Celebrating Singapore Polytechnic’s past and inspiring its future

1. Thank you for inviting me to the Singapore Polytechnic Homecoming 2026, where we celebrate SP’s history, its pioneer alumni, and students who continue its story. It is always a special feeling to be back in the SP community, having had the opportunity to be part of SP when I served on SP’s board of governors from 2015 to 2018.

2. For our pioneer alumni who were part of SP’s story right here at Prince Edward Road, coming back here today must bring back many fond memories. For our students and alumni who joined SP after 1978, this probably feels quite different from the SP we know at Dover.

   1. And this is what makes today special. Different generations of the SP community come together, here at Prince Edward Road where SP’s story first began, to take a walk together down memory lane.

   2. This year’s theme, “Generations United, Future Inspired”, reflects how each generation builds on what came before, to make their own contribution to Singapore’s next chapter.

3. When Singapore Polytechnic first opened its doors here in 1959, Singapore was a very different place. We urgently needed people with technical skills to help build our economy.

SP equipped generations with skills to contribute to Singapore

4. SP gave young Singaporeans the chance to learn those skills and to build a future for themselves.

5. Her early leaders were prepared to chart their own course. Instead of following foreign examination boards, then-Chairman Dr Toh Chin Chye decided SP would design its own curriculum and diplomas to meet Singapore’s needs.

   1. Through courses such as engineering, architecture, commercial studies and marine radio, generations of students gained practical skills that enabled them to build careers, support their families and contribute to a growing Singapore.

Recognising SP’s pioneers

6. We see this in the journeys of some of the pioneer alumni who are here with us today.

7. Mr Wee Chwee Heng was one of SP’s early architecture graduates. He went on to become a leading figure in our architecture scene, and later helped SP through its Board of Governors and as the founding President of the Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild.

8. We have Mr Lim Say Leong, who built his career in industrial automation, power technologies and energy efficiency. He later returned to SP as a part-time lecturer and has served as an advisory committee member, sharing what he has learnt with younger students.

9. We also have Captain Sylvester Heng Mok Hee, an alumnus of SP’s maritime programme. He built a career in the maritime and shipping industry, and he helped develop future generations of maritime professionals through his service on the Singapore Maritime Academy Advisory Board and as the President of the Singapore Nautical Institute.

10. Three different journeys, but they all benefitted from one SP experience. This experience formed the firm foundation for our pioneer alumni to build their careers, to create an impact, and to heed the call to give back to the community. And they have made an impact and difference to all of us who came after them.

    1. To Mr Wee, Mr Lim, Captain Heng, and to all our pioneer alumni who are gathered here today, thank you for your contributions to Singapore, and to the SP community.

    2. Can I take a moment to invite all our pioneer alumni, those who studied here amongst us, to please stand so we can acknowledge you please. All our pioneer alumni, please. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the pioneer alumni who helped make SP what it is today, so thank you to all our pioneer alumni for all your contributions, for helping make SP what it is today, and for helping make Singapore what it is today. Thank you once again.

SP continues to equip our young people for Singapore’s future

11. Every generation faces a unique challenge. For SP's pioneers, it was helping to build a new nation. But for today's students, it is finding your place in a world that is changing faster than ever before. Technology, in particular, the advent of artificial intelligence, is transforming how we work and how we live. But the qualities that matter most will remain the same: curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning.

12. Many young Singaporeans today are excited about the future, but some also feel anxious about navigating a rapidly changing world. This was one of the key themes that emerged through our conversations with our youth in the past year and a half. Therefore, we recently launched the SG Youth Plan, to help our youth build confidence, to be connected, and to contribute meaningfully to society.

13. Many of our SP students do exactly that today, by applying their training to make a difference in the community. For example, through SP’s partnership with the Istana, students from the Integrated Events & Project Management diploma and the Business Administration diploma led their classmates in designing and delivering visitor experiences for two Istana Open Houses this year.

    1. They put what they had learnt into practice, co-creating new experiences such as the Istana Stamp Rally, which encourages young visitors and visitors of all ages to discover different parts of the Istana.

    2. They will be back for the next Open House in November, and we look forward to seeing what our SP students will do next.

Remembering SP’s past helps inspire its next generation

14. Today’s Homecoming is a chance to remember where SP came from, and to honour all our pioneer alumni who have shaped its story.

    1. Today’s performances and exhibition on SP’s story will bring some of those memories and experiences to life.

15. But Homecoming is also about looking ahead.

    1. To our alumni, as you catch up with old friends and revisit familiar spaces, I hope you will also connect with the current students and share your stories and experiences with them.

    2. And to our current students, I hope you enjoy interacting with our alumni, and you will gain much from their experiences.

16. Today, we celebrate those who came before us, and the foundations they built. Just as SP's pioneers helped shape Singapore and Singaporeans in their future generations, I am confident that today's students will shape the opportunities and the possibilities of the next generation to come. Together, all of us, pioneers, current generation as well as future generations of SP students, you will continue to shape SP’s and Singapore’s journeys. May we continue to be masters of our craft.

17. Thank you.