his electoral opponent Ms Tan told The Straits Times on April 21 that she hopes to address what she sees as the two main challenges caregivers face: financial and mental health struggles. She also intends to focus on issues surrounding children's education, if elected. Noting that her party had proposed an allowance for caregivers of young children in Parliament, she added: 'We hope that other than it being a real recognition of the unpaid contributions they make to Singapore, it also helps with their financial difficulties.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Reactions ‘quite positive' so far, as Patrick Tay seeks to defend Pioneer SMC seat
PAP labour unionist Patrick Tay (left) speaking to a resident as he went about distributing his manifesto on April 24. ST PHOTO: KIMBERLY KWEK Follow our live coverage here. SINGAPORE – It will be a straight fight between two candidates in Pioneer SMC in GE2025, but incumbent MP Patrick Tay says the shift from a three-cornered contest in the previous election will not change his campaign approach. The PAP labour unionist is facing off against PSP newcomer Stephanie Tan, a 37-year-old full-time homemaker and former lawyer. In GE2020, Mr Tay won 62 per cent of the vote in a three-way race against PSP's Lim Cher Hong and independent candidate Cheang Peng Wah, who received 35.22 per cent and 2.78 per cent of the vote respectively. The 53-year-old said in an interview on April 24 : ' W e have a strategy, we have a game plan, we just execute it, and we hope to have a clean, very good campaign so that the residents can make a judgment for themselves and go to the polls on May 3.' Pioneer SMC, which has 25,195 electors, is one of nine constituencies that remained unchanged in the latest review of Singapore's electoral map. This is the first time Mr Tay is defending his seat. He entered Parliament in 2011 as an MP for Nee Soon GRC, and was fielded in the West Coast GRC for the 2015 General Election. He was then deployed to Pioneer in GE2020, with then-incumbent Cedric Foo retiring. Asked how confident he is in being re-elected, Mr Tay said he 'wouldn't say, you know, super confident', but pointed out that people he has met in this campaign so far have been 'quite positive'. 'I think I've managed to power up quite a lot of things here,' Mr Tay said, noting that he had completed two rounds of house visits to the 131 blocks in his ward in the past five years, as well as interactions with residents through activities there. He pointed to ground-up community events, like barbecues, and support schemes such as pro bono legal clinics and centres for young children with development needs, initiated during his tenure. But he said his greatest takeaway in his term there was to mobilise more volunteers across the age groups in his ward, which he said consists of 80 to 85 per cent white-collared workers, living in four- or five-room HDB flats. If re-elected, he intends to focus on three broad pillars - the youth, families and the elderly - in the next term, with three active ageing centres already expected in the ward by the first half of 2026, with the first officially opening next week. Broader national concerns that surround employment and the rising cost of living also remain priorities for Mr Tay, who is the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC) assistant secretary-general. He had introduced initiatives, such as a one-stop centre that provides legal and employment support, in his ward, and plans to build on these initiatives if re-elected. Mr Tay said he would share more plans on social media, and maybe a rally, during this campaign period. Meanwhile, his electoral opponent Ms Tan told ST on April 21 that she hopes to address what she sees as the two main challenges caregivers face: financial and mental health struggles. She also intends to focus on issues surrounding children's education, if elected. Noting that her party had proposed an allowance for caregivers of young children in Parliament, she added: 'We hope that other than it being a real recognition of the unpaid contributions they make to Singapore, it also helps with their financial difficulties.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
