Actor-DJ Dennis Chew earns poly diploma at 51, offered place at NUS
On May 2, the Love 972 DJ, actor and host was among 198 full-time graduates from the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to receive their diplomas at the institution.
Dressed in a dark blue graduation gown and sporting a tie, he walked on stage to receive his diploma in Chinese media and communication from the school's director, Ms Sandra Toh, at 4.50pm.
His famous friends - local actors Marcus Chin and Mark Lee, who are also his co-hosts on Love 972's radio programme The Breakfast Quartet - also turned up to support him.
Chew was even namedropped by the event's guest-of-honour, Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, who is chairman of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Council as well as group CEO of telco Singtel.
In his speech, Mr Yuen said Chew's story was an inspiration to many. "Although he already has a successful media career with Mediacorp, he saw the value of upskilling. With the support of his employer, and by sheer determination, he overcame challenges related to returning to school after a long gap."
Dennis Chew (right) receives his diploma in Chinese media and communication from Ms Sandra Toh, the director of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Chew is the oldest full-time diploma student to graduate in 2025. During his three years at NP, he was awarded the Kongzi Culture Fund's Pei Hwa Foundation Scholarship and the Ministry of Education's Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement for two consecutive years.
The Mediacorp artiste told The Straits Times after the ceremony that he has been offered a place in NUS' College of Humanities and Sciences, and hopes to pursue a bachelor's degree in Chinese studies come August once he sorts out his work commitments.
Local actors Marcus Chin (right) and Mark Lee (left, wearing spectacles) who are Chew's friends, attended the ceremony. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
"I have attended the Star Awards many times, but this is my first time attending a graduation ceremony and I was very moved," he said, referring to Mediacorp's annual television awards ceremony.
Before enrolling in 2022, he had hosted events on NP's campus. "But never did I think I would study, let alone graduate, from here."
Chew shared that as he waited to receive his diploma, his hands felt cold, and he teared when he saw his lecturers enter the venue. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Unfortunately, his father, who died in February, did not live to witness the proud moment.
Chew said: "Decades ago, when I did very poorly for my O levels and told him I did not want to study any more, he let out a very long sigh and walked to another room. I will never forget that sigh. So if he saw me today, I think he would feel very happy and comforted."
Calling his poly journey enriching, he added: "I realised that I am like a frog in a well. There were a lot of things I thought I knew, but I did not. Even now, there is still a lot more to learn."
Being around his batchmates, who are mostly in their late teens and early 20s, has also taught him lessons.
"When I am with young people, I see their innocence, and it changes me. From them, I learn not to be so fussy about some things. So although I came to study, I also learnt how to live better and be a better person."
Chew shared that he has been offered a place in the National University of Singapore's College of Humanities and Sciences, and intends to start his university studies if all goes well. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Fully aware that they have officially parted ways, he admitted he will miss them dearly.
"We have spent almost every day together for the last three years. But now, some of them will be serving the army, and others will be travelling. We will have less time to interact, and I will feel a sense of emptiness without them."
He added: "In my life, there have only been two periods which I thoroughly enjoyed - my national service days and my poly days."
Chew also hopes to encourage anyone wanting to further their education to take the leap, no matter their age or stage in life. "As long as you can take the first step, you will realise that it is not as difficult as you imagined."
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