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Straits Times
21-06-2025
- Science
- Straits Times
Singapore women in Stem: Less than a quarter believe they have support to succeed
Women in Stem: Less than a quarter believe they have the support to succeed, says survey SINGAPORE – When Ms Wan NurSabrina Wan Nasarudin signed up for a mechatronics engineering diploma course in Nanyang Polytechnic after her O levels, her relatives and friends were stunned. 'Some of them said things like: 'Will you be able to cope in engineering?'' she says. Influenced by the gender stereotypes she grew up with, she had initially wanted to pursue accounting and business, following in the footsteps of her mother, a corporate secretary in her 50s. But when she missed the cut-off point for the course, her choices were limited to engineering, nursing and outdoor education. 'Relatives, acquaintances and even teachers suggested I should have enrolled in a 'more feminine course' like nursing, claiming I was better suited for a nurturing role,' says Ms Sabrina, 29. She did not just survive her diploma course – she also found her calling in Stem, which stands for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She holds a master's of science degree in robotics and artificial intelligence from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. She is also the first recipient of the PPIS-LBKM Scholarship, which was launched in 2023 by the Singapore Muslim Women's Association and bursary and scholarship institution Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, for women pursuing postgraduate studies in Stem and other selected fields. Now an assistant manager in the National University Health System's Artificial Intelligence Office, her work involves digital twin simulations of the National University Hospital to test scenarios involving robots. 'The challenges, innovation, problem-solving and hands-on nature of robotics engineering have provided a satisfaction I couldn't have anticipated when reluctantly accepting my course,' she says, crediting her mother and father, a marine superintendent in his 50s, for their unstinting support. She is married to a 32-year-old software engineer and they are expecting their first child in August. Ms Wan NurSabrina Wan Nasarudin with a robot nurse companion that she uses in her work on digital twin simulations of the National University Hospital to test scenarios involving robots. ST PHOTO: HESTER TAN Stem careers are growing at a furious pace, tech layoffs notwithstanding. Yet women still make up less than half that workforce. For instance, the number of tech roles increased by 34 per cent across seven years, from around 155,500 in 2017 to about 208,300 in 2023, according to the Singapore Digital Economy Reports in 2023 and 2024 published by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. In 2014, 29 per cent of Stem workers were women. A decade on in 2024, that number increased by six percentage points to 35 per cent of those working in Stem, said Ms Gan Siow Huang, then Minister of State for Education and Manpower, in a speech at the launch of the non-profit United Women Singapore's (UWS) STEMentorship Programme in February 2025 . Much has been written about the so-called 'leaky pipeline', where more women leave Stem careers over time. However, a 2021 report by development-focused non-profit The Asia Foundation points out that the pipeline metaphor assumes there is a lack of female talent and interest in Stem. In reality, women are pushed out of Stem at many points in life. Reasons include parents and teachers limiting their exposure to Stem subjects and instilling a gendered view of what jobs they can do, discrimination during and after the hiring process, inflexible working arrangements, and the pressures of balancing family and work. Women who did not study Stem subjects in school are now able to do Stem jobs, thanks to new sectors and jobs created as a result of global digitalisation, said the report, Accelerating Women's Advancement In Stem: Emerging Lessons On Network Strategies And Approaches In Asia. In Singapore, six in 10 women say societal expectations and stereotypes are the biggest reason for the Stem gender imbalance, a recent study by UWS found. Only 23 per cent of women believe they receive sufficient support to succeed in Stem careers in Singapore, compared with 52 per cent of men. UWS, which aims to empower women and promote gender equality, partnered market research firm Milieu Insight to poll 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 to 34 who are studying or in the early stages of their careers in late 2024. The project was supported by healthcare multinational company Abbott and launched in April 2025 . The survey also found that less than a third – 30 per cent – of women believe equal prospects exist in Stem, versus 41 per cent of men. Almost half of the female respondents – 48 per cent – felt that there were persistent pay gaps in Stem, compared with only 28 per cent of male respondents. Women helping women in Stem Female leaders in Stem say that young women entering the workforce today have more support compared with what they experienced one or two decades ago. The Singapore Institute of Technology's (SIT) Associate Professor Jeannie Lee, who is in her 40s, remembers being the only girl in her computing class in junior college. She was also among a small number of female students in the information systems and computer science course at the National University of Singapore. Associate Professor Jeannie Lee from the Singapore Institute of Technology demonstrating a virtual-reality simulation for training of bioreactor operations. She is deputy director of SIT's Centre for Immersification, a research lab. PHOTO: SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY When she did her master's and PhD at the Georgia Institute of Technology, she was one of a few young women studying computer science and electrical and computer engineering. 'I wasn't able to find a female mentor during the beginning stages of my career,' says Prof Lee, who is deputy director of SIT's Centre for Immersification and had worked as a senior software engineer in California about 10 years ago. During job interviews here and overseas, she had frequently been mistaken for someone seeking an administrative role or forced to justify her projects and work experience, she recalls. 'There is less overt bias now. It's more of what I can call a systemic barrier, because there is still less representation in leading technical roles, such as a chief technology officer or principal engineer,' she says. Prof Lee notes that women make up about 25 per cent of her infocomm technology undergraduates, up from 10 per cent a decade ago. Yet, stereotypes quietly persist in her interactions with prospective students and their families. 'We should try to overcome these subtle biases that everyone has, both men and women, about what women are able to do. The same concerns that my parents expressed about my career choice are still being expressed by some parents today,' she says. The lack of female mentors has spurred some women in Stem to set up support systems to help others. Ms Joanne Wong recalls how she returned to work five weeks into her 12-week maternity leave after her daughter was born in 2008. Ms Joanne Wong, chief marketing officer of cyber-security multinational Exabeam, started a women's business network in one of her previous roles that set up a framework for flexible work arrangements a decade before the pandemic. PHOTO: EXABEAM As a business group lead in a leading software multinational firm then, she felt she could not miss a critical business trip to the United States. After pivoting to tech from law, she had worked hard to prove herself in the industry. 'Nobody said I had to, but I didn't want my peers and managers to think I was less committed,' says Ms Wong, 52, who is now chief marketing officer of cyber-security multinational firm Exabeam. She spent the entire flight in tears over the separation from her firstborn. 'I wish someone could have told me, 'Joanne, don't do it. This is a very important time for bonding with your baby.' That moment was hard, but it opened my eyes to what was missing in the system. 'It became the catalyst for everything I've done since to support women in their careers and in life,' says Ms Wong, who is married to a cyber-security professional in his 50s. Her children are now aged 15 and 17. The incident affected her so much that she sought out female peers. In her next job, at an enterprise application multinational company, she pioneered a Business Women's Network. It set up a framework for flexible working arrangements a decade before the pandemic and was eventually adopted across the company for all employees. She now mentors young female employees as well as female undergraduates under her company's ExaGals network, which empowers women in technology. Tapping male allies While women supporting women has been a pivotal aspect in helping female workers build viable careers in Stem, the UWS survey also highlighted the importance of male allyship and the disconnect between the genders. About 59 per cent of women polled said male allyship was important in achieving gender equality, while only 47 per cent of men thought so. Men also felt that work-life balance initiatives were what women want most, but women said that advocating for equal pay and promotions was the best way that men could support them. Dr Kenneth Lee, regional medical director at Abbott, says he was surprised at the large perception gap where more than half of men thought women had sufficient support in Stem, compared with less than a quart er of women agreeing. Dr Kenneth Lee, regional medical director at Abbott, says men often underestimate the influence they have in encouraging women to pursue Stem. PHOTO: ABBOTT 'Men often underestimate the influence they have in encouraging women to pursue Stem. As male allies, we can help bridge this gap by amplifying the voices and achievements of women, challenging assumptions, and co-creating environments where everyone feels seen and supported,' he says. Ms Emily Shum, 31, a principal civil and structural engineer with CPG Consultants, says a male boss stood up for her when she was a junior engineer working on a design and build project. 'Some of the contractors said, 'Give me a male engineer.' My boss told them, 'You let her try. She can do it,'' she says. Ms Emily Shum, a principal civil and structural engineer with CPG Consultants, says a former male boss stood up for her when she was a junior engineer and enabled her to take on projects usually assigned to male engineers. PHOTO: CPG CONSULTANTS Ms Shum says she gained the contractors' respect by showing them she was more than capable, and they developed good working relationships. Her current male boss also entrusted her with 'good projects', and she was promoted in 2024. 'Women are naturally more observant and often offer a different perspective, so having more women in the industry provides a good balance,' she says. Having a strong male advocate early in Ms Eleana Liew's career had a huge impact on her. The arts and social sciences graduate says she felt lost when she started her first job in marketing at a now-defunct tech company, where unfamiliar technical jargon was bandied about in meetings. The then marketing director noticed her discomfort and took her under his wing, patiently explaining concepts and sending her articles to read. 'Every time he saw me, he'd quiz me – not to test me, but to help reinforce what I'd learnt and to make sure I was growing more confident in this new space,' says Ms Liew, in her late 40s, who is now managing director of Singapore at Accenture, a professional services multinational firm. 'That experience shaped how I approach learning and mentorship. His support gave me the confidence to stay the course and eventually thrive in a sector I once found intimidating.' Ms Eleana Liew, managing director of Singapore at Accenture, says having a strong male ally early in her career shaped how she approached learning and mentorship. PHOTO: ACCENTURE She now pays it forward by making time to check in with her team members – both male and female – to help them feel seen and supported. She also champions Accenture's Women Of Worth initiative, which helps women who have taken a career break to re-enter the workforce. For young women like Ms Constanz Wee, 22, having the confidence to break into a male-dominated domain started with the desire to learn. The second-year accountancy undergraduate at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) says she knew nothing about fintech before she signed up for UWS' Stem First Fintech Programme in 2022. She had studied banking and finance in Nanyang Polytechnic. Ms Constanz Wee (far right), an accountancy undergraduate at the Singapore Institute of Technology, spoke to the leadership of Citi in September 2024 about her Stem journey with non-profit United Women Singapore. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CONSTANZ WEE The seven-month programme built up her self-assurance and speaking skills, and exposed her to mentors in the financial industry. Armed with her new-found capabilities and brimming with new ideas, she won the presidency of the SIT Investment & Commerce Club, an investment club for students, in January 2025 . She is the only female in the executive committee. 'I stepped up to lead because I saw potential in the club, areas where meaningful change could be made,' she says, adding that her peers have given her their full support. Ms Sabrina says that women should let their work speak for itself. 'Throughout my career, I've faced doubts and stereotypes about my capabilities as a female engineer. Rather than becoming discouraged, I channelled the scepticism into motivation,' she says. 'When others see your consistent achievements, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to maintain their biases.' She encourages women to remain open to unexpected opportunities and to build a supportive network. 'Your unique perspective as a woman in technology is not a limitation but an asset. Diverse voices help consider different aspects or users that may have been overlooked, ensuring solutions in Stem remain inclusive to serve everyone well.' United Women Singapore is holding its annual UWS Stem Fest on July 5, where girls and young women can find out more about careers in Stem. Admission is free. Register at Stephanie Yeo is senior correspondent at The Straits Times' Life section. Check out the Headstart chatbot for answers to your questions on careers and work trends.
Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Important to be present in kids' lives, say fathers at Dad's Day Out event on Father's Day
Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh (second from right), with (from left) his father Muhammad Salleh Bin Ramdan, and daughters Sufya Nadyne and Safaa Naura, at the Dad's Day Out 2025 event on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Important to be present in kids' lives, say fathers at Dad's Day Out event on Father's Day SINGAPORE – Despite working full-time as a technician and pursuing a part-time diploma in engineering, Mr Muhd Shazlizan Mohd Salleh makes it a point to spend quality time with his young daughters. Mr Shazlizan, who has two daughters aged one and four, said: 'It can be difficult to balance work and family, but I feel the need to be present in my children's lives. Sometimes, after a tiring day of work, having them greet me at the door when I'm home is all I need to feel energised again.' The 31-year-old and his family were one of over a hundred families celebrating Father's Day on June 15 at Dad's Day Out. The event, held at OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub , is the culminating point of the Celebrating Fathers initiative, which is in its 10th year. Families at the event enjoyed games including a basketball challenge, foam blasters and a penalty shoot out booth. Mr Shazlizan said his wife surprised him by taking him, their daughters and his parents to the carnival on the morning of June 15. 'Normally, on Father's Day, we would stay at home, buy food and just spend time together. So I was excited about all of us celebrating it this year by going out,' he added. Mr Shazlizan, who is pursuing his part-time diploma in electronic and digital engineering at Nanyang Polytechnic , said: 'My lessons are three nights a week, so I had to explain to my daughters why I won't be able to read to them before bed or pat them to sleep on some nights. 'This is why when we do spend time together, I make sure to treasure it.' Gesturing to his father, who is 57 years old , Mr Shazlizan, who has a brother and a sister, s aid: 'My dad is my role model. I always appreciated the way he spoke to my siblings and I, and how he told us that any problem can be solved together as a family. I take that as the example on how to raise kids.' Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong , who was guest of honour at Dad's Day Out, said the event theme – My Dad, My Anchor – captured the essence of what being a father is. Mr Tong, a father of three, said: 'A father is often seen as the anchor for the family, a really strong, solid, steadfast presence that keeps the family grounded, much like an anchor that holds a ship down, even in the stormiest of weathers. 'They provide security, direction and emotional stability. As a father myself, I realise, and I know, that it is not often easy to be this anchor all the time, every time, when it is needed.' Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong was the guest of honour at Dad's Day Out on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH This is why it is important to remind dads that they are not alone in this journey, Mr Tong said, reminding fathers that it matters most to be present in their families' lives. Noting that the Government is committed to supporting fathers to take a more active role in their children's lives, Mr Tong highlighted initiatives, including government-paid paternity leave. He added that fathers can also share up to four weeks of their wife's maternity leave, providing flexibility for both parents. Also at the event was Mr Way Ng, a father of five children, aged between four and 20. He was with his four-year-old daughter and wife at Dad's Day Out. Mr Way Ng and Ms Teo Xiao Yan with their daughter Kareena at the Dad's Day Out 2025 event on June 15. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The 39-year-old human resources assistant manager said: 'It takes a village to raise a kid, and my wife and I are in this together. Even though my older children are growing up and becoming more independent, I think it is very important to be present in all my kids' lives.' Mr Ng said his family has made it a tradition to go out and celebrate important events together, such as on Father's Day, Mother's Day and birthdays. 'We usually like to eat together, sing karaoke together and even play games at the arcade together,' he said. 'I hope my kids know that their mother and I want to be their support and rock. It is not to say that we won't let them fall, but we hope to create a safety net for them, so they will never fall too badly.' Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Straits Times
Nanyang Poly student engineers comeback after near-expulsion, wanting to 'throw studies away'
He was at risk of flunking out. But being given a second chance made all the difference for Seamus Liew, who is now one of Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)'s most outstanding graduates. He recently won a gold medal in Mechanical Engineering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) at WorldSkills Singapore 2025 - his first major competition and proudest achievement to date. "Because not only did I do it for myself, I did it for my teachers. I had promised them that I would win something. I also did it for my family and my friends, so winning made me very proud," Seamus told Stomp. Getting here was far from easy, however. Seamus opened up about a dark time in his life, when he had to "put aside" his studies due to personal struggles. He was then in the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP), a bridging year at NYP designed to prepare students for their diploma courses. "I actually overlooked a test. I completely didn't see the email. And because of that, I failed one of the modules and had to appeal against being expelled from the programme," he recounted. "That put me in a deeper hole, because I was already dealing with some personal stuff. I felt like giving up and just throwing my studies away. "I asked the director of PFP to give me another chance. He empathised with my situation and gave me that second chance. I took it." Even after graduating with a Diploma in Engineering with Business, Seamus has not stopped upskilling or pursuing his passion. He currently helps out at NYP's Mechatronics department while awaiting enlistment into National Service. Seamus at his NYP workspace. PHOTO: STOMP Seamus, who also has interests in accounting, computing and mechanical design, said perseverance and commitment are key. He added: "Because when I feel like giving up, I also feel motivated to not give up. It's like a loop and I think that is my greatest strength." The WorldSkills Singapore 2025 competition tested that mindset to the limit. "The first day, I went in thinking that I could do it. Turns out I could not, because some of the tasks were intentionally designed to be impossible to complete," Seamus recalled. "It was very daunting and really demotivating for the participants, and I felt like giving up. "However, I remembered my loop. Through it, I gained motivation for the next two days and pushed through." Seamus is a gold medallist at WorldSkills Singapore 2025. PHOTO: NANYANG POLYTECHNIC The aspiring design engineer hopes to next make his mark at the WorldSkills ASEAN Competition and snag gold for Singapore. His mantra? "Don't give up even when things seem impossible." Click here to contribute a story or submit it to our WhatsApp Get more of Stomp's latest updates by following us on:
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
NYP nursing grad who lost father at a young age will now study medicine at NUS
Ms Charmaine Cheng, 21, recently graduated with a diploma in nursing from Nanyang Polytechnic. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NANYANG POLYTECHNIC NYP nursing grad who lost father at a young age will now study medicine at NUS The TL;DR: Having lost her father when she was just 10, Charmaine Cheng was determined to help others in a vulnerable position. This led her to obtain a Diploma in Nursing at Nanyang Polytechnic and enrol to study medicine at NUS. Ms C harmaine Cheng was ten years old when her father, who had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, died. During that trying time, the young Charmaine saw the impact doctors and nurses had on patients and their families, which instilled in her the ambition to enter the medical field herself. On May 7, she graduated with a diploma in nursing from Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) , having received the Tay Eng Soon Health & Social Sciences Award and the MOH Holdings Gold Medal for being the cohort's top scorer. And as the next step, Ms Cheng will be joining the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in August. She made the leap after she was nominated by NYP for a Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship in 2024 due to her stellar academic performance. S ince nursing was not listed as one of the PSC Scholarship's professional service career tracks, she decided to pivot to medicine to continue pursuing her passion for healthcare. Said the now-21-year-old: 'With the help of my lecturers and friends, I started exploring my options, and realised that medicine allowed me to pursue the same goals of addressing chronic illnesses of patients, just with a different job scope.' She added that her attraction to medicine stems from the spirit of unconditional giving, exemplified by her mother's selfless nature. After the death of Ms Cheng's father, the family struggled to pay off around $100,000 in medical bills, as he had undergone an expensive – and unsubsidised – trial treatment after chemotherapy proved ineffective. Her mother, a public servant, took on part-time jobs over the weekends, serving up burgers and fries at McDonald's, to supplement the family's income. Ms Cheng witnessed her mother's emotional struggles, but said that she 'never looked like she hated (her job) or was ashamed of i t'. Inspired by their mother's resilience, Ms Cheng and her older sister decided to help as much as they could, working part-time as restaurant servers since they were 14 and 15 years old, respectively. Ms Cheng recalls doing what she could to alleviate the family's financial burden. 'I remember not buying Milo on some days,' she said, 'so I could save that extra dollar, and then giving whatever little I had accumulated to my mum. 'Looking back, it only helped so much. But I could truly see that my mom was very appreciative of whatever effort that we put in.' Ms Cheng's mother sold their house, and they moved in with her grandmother when she was 14. They all live there together still. D espite her family's struggles, Ms Cheng held on to the dream of helping patients in vulnerable situations similar to her own, which led her to pursue nursing at NYP in 2021. She also received monthly allowances, and her school fees were partially paid for after she successfully applied for a sponsorship bond with Changi General Hospital in 2023. The bond and the proceeds from selling the house allowed the family to become debt-free when Ms Cheng was 19. Ms Cheng is now working part-time at the Serangoon Gardens branch of 1doc Mediline Wei Min Clinic, where she has shadowed doctors and supported them as a clinic assistant since November 2024. During her three years as an NYP nursing student, she interned at different CGH wards as part of the curriculum . Ms Cheng interned at different wards in CGH for all three years of her polytechnic studies, as part of her curriculum. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARMAINE CHENG In her final year internship, she spent 14 weeks at CGH's geriatric ward, which provides medical treatment for elderly patients suffering from various conditions like dementia and delirium. 'It was quite overwhelming,' Ms Cheng admitted. 'Everyone was shouting for help or screaming and crying. I remember coming home at the end of some days, telling my family I didn't think the job was for me. ' Families – especially caregivers – would approach her and berate her for occasional delays in updating them on their loved ones' conditions, which added to her pressures. '(My teachers) taught me how to block off surrounding noise and focus on the patient. They also taught me how to tell if a patient needed medical help or was just venting his or her emotions. I'm very grateful to them,' she said. Ms Cheng (second from left) was also 'upgraded' to the student nurse position in her final internship, with more responsibilities such as serving medicines, taking patient cases and addressing any updates to the family. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHARMAINE CHENG The staff nurses in her ward also intervened when situations with caregivers got tense, so she was 'seldom in the direct line of their anger', she said. She vividly remembers an elderly female patient who was suffering from foot gangrene and would throw things on the floor. After multiple failed attempts to calm the patient, Ms Cheng tried speaking to her in basic Hokkien, which she picked up from her mother. 'When I spoke to her in Hokkien, she finally felt comfortable responding to me, and over time I got to know her better,' said Ms Cheng. Ms Cheng also learnt to read the woman's body language, and could deliver her the necessary medication when she was in pain. As a prospective doctor, she hopes to specialise in preventive care, so she can help patients address chronic illnesses like diabetes and osteoporosis. She said: 'I know what it feels like to be in a vulnerable position, so I want to walk with my patients in everything they go through.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nanyang Polytechnic introduces Singapore's First Common Programme in Business, IT and Engineering
First-of-its-kind in Singapore, it allows learners articulation into diplomas in three Schools. Programme is one of five new NYP options for the 2025 Early Admissions Exercise. SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, learners can opt for and enrol in the new Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP) offered by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Approved by the Ministry of Education, the new programme will be offered for the first time at the upcoming Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) next month. The CBTP has innovatively structured the first semester so that entrants can articulate to diplomas in three separate NYP Schools: Business Management, IT and Engineering (or BITE). Learners will take interdisciplinary modules like Applied Business Fundamentals & Communication, Programming, and UX Design in Web Development in the first semester. After a taster of all three disciplines, they can make informed choices and select their preferred diploma in the three Schools to pursue. "We believe in empowering learners with the choice to shape their own polytechnic journey," said Mr Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of NYP. "We call it our 'programme with bite!' Why? It's powerful: it gives learners room to explore their interests in three distinctively different disciplines, discover their strengths, and make confident choices about their future." "We're proud to be the first polytechnic in Singapore to offer this cross-school programme, and we're excited to see how it opens new doors for a new generation of learners." Navigating post-secondary education can be challenging for learners who are still unsure about their pathways. This is perhaps why Common Entry Programmes (CEPs) have gained popularity since their introduction in 2017. Today, 30 per cent of the cohort enrolling into Polytechnics choose CEPs to start their polytechnic life. These Programmes allow learners to spend one or two semesters learning fundamental modules before deciding on their specialised diplomas. However, all previous CEPs in local polytechnics have been School-based. This means that learners would go on to specialise in their chosen academic School's disciplines. For example, a learner who enrols in NYP's Common Engineering Programme would then choose among the School of Engineering's diplomas, such as Aerospace Engineering, AI & Data Engineering, or Sustainability in Engineering with Business. NYP's new Programme becomes the 26th Common Entry Programme to be offered across the five polytechnics in Singapore. It is one of five new options that NYP is offering for learners starting polytechnic next year in AY2026. Applications for all these courses will be open at the upcoming EAE. The other new courses are: 1. Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics With data being critical in the decision-making process, particularly for the healthcare sector where time is of essence, the demand for professionals who can bridge science and analytics is ever increasing. The new Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics combines biomedical fundamentals with applied data skills, enabling learners to analyse complex biological datasets to support research, diagnostics, and innovation in healthcare. Beyond equipping learners with skills in diagnostic and clinical research, graduates will also be equipped with practical skills in AI and data analytics, bioinformatics and biomedical research to put them at the forefront of the biomedical industry. Through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions and research facilities in Singapore, learners will gain hands-on experience working with real-world biological datasets and analytical tools. 2. Diploma in Cloud Engineering The cloud engineering industry is estimated to grow more than 14 per cent annually, and be worth US$1,066 billion globally by 2031[1]. With cloud platforms now underpinning everything from e-commerce to entertainment, the demand for cloud engineers continues to surge. NYP's new Diploma in Cloud Engineering is the only polytechnic course in Singapore that integrates both hardware and software knowledge and skills, preparing tomorrow's cloud engineers with the skills to design, build and manage the infrastructure that powers digital transformation across various industries. Learners will gain hands-on experience through projects and internships with industry leaders in cloud technology like GovTech and Singtel-Nxera, and be equipped with industry-recognised certifications from AI Singapore. 3. Diploma in Media & Communication Management In a media landscape driven by digital platforms and rapid content cycles, communicators must be strategic, agile, and tech-savvy. The Diploma in Media & Communication Management will train learners at thinking holistically about strategic communication, craft compelling messages, manage brand narratives, and execute integrated campaigns across multiple channels. Learners will gain practical experience not just in the aspect of media and communications like content creation, public relations, and communications strategy, but also business management fundamentals, preparing them for dynamic roles in branding, media, corporate communications and beyond. They will be able to put these skills into practice through internships and projects with the likes of Mediacorp, SGAG, and Mothership. 4. Diploma in Business Management: New Specialisations in AI, Psychology A McKinsey report in 2025[2] found that while nearly all companies invest in AI, only one per cent consider themselves mature in AI integration – not due to a lack of technology or talent, but a shortfall in strategic leadership and human-centred thinking. To equip our learners with future-ready skills needed to thrive in the everchanging landscape, NYP's Diploma in Business Management will offer two new specialisations from academic year 2026 (commencing Apr 2026) – AI & Business Digitalisation and Business Psychology. The only business diploma in Singapore that allows learners to start specialising from year two, the diploma also boasts the largest number of specialisations – seven – among local polytechnics. Beyond the two new specialisations, learners can choose from existing specialisations like International Business, Human Capital Management, E-Commerce & Retail, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and Marketing. More information on all five new course offerings is found in the Annexes. Enrolment into these new programmes starts in June 2025, through the EAE. For more information, visit NYP's EAE Festival on campus on 30 and 31 May 2025, or FACT SHEETS ANNEX A All of NYP's new diploma offerings are taught under its unique Professional Competency Model – as its name suggests, it is about ensuring that graduates emerge with skills that address real world needs alongside theoretical knowledge. This integrated approach means that subjects are not taught in isolation but are combined in practical, real-world scenarios. For instance, when learners work on assignments and projects, they simultaneously apply technical knowledge, data analysis skills, and business communication as they develop solutions and present recommendations. Through partnerships with industry leaders, learners will undergo curriculum that is co-developed and co-taught by experts in their field. They will also receive industry-recognised co-certificates that put them a step ahead of their peers. Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP) School of Business Management, School of Engineering, School of Information Technology This new cross-disciplinary common entry programme helps address a common challenge faced by post-secondary learners who are uncertain about their preferred diploma. Many O-Level graduates, while possessing strong academic foundations, often find it challenging to choose between business, engineering, or technology pathways. The CBTP provides these learners with the unique opportunity to experience all three disciplines firsthand, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories based on actual experience rather than preconceptions. Learners who enrol in the CBTP will learn the fundamentals for all three disciplines in their first semester, before selecting one discipline to pursue. Those who choose the business discipline will pursue a Diploma in Business Management, while learners with interest in engineering or technology will be posted to the Common Engineering Programme or the Common ICT Programme respectively. This group of learners will undergo another semester in the common entry programme and take on more domain-specific modules, before deciding on their preferred Engineering or IT diploma to pursue from Year 2. As part of the programme, learners will also go through a series of education and career guidance (ECG) activities, including school immersion activities, career profiling, and mentorship, to guide them in making confident and informed choices about their learning path. ANNEX B Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics (DBMSA) School of Applied Science With hands-on experience in analysing datasets and leveraging analytical tools, DBMSA learners are skilled in handling both laboratory and analytical work. The programme's industry-aligned curriculum ensures graduates are ready to contribute in clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare technology firms. They will be equipped to support data-driven decision-making in healthcare, contribute to biomedical lab research, and drive innovation in diagnostic technologies. Graduates of the Diploma programme can sit for the International Medical Laboratory Technician MLT(ASCPi) certification examinations offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This internationally recognised qualification is highly valued, being a benchmark of excellence for laboratory professionals across more than 30 nations. Having this certification enhances one's prospects for both job opportunities and career growth within the healthcare sector. ANNEX C Diploma in Cloud Engineering (DCE) School of Engineering Cloud engineers are the brains that power the tech behind the likes of Netflix and Spotify. Additionally, businesses and government agencies are also moving operations and data to the cloud for scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, bringing about an increasing need for skilled and versatile individuals. DCE prepares learners for more than just data centre management. In addition to key domain skillsets in cloud engineering such as cloud architecture, automation and cybersecurity, it also equips them with significant transferrable skills in innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and AI, which aligns with broader digital sustainability efforts in Singapore. As Singapore continues its Smart Nation journey, DCE graduates will be well-positioned to support various sectors in their cloud adoption and digital transformation efforts, contributing effectively to Singapore's growing digital economy. ANNEX D Diploma in Media & Communication Management (DMCM) School of Business Management DMCM equips learners with competencies in the likes of business communication and innovation, business intelligence and data science, digital media communication, on top of hard skills in media design and production. Learners graduate as all-rounders in media, communications and business – opening doors for hybrid roles and multiple pathways for further studies. Through partnerships with prominent media organisations, the public sector, and businesses, learners can hone their ability to produce compelling content that educates, amuses, and motivates audiences. They also gain hands-on experience through industry-based projects, learn from seasoned professionals during guest sessions, and build valuable connections whilst staying current with emerging media trends. For example, year one learners can enhance their presentation abilities through workshops with SPH Radio, with the opportunity to work alongside evening radio presenters. ANNEX E Diploma in Business Management (DBM) School of Business Management The dual specialisation structure in a business management diploma addresses a growing industry need for hybrid talent – professionals who are agile, adaptable, and able to work across disciplines. As the business landscape evolves, graduates will need more than technical knowledge. They will need the ability to think creatively, analyse trends, and understand people. The new AI & Business Digitalisation specialisation offers learners hands-on learning opportunities with low-code digital tools, empowering them to create business apps and digital solutions with ease. By demystifying technologies like predictive analytics and automation, learners gain the confidence to apply digital strategies in real-world settings – with no technical background required. In the new Business Psychology specialisation, learners explore areas such as consumer behaviour, user experience (UX), and organisational psychology – skills that are increasingly vital for companies seeking to enhance customer experience and manage workplace change. [1] Source: Verified Market Research, "Cloud Engineering Market Size And Forecast," [2] Source: McKinsey, "Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI's full potential," View original content: SOURCE Nanyang Polytechnic Sign in to access your portfolio
