Republic Polytechnic Academy for Continuing Education - RP ACE

“This is a new wellness concept in Singapore and Asia, and it will offer our students unique opportunities and exposure,” said RP Principal and CEO Ms Jeanne Liew.

RP is pleased to announce a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore to advance talent development and innovation in the wellness and hospitality sectors. The partnership is led by Republic Polytechnic School of Hospitality - RP SOH, the only institution in Singapore with a dedicated hospitality school.

Therme Group is an international developer and operator of large-scale urban wellbeing destinations. It was awarded a Singapore Tourism Board tender to develop Asia’s first large-scale urban wellness destination at Marina South, adjacent to Gardens by the Bay, slated to open around 2030.

Ms Liew highlighted that the partnership will go beyond training, spanning applied industry projects and CET programmes co-developed with Therme Group. These will focus on enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience through technology, while also building capabilities in wellness professional certification and service excellence.

She added that students will benefit from internships and final-year projects, gaining deep industry exposure across hospitality, wellness, F&B, engineering, and sports science — within a rapidly emerging wellness concept that is new to Singapore and Asia.

Mr Tan Boon Khai, CEO of Therme Group Services (Singapore), and Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal and CEO of RP, signed the MoU at the Therme Group Services Groundbreaking Ceremony at Gardens by the Bay, graced by the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu.

Ready to create with us? Get in touch: www.rp.edu.sg/lifelong-learning/organisation.

She already knew how to teach. But she wanted to learn something new. For decades, Helen Phoa worked in education, teaching, mentoring and developing people across primary and secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher learning.

Then in mid-2024, something shifted. It began with a Health and Wellness Workshop at RP. Just one afternoon. But it sparked a quiet, firm realisation that preventive health was not just something she found meaningful. It was a path she wanted to pursue.

Shortly after, Helen enrolled in Republic Polytechnic School of Sports and Health - RP SSH's Specialist Diploma in Health and Wellness Coaching. A new sector. A new chapter.

At 70, she became a student in an unfamiliar field. Balancing coursework alongside community commitments was not easy. There were moments she questioned if she could keep up with the more technical aspects of the programme.

But Helen carried with her a lifelong habit of learning, one shaped by her late father, a quiet and persevering man who taught himself whatever he needed at every stage of life.

The module that tied everything together for her was Community Health Prescription, hands-on, practical and deeply connected to real life. Helen did not just learn the concepts. She applied them to herself, then went on to design a holistic health and wellness programme for her Cell Group, sharing what she had learnt with the people around her.

The diploma changed more than her career direction. It changed her daily life. She became more intentional about her health. She started going to the gym regularly. Slowly, her mindset shifted too, becoming more grounded, purposeful and at peace.

Helen also completed RP’s signature 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 programme, before attending a five-day health retreat at Aenon Health Lifestyle Centre in Malaysia. She returned with even greater clarity about who she wanted to become and what she hoped to do next.

This is what becoming looks like. Not a dramatic reinvention. Just someone choosing growth, quietly, consistently and with courage.

Helen Phoa graduated with the Specialist Diploma in Health and Wellness Coaching. She came to us as an educator. She leaves as a coach, a passionate community builder, and someone unafraid to begin again.

Want to hear more of Helen’s story in her own words? Catch her full interview with Susan Ng on CNA938, where she shares what inspired this change, what she learnt along the way, and what she hopes to build next.

https://www.melisten.sg/podcast/playlist/Your-Singapore-Weekend-2481996/Redefining-Success--Inspiring-Journeys-of-Polytechnic-Graduates-2--Helen-Phoa--Republic-Polytechnic--3330926

CNA

“More than just a travel adventure, I gained valuable insights into how sustainability and ESG principles are seamlessly integrated into Dutch culture, infrastructure, and everyday life,” shares Aileen, Travel and Learn programme participant.

From innovative urban planning and water management to sustainable industries and community living, our participants experienced firsthand how the Netherlands transforms challenges into solutions for a better future.

“The journey was thoughtfully curated, with a meaningful balance of learning, industry exposure, and cultural experiences,” adds fellow participant Yvonne.

Beyond the learning experiences, the programme also brought together students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, sparking meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable memories.

• Learning beyond borders
• Discovering sustainability in action
• Building global perspectives

Explore Travel and Learn programmes here: https://www.rp.edu.sg/industry/overseas-initiatives/travel-and-learn/

“I hold on to the belief that it is better to do now than to regret not doing later.”

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate Siti Fatimah Binte Surani, a mother of three who chose to rediscover herself while raising a family.

After a decade devoted to motherhood, she returned to school, balancing her children, home, freelance work, and her studies in the Specialist Diploma in Digital Content Creation for Business from Republic Polytechnic School of Technology for Arts, Media and Design. What began as teaching her children Arabic and sharing it online grew into a passion for creating meaningful content.

Starting out casually, Siti had little knowledge of social media, but through her course, she gained skills in branding, from colour consistency to logo identity, and even built her own website to offer digital products and online courses. She also discovered the power of video storytelling, which she hopes to explore more intentionally.

Despite moments of burnout, Siti persevered with the support of her family, especially her husband, showing her children the true meaning of resilience.

Graduating with the highest GPA of 3.66 in her course, she has since stepped into a new role as a Mosque Religious Officer, supporting community engagement through educational programmes that promote inclusivity, shared values, and lifelong learning.

To Siti, this milestone is more than a personal achievement. It reflects perseverance, faith, and the strength of a support system that carried her through.

With her eldest child taking the PSLE this year, she hopes her journey reminds her children that learning never stops, no matter their age or stage in life, and that it is always better to try than to live with regret.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate mothers like Siti, who continue to grow, give, and pursue their dreams.

“Growth doesn’t happen by chance — it comes from believing in your ability to rise.”

From starting out as a part‑timer at a cinema concessions stand, Sahabudin’s journey is one of perseverance, determination and self‑belief, leading to continuous growth. Beginning his career at a young age due to personal circumstances, he quickly proved himself and was entrusted with greater responsibilities.

Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks to oversee multiple cinema operations locally and overseas, even leading the opening of a new international site. He later went on to manage a boutique hotel, sparking his passion for hospitality.

Today, as a Senior Manager, he leads event programming, operations and technical teams, ensuring seamless experiences for the community and making the arts more accessible and enjoyable for all.

With a strong belief in continuous personal and professional development, Sahabudin took a bold step in his learning journey: completing two diplomas concurrently while working full‑time – the Part‑Time Diploma in Business Practice (Hospitality Management) from Republic Polytechnic School of Hospitality - RP SOH and the Part‑Time Diploma in Design and Media (Digital Entertainment and Events) from Republic Polytechnic School of Technology for Arts, Media and Design. He approached both programmes with discipline and commitment, consistently excelling throughout his studies.

Despite balancing work and personal challenges, including a critical illness in the family, he persevered, viewing upskilling as a way to future‑proof himself and strengthen his capabilities in the field. Now equipped with deeper insights and sharpened expertise, he is committed to raising standards in event and venue management, while mentoring the next generation.

For Sahabudin, learning is the mindset that shapes his leadership and the way he serves the community.

“Starting over wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.”
Sean Zheng’s journey is one of growth, transition, and discovering purpose through experience.

After spending five years as a regular in the SAF, Sean made the bold decision to pivot towards a new path. With no prior background in customer service, he began his journey during his ITE traineeship, where he learned to engage with customers with empathy and patience. What once felt unfamiliar soon became a strength, as positive feedback from customers and supervisors built his confidence.

“Growth begins when you step out of what you know and into what you’re willing to learn.”

Motivated by these experiences, Sean pursued the Work-Study Programme (Specialist Diploma in Hospitality Business Management) at Republic Polytechnic School of Hospitality - RP SOH . Through hands-on learning and internships, he gained real-world exposure to hospitality operations, from managing guest experiences to adapting to the fast-paced environment of luxury hotels.

The journey came with challenges, from adjusting to a new industry to handling demanding situations at work. Yet, these moments shaped his resilience and strengthened his skills.

Today, Sean is committed to advancing in the hospitality industry, with plans to pursue a hospitality-related degree and grow into leadership roles in hotel operations.

His journey reflects the dedication and adaptability needed to thrive in hospitality, where creating meaningful guest experiences is at the heart of every role.