Singapore Polytechnic

Singapore Polytechnic

新加坡理工学院 (Chinese) Politeknik Singapura (Malay)
Motto	Berkhidmat Dengan Keahlian (Malay) [1]
Motto in English	"To serve with skill" (1960–2014) "To serve with mastery" (2014–present)
Type	Public Government
Established	27 October 1954;70 years ago (1954-10-27)
Endowment	$102.6 million (2024) [2]
Chairperson	Janet Ang
Principal	Soh Wai Wah
Academic staff	707 (2024) [2]
Administrative staff	716 (2024) [2]
Total staff	1,423 (2024) [2]
Students	17,956 (2024) [2]
Location	500 Dover Road, Singapore 139651 1°18′35″N103°46′31″E / 1.3097°N 103.7753°E / 1.3097; 103.7753
Campus	38 hectares (94 acres)
Colors	Red
Mascot	Jumba
Website	sp.edu.sg
Agency overview
Jurisdiction	Government of Singapore
Parent agency	Ministry of Education

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is a post-secondary education institution and statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Education in Singapore.

Established in 1954, SP is the first and oldest polytechnic in Singapore, and is renowned for its engineering programmes. Its first site at Prince Edward Road was vacated by 1978; ^[3] SP is now based at Dover, Singapore, and is currently the largest Polytechnic in Singapore.

History

Background

The idea of establishing a polytechnic in Singapore was first proposed in August 1951 by the Technical Association of Malaya's Singapore branch (now known as Technological Association Malaysia). ^[4] An ad-hoc committee, chaired by educationist Thio Chan Bee, petitioned the government in 1952 for the creation of a fully-equipped polytechnic to address the shortage of skilled workers. ^{[5] [6]}

In January 1953, then-Governor Sir John F. Nicoll appointed a committee to investigate the feasibility of the polytechnic. This committee was tasked with determining the curriculum, estimating costs and equipment needs, and evaluating the institution's integration into Singapore's existing education system. ^[7]

Committee Reports and Findings

Report of the Committee on a Polytechnic Institute for Singapore, 1953

The 13-member committee, chaired by Professor E. H. G. Dobby from the University of Malaya, submitted the Dobby Report to the government on 17 September 1953. ^{[8] [9]} This report defined a polytechnic as an institution offering part-time technical and professional training primarily for employed individuals, with potential for full-time programs. ^[10]

The report highlighted the need for a polytechnic to equip local workers with modern skills, prepare them for managerial roles, and establish a centralized training system. However, concerns about high costs and Singapore's small population were noted. ^[10]

Two surveys were conducted to assess training needs. Based on the findings, the committee recommended a polytechnic for at least 2,000 part-time students, with an annual capacity for 500 full-time students. ^[11] Proposed departments included Commerce, Engineering, Management, Architecture and the Applied Arts, and Vocation Training in Language and Science, with English as the medium of instruction. ^[10]

Establishment

Singapore Polytechnic Report, 1954

Based on the recommendations of the Dobby Report, the Singapore Polytechnic Report was presented on 10 May 1954 to the government of Singapore by A. W. Gibson, then-principal of Dudley and Staffordshire Technical College (now known as Dudley College). ^{[9] [12]}

The Singapore Polytechnic Report recommended seven departments for the polytechnic, prioritising General Education, Commerce, Management Studies, Engineering, and Architecture and Building. Secondary priorities included the Applied Arts and a Women's Department for Domestic Science. Gibson emphasised initial training for craftsmen and technicians before expanding to advanced subjects. He also suggested locating the polytechnic at Shenton Circus for optimal accessibility. ^[13]

On 27 October 1954, the Singapore Polytechnic Act was passed, ^[14] and the first Board of Governors was appointed in January 1955. ^[15] Construction of the $5.2 million 10-acre campus at Prince Edward Road, ^[13] off Shenton Way, commenced in April 1957, while classes continued to be held at the Tanjong Katong Technical School, Belvedere School, and Connell House at Anson Road. ^{[16] [17]}

The campus was officially opened by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on 24 February 1959, with the then-Governor, Sir William Goode, and the then-Chief Minister, Tun Lim Yew Hock. ^{[9] [18]} By then, over 2,800 students were enrolled across 58 courses in 5 departments: Engineering, Building and Architecture, Science and Technology, General Education, and Commerce. ^[9]

Academic

Academic Schools & Course Offered

Singapore Polytechnic has 10 Academic Schools and offers 30 Full-Time Diploma Courses and 4 Common Entry Programmes.

School of Architecture & the Built Environment (ABE)

Since 1958, ABE has been a leading institution in architecture and the built environment, focusing on your learning experience. As the only school offering a full spectrum of Built Environment programmes, ABE provides you with a unique and comprehensive education with skills for a successful career.

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Architecture (DARCH)
• Diploma in Civil Engineering (DCE)
• Diploma in Facilities Management (DFM)
• Diploma in Integrated Events & Project Management (DEPM)
• Diploma in Interior Design (DID)
• Diploma in Landscape Architecture (DLA)

School of Business (SB)

School of Business (SB) is a premier institution for future business leaders, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation, offering customised education and diverse business skills for success.

Common Entry Programme offered:

• Common Business Programme (DCBP)

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Accountancy (DAC)
• Diploma in Banking & Finance (DBKF)
• Diploma in Business Administration (DBA)
• Diploma in Human Resource Management with Psychology (DHRMP)

School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS)

With 60 years of excellence, the School of Chemical & Life Sciences (CLS) shapes industry-ready talent for food, chemical, biopharma, and healthcare sectors. At CLS, learning goes beyond classrooms, and we empower you with skills to excel and drive innovation across these dynamic fields.

Common Entry Programme offered:

• Common Science Programme (DCSP)

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Applied Chemistry (DAPC)
• Diploma in Biomedical Science (DBS)
• Diploma in Chemical Engineering (DCHE)
• Diploma in Food Science & Technology (DFST)
• Diploma in Optometry (DOPT)
• Diploma in Perfumery & Cosmetic Science (DPCS)

School of Computing (SoC)

Since the 1980s, the School of Computing (SoC) has pioneered computing education, specialising in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Whether it's pursuing further studies or entering the tech industry, SoC provides pathways designed to help you achieve your goals.

Common Entry Programme offered:

• Common ICT Programme (DICTP)

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics (DAAA)
• Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics (DCDF)
• Diploma in Information Technology (DIT)

School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)

Since 1957, the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) has grown into Singapore's largest and most distinguished engineering school. Today, EEE advances technology in areas like automation, aerospace, and IoT, equipping you to adapt, innovate and lead in a dynamic engineering landscape.

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Aerospace Electronics (DASE)
• Diploma in Computer Engineering (DCPE)
• Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (DEEE)
• Diploma in Engineering with Business (DEB)

School of Life Skills & Communications (LSC)

The School of Life Skills & Communication (LSC) fosters versatile individuals with core skills, offering career guidance, financial education, and leadership development programmes. It supports adults and SMEs with workplace learning to meet evolving job demands and maintain market competitiveness.

School of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering (MAE)

The School of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering (MAE) has led in engineering education since 1958, providing hands-on experience through industry partnerships. With a focus on green, sustainable engineering, MAE supports the SG Green Plan, preparing you to drive innovation for a greener future.

Common Entry Programme offered:

• Common Engineering Programme (DCEP)

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (DARE)
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME)
• Diploma in Mechatronics & Robotics (DMRO)

School of Mathematics & Science (MS)

At SP’s School of Mathematics & Science, we offer courses in math, statistics, physics, IT, and data analytics for engineering, technology, and business students. Our specialist diplomas in data science and short courses teach skills for digital transformation, like AI and automation. It is also the school providing curriculum and in charge of Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) students.

Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)

The Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA), Singapore's first maritime training institution, leads regional maritime education with advanced facilities, a future-ready curriculum, and strong industry ties, equipping students with global skills and knowledge to excel in the evolving maritime industry.

Full-Time Diploma Courses offered:

• Diploma in Maritime Business (DMB)
• Diploma in Marine Engineering (DMR)
• Diploma in Nautical Studies (DNS)

Media, Arts & Design School (MAD)

We are Makers, Adventurers and Dreamers. Here at MAD, our vision is to shape creative talents so together, we can contribute to a more creative and imaginative Singapore.

Full-Time Diploma Course offered:

• Diploma in Media, Arts & Design (DMAD)

Professional & Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy

The Singapore Polytechnic's Professional & Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy offers over 420 Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses, including Short Courses, Part-Time Diplomas and Post-Diplomas, Work-Study Programmes, SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes, to boost career opportunities. ^[19]

Facilities

Sport Facilities

• The Gym@Pool offers a cool place to workout. Facing the swimming pool, the glass panel give the gym-goers an unobstructed view of the calm blue waters while working out. Located at Khoo Kay Chai Complex, Level 1 near Foodcourt 5.

• There is an outdoor Multipurpose Court and 3 Basketball Courts located near Foodcourt 3.

• The Polycentre Badminton Court allows SP students and staff to have a game of badminton in this indoor badminton court. Located at Poly Centre, Level 2 directly above Foodcourt 3.

• Staff and students of Singapore Polytechnic can dip into the Olympic-sized Swimming Pool housed in campus. There is also a poolside patio for those who enjoy alfresco-style meals. For the young ones, there are also two wading pools located beside Foodcourt 5.

• The Singapore Polytechnic Sports Complex has a football pitch, running track, Olympic-sized swimming complex, four tennis courts, three badminton courts, three basketball courts and a gym.

• The SPorts ARena, completed in 2015, has 12 badminton courts, two basketball courts, four squash courts, one multi-purpose court and two volleyball courts. Other facilities include an external rock climbing wall and two rooftop basketball courts.

• SP staff and students can enjoy a good game of tennis daily at the Tennis Courts (Ground Level). There are four courts available and be sure to book early as it is a highly popular spot with staff and students alike located opposite Moberly, the oldest block in the Polytechnic.

• A bouldering gym, converted from an old lecture theatre at T18, the air-conditioned indoor boulder gym is managed and run by SP students with National License Climbing Activity Supervisor certification, together with the Department of Student Development. Measuring 22m in length, the gym also has a dedicated physical training area, equipped with dumbbells, resistance bands and hang boards, etc.

• A rock climbing wall, with a height of 30 metres, the SP rock wall is the tallest sport climbing wall in Singapore (as of January 2025). It was purposefully built with features supporting multi-pitch climbing with abseil training station on the side. Besides having a top abseil cage with building access, the wall also has a mid-wall escape route for impeding weather during multi-pitch practice.

Event and Social Spaces

• Moberly is the oldest block of Singapore Polytechnic—it was once a British Army barracks, the building has been refurbished into a recreational hub. It has seven pool tables, jamming studios, karaoke rooms, a café and a mini museum.

Other Facilities

• The alumni clubhouse, Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild (SPGG), is located next to the campus and has a bowling alley, swimming pool, pool room, gym and a restaurant. ^[20]
• Two libraries: the Main Library and the Hilltop Library. The Main Library houses the first Makerspace in a Singapore library. ^[21]
• AEROHUB: A four-storey state-of-the-art facility that houses an aircraft hangar, laboratories and a Research & Development centre. There are currently four aircraft in the hangar: Hawker HS 125-700A, King Air B90, A4SU Super Skyhawk and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma. ^[22]

Recognition

Singapore Polytechnic has been awarded the Singapore Quality Class as well as the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. It has also won the Singapore Public Service Award for Organisational Excellence and the People Developer and Family Friendly Awards.

SP received the President's Award for the Environment in 2010. ^[23] Some of the key green initiatives by SP over the years included spearheading the adoption of Marina Reservoir—keeping it clean and organising the Singapore International Water Festival to engage youths on environmental and water issues.

In 2011, SP won the South West Environment and Community Award (Community Category). The award recognises exemplar efforts of organisations that have contributed to environmental and community sustainability in the district.

SP also clinched the inaugural ASEAN People's Award in 2015 for its contributions toward the region's community-building efforts.

Scholarships

Singapore Polytechnic currently offers the following scholarships:

• SP Scholarship
• SP Engineering Scholarship
• SP Sports and Arts Scholarship
• SP Undergraduate Scholarship

Singapore Polytechnic Outstanding Talent (SPOT) Programme

SPOT is a talent development and enrichment programme. All recipients of the SP Scholarship will automatically be placed under this programme. Other eligible students will be invited to join SPOT based on their academic results or lecturers' recommendations.

EDGE Scholars Programme

The EDGE Programme is a by-invitation-only programme providing learning activities and development opportunities for SP's brightest students. At EDGE, they believe that students can be guided to achieve their fullest potential. ^[24]

Admissions

Direct Admission Exercise (DAE)

• For international students who sat for the GCE ‘O’ Levels as private candidates. International students with previous year’s GCE ‘O’ Level results will apply under this exercise.
• For former SP and other polytechnic students.
• For 'A' Level holders applying for the 2.5-year diploma courses.
• For ‘A’ Level holders applying for the 2 or 3-year diploma courses.
• Students from the Integrated Programme (IP) must have completed IP Year 4 (or Sec 4 equivalent).
• Students with the IB qualification must have a minimum grade (1st Language) for English, Maths, 1 Relevant Subject and 2 other subjects (Standard Level).
• Students with the UEC / SPM or STPM qualification are invited to apply.
• For students applying for admission to the Diploma course in Nautical Studies (DNS).

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

EAE is an admissions exercise that allows students to apply and receive conditional offers for admission to polytechnic based on their aptitudes and interests before taking their O-Level exams, or after completing their NITEC or Higher NITEC course at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This exercise replaced the Direct Polytechnic Admissions (DPA) and Joint Admission Exercise (JAE).

Polytechnic Foundation Programme Admission Exercise (PFPAE)

PFP is an admissions exercise that allows the top 10% of Normal Academic (NA) students to apply to a polytechnic without going through O-Level. PFP students will go through a one-year course, teaching them the foundations of subjects that will be needed in their diploma year. If the student passes PFP, they will move on to their diploma courses. Additional scholarships and awards are available to those who do well in their foundation year. ^[25]

Notable Alumni

Academia

• Shih Choon Fong, college administrator
• Chai Keong Toh, computer scientist, engineer and professor
• Tan Chin Liong Lecturer of the Electronics and Communication Engineering department

Entertainment

• Tanya Chua, singer
• Cliff Tan, architect, Feng shui practitioner and influencer
• Taufik Batisah, singer and Singapore Idol winner
• Kelly Poon, singer
• Shigga Shay, Hip hop artist and songwriter
• Jarrell Huang, singer and SPOP Sing! winner
• Ivy Lee, actress and host
• Bobby Lee, comedian

Politics and Public Service

• Cedric Foo, Minister of State for Defence (2002–2005), Minister of State for National Development (2004–2005), and Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC (2001–2011), and Pioneer SMC (2011–2020)
• Liang Eng Hwa, Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang SMC (2020–present), and Holland–Bukit Timah GRC (2006–2020)
• Faisal Manap, Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC (2011–present)
• Png Eng Huat, Member of Parliament for Hougang SMC (2012–2020)

References

1. "Our Crest". SP. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
2. As of 31 March 2024 ^[update] , "Annual Report 2023-2024". SP. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
3. "The Singapore Polytechnic at Prince Edward Road". 1960. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
4. "Polytechnic for Colony planned". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 21 April 1952. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
5. "S'pore needs technical schools". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 12 April 1952. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
6. "Technical school 'urgent' for S'pore, Nicoll told". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 29 July 1952. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
7. "13 to plan polytechnic". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 12 February 1953. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
8. "12 SIGN PLAN FOR NEW COLLEGE". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 18 September 1953. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
9. Koh, Buck Song (2023). For all ages: Singapore Polytechnic at seventy (PDF). Singapore: Marshall Cavendish. ISBN   978-981-5113-77-8.
10. Report of the Committee on a Polytechnic Institute for Singapore. Dobby. 1953.
11. "SET UP POLYTECHNIC FOR 2,000, SINGAPORE IS URGED". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 10 October 1953. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
12. "Polytechnic expert is invited". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 3 March 1954. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
13. "$5 MILLION TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR S'PORE". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 16 June 1954. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
14. "Singapore Polytechnic Act 1954 - Singapore Statutes Online". sso.agc.gov.sg. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
15. "Cresson is chief of 'Poly' Board". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 8 January 1955. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
16. "POLYTECHNIC GETS READY TO TRAIN SECRETARIES". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 12 August 1957. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
17. "NO BUILDINGS, 330 PUPILS". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 19 August 1957. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
18. "...then he opens the Poly". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 25 February 1959. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
19. "SP Professional & Adult Continuing Education (PACE) Academy". sp.edu.sg. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
20. "Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild".
21. Fang, Sin Guek (17 August 2014). "LAS visit to Makerspace@Singapore Polytechnic", Singapore Libraries Bulletin . Library Association of Singapore. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
22. "Singapore Polytechnic – Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering Facilities".
23. "President's Award for the Environment". Archived from the original on 4 March 2014.
24. "SP EDGE Scholars Programme". sp.edu.sg. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
25. "PFP". www.sp.edu.sg. Retrieved 29 July 2021.

External links

• Singapore Polytechnic
• Singapore Polytechnic Graduates' Guild