Latest news with #TemasekPolytechnic
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
TP business course valedictorian makes sacrifices to juggle studies, running popular flea market
Ms Portia Gabrielle Karl with her parents (right) at her Temasek Polytechnic graduation ceremony. PHOTO: TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC TP business course valedictorian makes sacrifices to juggle studies, running popular flea market The TL;DR: Ms Portia Gabrielle Karl is the valedictorian of Temasek Polytechnic's 2025 business cohort and also runs a popular vintage market on weekends. She is one of 5,100 students graduating from May 2 to May 13. SINGAPORE – Every weekend, Bugis Street Art Lane in Victoria Street is brimming with vintage goods vendors selling items like retro digital cameras and unique Y2K fashion pieces. There may even be a musician or two serenading audiences at an outdoor open mic. Scurrying from booth to booth is 21-year-old Portia Gabrielle Karl, ensuring that everything is running smoothly for the more than 40 vintage goods vendors there. Ms Karl is one of the co-founders of the Resurrack Vintage Market, as well as a graduating Temasek Polytechnic (TP) business student. She and her business partner and fellow TP business student, Isaac Loh, 21, came up with the vintage goods flea market in 2024. Resurrack Vintage Market operates on weekends from 3pm to 9pm, attracts up to 500 attendees weekly, and has more than 16,000 followers on Instagram. Ms Karl is also the valedictorian of TP's 2025 business cohort and the recipient of the Pan-Pacific Award for All-Round Excellence. The award commends and acknowledges polytechnic graduates who excel in their studies and have made outstanding contributions in their co-curricular activities. She is one of nearly 5,100 students across 37 full-time and 49 part-time diploma courses graduating from the polytechnic from May 2 to May 13. Ms Karl found her success, both inside and outside the classroom, to be surprising, particularly given her struggles with academic studies during her primary and secondary education. 'I felt like I couldn't keep up with everyone else. It was very demoralising and affected my confidence,' she remarked. However, Ms Karl found her groove in the hands-on learning environment of polytechnic. 'The way we learn is different. Projects allow me to be more flexible and creative, and I enjoy the collaborative aspect of group work,' she said. It was at TP that she met her business partner, Mr Loh, through shared classes in their first year in poly. She found his entrepreneurial spirit 'infectious' and counts him as one of her main inspirations. Mr Loh was running an online business selling vintage goods online when the two met in their first year of polytechnic. In July 2023, he approached her with a proposal to become his business partner as he sought opportunities to grow his business. In October 2023, the pair opened a physical store, Resurrack , as a one-stop shop for different types of vintage goods at the now-defunct Peace Centre shopping mall in Sophia Road. The shop was open from Friday to Sunday every week. The pair sold vintage goods, such as vinyl records, toys and cameras, sourced from over 30 vendors and funded the venture entirely themselves. Ms Portia Gabrielle Karl and business partner Isaac Loh outside their store Resurrack at the Peace Centre shopping mall, which has since been demolished. PHOTO: COURTESY OF PORTIA GABRIELLE KARL However, managing a shop as a full-time student meant that she would often have to complete school assignments at Resurrack during pockets of free time. The store remained operational until January 2024, at which point Peace Centre permanently closed. Following this, Resurrack went on hiatus as both Ms Karl and Mr Loh went to Vietnam for an overseas internship programme. The business partners reached out to different malls in Singapore during this period to scale up their business from a single physical outlet to an entire street market. An agreement with CapitaLand was eventually reached for the use of Bugis Street Art Lane. The Resurrack Vintage Market at Bugis Street Art Lane in Victoria Street attracts up to 500 attendees weekly, and has more than 16,000 followers on Instagram. PHOTO: COURTESY OF PORTIA GABRIELLE KARL Ms Karl said: 'We were looking to expand and scale up. Rather than just a single shop, we wanted to be the main landlord and event organiser.' In order to help manage the new venture, Resurrack Vintage Market, Ms Karl also co-founded events agency Elevents in August 2024, which focuses on organising youth-targeted events in Singapore. Resurrack Vintage Market ran its first market in November 2024. Ms Karl said that she tries to be on the ground to manage the event as much as possible. The six core team members of Resurrack are mutual friends of both her and Mr Loh, whom she met during her time at TP. Customers shopping for vintage goods at the Resurrack Vintage Market, which operates on weekends from 3pm to 9pm. PHOTO: COURTESY OF PORTIA GABRIELLE KARL Regarding her ability to maintain her grades while managing the business, Ms Karl said that she has had to make sacrifices: 'There were definitely moments when the pressure of juggling school and the business was overwhelming, and many late nights spent catching up on assignments after long days at the market.' 'I've (also) had less time for myself and less time to spend with my friends.' Ms Karl stated her intention to pursue a business degree at the Singapore Management University. She also plans to continue working on Resurrack and Elevents while studying in the hopes of selling the business once it has grown sufficiently. Running a business while studying helped to enhance her TP education, she said, as it allowed her to 'directly apply concepts we learnt in class, like accounting, to real-life scenarios'. She added: 'When I came (into TP), I thought the only path was to work a nine-to-five corporate job. I never thought I could start my own business.' When asked about the biggest lesson she learnt from her time in TP, Ms Karl said: 'I've learnt not to limit myself and that I can take on more in life. Coming into TP, I never thought I'd be able to do so much. 'Anything is possible.' Clarification note: Temasek Polytechnic has clarified that 5,100 students are graduating between May 2 and May 13, instead of 5,700. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47
Mr Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari with his daughter Nur Amalina on his graduation day. From ITE to poly: Dad of 3 who once disliked school earns diploma at 47 Teo Yan Ting TNP May 15, 2025 School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Primech AI Showcases Revolutionary HYTRON LITE Bathroom Cleaning Robot at Facilities Management Community of Practice Event in Singapore
SINGAPORE, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Primech AI Pte. Ltd. ("Primech AI" or the 'Company'), a subsidiary of Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), participated in the Facilities Management Community of Practice (FM CoP) Session on Robotics co-organised by the Building and Construction Authority and JTC Corporation. The event at Temasek Polytechnic brought together industry leaders to explore innovative robotic solutions for the facilities management sector. Charles Ng, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI, delivered a presentation titled "Pioneering the Future of Robotics in Facilities Services," highlighting the Company's latest innovation, the HYTRON LITE bathroom cleaning robot. Powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano Super and designed specifically for compact bathroom environments, HYTRON LITE represents Primech AI's commitment to addressing the unique challenges of urban facilities management. "We were honored to share our vision for the future of cleaning robotics with Singapore's facilities management community," said Ng. "The HYTRON LITE demonstrates our focus on creating purpose-built solutions that address real-world challenges in space-constrained environments. Our presentation explored not only the technical capabilities of our robots but also our market expansion strategies both in Singapore and internationally." The FM CoP Session on Robotics featured a comprehensive program addressing key aspects of robotics implementation in the built environment: Temasek Polytechnic presented real-world use cases and challenges faced when adopting robotic solutions HOPE Technik discussed enabling infrastructure for robots in buildings and highlighted technical standards Primech AI showcased the HYTRON LITE and discussed market expansion strategies A live demonstration of HYTRON LITE provided attendees with a full appreciation of its capabilities The event highlighted Singapore's position at the forefront of smart facility management innovation, with Primech AI playing a key role in advancing autonomous cleaning solutions. The Company's participation underscored the growing importance of robotic solutions in addressing labor challenges and enhancing operational efficiency in the facilities management sector. "Events like the FM CoP Session are crucial for knowledge sharing and industry advancement," added Ng. "We were delighted to demonstrate how our technological innovations can transform cleaning operations in facilities across Singapore and beyond." The demonstration of the HYTRON LITE generated significant interest among the approximately 80-100 attendees, with many facilities managers expressing interest in the robot's compact design and advanced AI capabilities. The live demonstration allowed participants to witness firsthand how the robot navigates tight spaces and performs cleaning tasks efficiently. About the Facilities Management Community of Practice (FM CoP)The Facilities Management Community of Practice (FM CoP) initiative by the Building and Construction Authority and JTC Corporation brings together professionals in the facilities management sector to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. The FM CoP Sessions focus on specific topics relevant to advancing Singapore's facilities management sector. About Primech AIPrimech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit About Primech Holdings LimitedHeadquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Company Contact:Email: ir@ Investor Relations Contact: Matthew Abenante, IRCPresident Strategic Investor Relations, LLC Tel: 347-947-2093Email: matthew@ Sign in to access your portfolio
New Paper
15-05-2025
- General
- New Paper
'I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy... I wasn't interested in school'
School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books. "I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper. "I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun. "I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all. "There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose." On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017. "I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it." Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina. "It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride. In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course. "I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful. "I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot." Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling. "There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful. Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma. "I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it." And his children had his back. Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator. Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award. "I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful. "Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education."
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
From poly to Cambridge: More S'pore diploma graduates head to top overseas universities
There is a growing number of polytechnic students in Singapore seeking overseas university experiences, driven by greater access to information and a desire for broader exposure. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GABRIEL LEE From poly to Cambridge: More S'pore diploma graduates head to top overseas universities SINGAPORE - I n 2021, while serving national service, Mr Nicolas Chew received news that would have once been unimaginable – an offer to study human, social and political sciences at the prestigious University of Cambridge in Britain. Coming from a less-affluent background, he had always received help to pay for school fees in primary and secondary school. In his polytechnic days, he worked part-time as a customer service agent at Changi Airport to cover other essential costs like transport . It was not until the Covid-19 pandemic hit that he began considering studying overseas. Mr Chew is one of a growing number of polytechnic students in Singapore seeking overseas university experiences – mainly in Britain and Europe – driven by greater access to information and a desire for broader exposure. This comes as more students are choosing the polytechnic route despite qualifying for junior college, and local university enrolment for poly students has risen, with one-third of poly graduates matriculating at local universities. Mr Chew, 26, a communications and media management graduate from Temasek Polytechnic, had juggled studies and work, topping his cohort with a grade point average of 3.97 out of 4. He was given a place to study at Cambridge and a scholarship from Changi Airport Group that covered his undergraduate studies. He is now pursuing a postgraduate degree in Digital Media: Critical Studies at University College London, which is also covered by the scholarship. In response to queries, Temasek Polytechnic said more of its alumni are qualifying for admission to top universities overseas, without giving exact figures. Similarly, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic spokesperson said there has been an 'almost threefold increase' in graduates going to such universities in the last decade, compared with the decade before. The other three polytechnics – Nanyang, Singapore and Republic – did not answer specific queries on whether more of their graduates are going abroad for further studies. All five polytechnics highlighted ways they support students who want to study overseas. These include workshops, overseas exchange programmes, and in-house education and career coaches. Ngee Ann Polytechnic organises virtual seminars with overseas university representatives. Republic Polytechnic holds workshops on portfolio development, interview skills and personal statement writing. Singapore Polytechnic said its students can consult education and career coaches for guidance on overseas university applications and writing personal statements. Stepping into the unknown As he reaches his fourth year living in Britain, Mr Chew said studying overseas has broadened his horizons. It has given him a more 'holistic, open-minded view of the world', on politics and sociology or on social and digital media, he said. 'This has given me a more critical, nuanced view and understanding of the world we live in, one that accounts for both Singaporean and external contexts and challenges,' said Mr Chew, whose mother is an early childhood educator and father works part-time in the food and beverage industry. Making friends from all over the world has also expanded his world view, he added, exposing him to other cultures and ways of life. Some diploma holders, like Ms Chiyo Tan, 22, decided to pursue courses overseas because there were few local options that suited their interests and specialisations. Ms Tan, a biotechnology graduate from Singapore Polytechnic, is now a third-year undergraduate studying veterinary medicine and surgery at Britain's University of Edinburgh. Some diploma holders, like Ms Chiyo Tan, 22, decided to pursue courses overseas because there were few local options that suited their interests and specialisations. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHIYO TAN She had wanted to pursue a veterinary career, but there are no veterinary schools in Singapore. She chose Britain as it was more affordable compared with elsewhere, such as Australia. Her current annual tuition fees are £34,200 (S$60,000). Her polytechnic helped her with her personal statement. She also hired a consultant, TheRightU, to help with the administrative details of applying to a university overseas. Ms Joanne Gao, a regional manager at admissions consultancy Crimson Education, said: 'Poly students are driven by the need for specialised education that aligns with their career goals. They've already gained key skills through their polytechnic courses and see university as an opportunity to deepen their expertise.' She said that while A-level graduates typically apply for fields such as medicine and law, diploma holders gravitate towards Stem courses such as computer science and engineering. 'Global universities are recognising the value of a polytechnic education and actively seeking students with practical skills and real-world experiences,' Ms Gao added. Singapore Polytechnic graduate Gabriel Lee, 23, who studied electrical and electronic engineering, is now waiting to embark on his undergraduate studies in the same discipline at the University of Edinburgh. Initially, he was not interested in studying overseas as he found the application process troublesome and already had a placement at a local university. But with encouragement from friends and family, and after receiving a scholarship from the Defence Science and Technology Agency which covered the full cost of overseas studies, he changed his mind. Singapore Polytechnic graduate Gabriel Lee, 23, is waiting to embark on his undergraduate studies in electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Edinburgh. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GABRIEL LEE Mr Lee said there is now more information about the application process for polytechnic students, adding that many universities, especially in Britain, also clearly indicate qualification requirements, like a minimum grade point average, for those with diploma certifications. That said, he still thinks that junior college students stand a better chance of entering the top institutions abroad because universities are more familiar with the A-level qualifications. Another poly grad, Ms Lois Pang, 21, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a North America Minor at Sciences Po, France. She has a diploma in international trade and business from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Studying overseas had been her dream since she was a teenager, but she seriously considered it only in her final year of polytechnic studies. Ms Lois Pang, 21, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Sciences Po, France. PHOTO: COURTESY OF LOIS PANG Ms Pang's two main considerations were cost and experience. She knew studying abroad would be expensive, but discovered options like Sciences Po, which are less costly. Her annual tuition fees are currently €14,720 (S$22,000). She had also wanted to challenge herself to try something new: 'Did I want to stay in the comfort and familiarity of Singapore? Or did I want to go into the unknown, exploring another part of the world and their culture?' In poly, she had also taken a Minor in Foreign Languages, specialising in French, adding to her interest in studying at Sciences Po. She, too, believes pursuing a university degree abroad is a goal that is within the reach of more poly graduates today. Her class adviser had encouraged her and her peers to explore overseas options after graduation, and these days, many diploma holders are open to studying in more unconventional locations such as Japan, Korea or Hong Kong, she said. As she finishes her first year in Sciences Po, Ms Pang said: 'A major difference (between Singapore and France) would be the diversity, not just in terms of people and backgrounds, but of opinions. 'Meeting people from all over the world, it is fascinating to observe how our life experiences shape our perception of a single issue.' Having seen student-organised demonstrations, protests and petitions in France, she said she thinks youth there are 'more open about their diverse political views and opinions on world issues'. 'They express their thoughts freely and will not hesitate to advocate for what they believe in.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
