Mission, Vision, Values


Mission
 

To prepare school-leavers and working adults for a future of dynamic change, with relevant knowledge, life-long skills, character, and a thirst for continuous improvement.

 

Vision
 

To be a world-class institution in the global education network, reputed for our programmes, applied research, managerial excellence and innovative corporate culture.

 

Values
 

  • Responsibility for the continued growth and success of Temasek Polytechnic
  • Respect for the dignity of the individual
  • Integrity of the highest order
  • Student-centredness
  • Future-orientation

Corporate Profile and History

Situated in Tampines next to the idyllic Bedok Reservoir, Temasek Polytechnic is a leading institution of higher learning in Singapore. Established in April 1990, we take pride in equipping our students with lifelong skills and digital knowledge for a future of dynamic change.

1990

established

 

>13,000

full-time students

36

full-time diploma courses

 

>40

part-time courses

6

Academic schools

 

1

AWESOME FAMILY

At Temasek Polytechnic, we are held together by our long and proud history, which has given rise to values, traditions and events that make up the TP culture. The TP community is firmly bonded in a caring and vibrant environment that is passionate about creating a better tomorrow for everyone.

At TP, every student is given the opportunity to achieve their personal best. Our students are groomed to become values-led leaders with vision, character and heart, excelling beyond their academic pursuits. We nurture them to become self-directed learners while equipping them with strong knowledge and skills foundations. In this way, they graduate as well-rounded, industry-ready professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the global community.

   

Our Early Years
 

TP first operated out of premises at Stirling Road as well as at Grange Road. The initial diploma courses offered were in graphic design, product design, interior design and business.

 

The design courses were programmes taken over from the Baharuddin Vocational Institute, a reputable forerunner in design education in Singapore. The Diploma in Business was a fresh offering by TP’s new School of Business.

 

By our second year, TP had introduced courses in electronics, information technology, mechatronics, tourism management, as well as logistics & operations management.

 

With new courses being introduced and increasing enrolment, TP acquired three more campuses at Kim Seng, Bukit Merah and Portsdown Road. Our number of first-choice applicants increased from 735 in 1990 to 5,443 in 1995.

   

In September 1995, we moved to our permanent and current location in Tampines - a state-of-the-art 30-hectare campus set beside Bedok Reservoir. For the first time in five years, over 6,500 staff and students were brought together under one roof. The polytechnic continued to grow and today, our student population stands at over 13,000, with a staff population of over 1,400. TP now offers 36 diploma courses across six schools.

 

   

Robot checking brain testing result with computer interface, fut

Towards The Future

Not only have we continued to expand our learning facilities, we are fully focused on catering to the changing needs of our growing TP community.


A key player in the national drive for lifelong learning, TP offers numerous opportunities for adult learners to reskill and upskill with industry-relevant programmes.


Global opportunities bring global perspectives, and we enable our staff and students to learn beyond our shores, through a wide range of in and out-of-classroom experiences.

On board with Singapore’s Smart Nation strategy, TP actively promotes digital business strategies, R&D and partnering initiatives in emerging areas such as Industry 4.0 and AI. We also continue to forge strategic partnerships to broaden our network and improve our core industry competencies.

Always forward-looking and passionate about future possibilities, our dynamic and versatile learning environment will power us into the future of education.

Milestones

 

26 Jun 2019

Launch of the Aquaculture Innovation Centre (AIC).

Led by Temasek Polytechnic and supported by Enterprise Singapore, the AIC is the first Centre of Innovation (COI) to adopt a consortium model – tapping into the vast expertise, knowledge and experience from tertiary institutes and government agencies. The list of partners includes Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, James Cook University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The centre will look to provide innovation and training in three key areas:
 

a. Nutrition, feeds, additives and feeding management

b. Health and disease management

c. Genetics, breeding and seed production
21 Feb 2019

Launch of the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre.

The collaboration between Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and the Harbin Institute of Technology Robot Group (HRG), one of China's leading robot manufacturers, in the setting up of the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre marks the first step towards establishing a framework for research and training in the field of robotics, automation and other enabling technologies, in line with Singapore’s Industry 4.0 initiative. Supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the TP-HRG Robotics Innovation Centre will help strengthen TP’s training capabilities in the Continuing Education and Training (CET) landscape. TP will draw on HRG’s past projects to develop case studies for learning. In addition, the SkillsFuture Series courses in Advanced Manufacturing will be expanded to include industrial robotics and automation, focusing on skills proficiencies across basic and intermediate levels.

13 Nov 2018 With the launch of the Assistive Technology Library @ TP – a collaboration between TP and SPD – TP became the first local institution to house such a facility on its grounds. Students with special educational needs are now able to test and try out various Assistive Technology devices onsite before purchasing them, or loan them out when their own devices require maintenance.
29 Aug 2018 TP’s Tan Lay Khee was among eight outstanding educators who received the President’s Award for Teachers from President Halimah Yacob. Lay Khee was chosen from 2,571 teachers nominated this year by school leaders, teachers, parents, former and current students across Singapore.
5 Apr 2018 TP launched more than 60 mobile Micro-Learning Courses (MLCs) aimed at meeting the skills-upgrading demands of busy, working professionals. In addition, from 5 April to 4 June 2018, TP offered every Singaporean and Permanent Resident one free MLC from a basket of 34 courses, to encourage their pursuit of lifelong learning.
4 Jan 2018 The TP School of Applied Science began operations for its new learning enterprise, a two-storey F&B facility to showcase the application of catering technology and science. Open to the public, Bistro Lab houses a cafeteria and a staff lounge, and provides a training ground to support skills-based training for Baking & Culinary Science students.

1 Nov 2017 In one of its efforts to transform the way it delivers services to customers, TP launched Ask TP, the first polytechnic chat bot that leverages on IBM’s Watson technology. Ask TP aims to help prospective students better understand the courses available in TP and make better choices for their studies and future careers.
13 Jul 2017 TP established the Temasek Advanced Learning, Nurturing & Testing Lab (TALENT Lab) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs to train cyber security and forensics professionals in cybercrime detection, analysis, investigation, and evidence preservation.
25 May 2017 Collaboration Agreements were signed between TP and the Singapore Institute of Technology, and the Singapore University of Social Sciences, to offer relevant skills-based undergraduate modules to polytechnic graduates embarking on SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes (ELP). They would be able to take relevant modules alongside undergraduates in these universities and after completing the ELP, apply to enrol in the corresponding degree programmes with due credit recognition given.

2 Jul 2016 Mr Peter Lam took over the helm at TP from Mr Boo Kheng Hua, as TP’s third Principal & CEO (PCEO). Mr Boo Kheng Hua had served as PCEO from 2001 to 2016 after taking over from founding PCEO, Dr N Varaprasad.
27 Jun 2016 The Centre for Aquaculture & Veterinary Science (CAVS) was launched at TP, marking the close of a campus expansion programme that began in December 2010. CAVS is a four-storey one-stop centre built with the purpose of providing quality solutions and services in the areas of training and process development for the growing aquaculture, pet, biomedical and veterinary industries.
20 May 2016 TP received the Public Service Milestone Award for the third time at the Excellence in Public Service Awards ceremony, having earlier received it in 2010 and 2013. The award recognises public agencies that have attained an important milestone on the road to excellence by having achieved the qualifying criteria of Singapore Quality Class, together with People Developer and ISO Quality Management certifications.
5 Apr 2016 Testifying to the rigour of the culinary programmes at TP, the polytechnic was accorded the prestigious title of World Gourmet Summit Award of Excellence Culinary Institution of the Year (Singapore). TP had received the same award in 2012 and the Culinary Institution of the Year (Regional) award in 2010.
9 Jan 2016 The Temasek Aviation Academy was officially launched. The 6,000 sqm facility brings together all of TP’s aviation and aerospace engineering capabilities into an integrated training outfit.

Apr 2015 Construction of the eight storey East Wing building is completed. The East Wing boasts a triple-storey atrium, a 100-seater culinary theatre, a 100-seater Senate Room, a kindergarten, and more.
Apr 2015 Temasek Polytechnic is the first Institution of Higher Learning to offer a Diploma in Big Data Management and Governance.
Jan 2015 Completion of the seven storey Temasek Tourism Academy housing a spa and wellness centre, a student clubhouse and tourism technology rooms.

Nov 2014 The Polytechnic unveils plans to develop Singapore’s first Smart Campus platform. In keeping with Singapore’s vision of becoming a Smart Nation, the plan is to collaborate with leading industry partners in testing smart campus solutions to enhance the Polytechnic’s infrastructure and teaching and learning.
Mar 2014 The School of Engineering’s new aerospace teaching wing opens its doors for the first time; housing a ground training aircraft, a flight simulator, computer labs, and classrooms.
Jan 2014 Completion of the new Sports and Arts Centre with state-of-the-art sports facilities, rooftop tennis courts, and a 100-seater black box theatre to promote arts and culture.

May 2013 Temasek Polytechnic receives the prestigious Public Service Milestone Award as well as the coveted People Developer and ISO Quality Management certificates.
Apr 2013 Temasek Polytechnic embarks on a culture and competency building journey, known as The TP Way. This is a unique and inclusive way paved with seven learning roadmaps aimed at developing staff at all levels.
2 Apr 2013 TP and A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering’s ground breaking nano-engineered screen protector that turns the ordinary screens of handheld devices into 3D displays was brought to the market by start-up, Nanoveu Pte Ltd. The wonder plastic film called EyeFly3D, is the result of five years of research and development. It went on to win the top ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award 2013 as well as the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award 2013.

23 Nov 2012 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the Glocal Connect Village (GCV) at TP, the first of its kind in Singapore. The unique facility was set up as part of TP’s internationalisation strategy, to help prepare its students for success in an interconnected world. GCV offers a vibrant learning space for local and international staff and students to interact in as well as be exposed to cultural diversity through community engagement and the arts.
18 Oct 2012 In recognition of TP's 21-year contribution to Community Chest of Singapore, the polytechnic was conferred the SHARE Pinnacle Award. The prestigious Award is the highest accolade for Community Chest corporate partners. More than 90 percent of TP's staff members have supported the SHARE programme by making monthly donations. Since TP's participation in 1991, it has raised more than $1.3 million.
25 May 2012 TP was one of only two recipients of the Best Practice Award (Resource Management) at the Excellence in Public Service Awards 2012. The award recognises TP's pro-active approach in managing resources effectively by leveraging on technology to conserve water and energy.
23 Apr 2012 TP’s School of Engineering was certified as a SAR-147 Approved Maintenance Training Organisation (AMTO) by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). TP is the first Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore to have achieved this certification, which recognises its aerospace training programme as the de facto standard for Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) training in Singapore.
24 Mar 2012 For the second time (the first in 2010), TP was awarded the prestigious Electrolux Culinary Institution of the Year award at the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence 2012.

24 Sep 2011 TP brought WaterFire, an award-winning art installation to Asia for the first time, as the main highlight of its Global Community Day. It went on display at the Bedok Reservoir Park. The event was launched by MG (NS) Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports and Chairman of the National Integration Council, by lighting the first of the 60 braziers on the waters of Bedok Reservoir.

6 Apr 2010 TP turned 20, with celebrations kicking off in a carnival cum fund-raiser in May. Other meaningful events charted the year, including an anniversary Dinner & Dance that sought to give appreciation to all staff, and a musical scripted, acted, produced and directed by TP staff and students.

2009
 

22 Oct 2009 TP was awarded the Minister's Honours Roll and the Minister for Home Affairs Award. The Minister's Honours Roll recognises the achievements of top employers who have shown exemplary support for their NSMen.
24 Apr 2009 1,378 students, staff and guests at Temasek Polytechnic laid claim to a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Human Wheelbarrow Race. This feat surpassed the record set in September 2008 by a school in Melbourne with 1,044 participants. The participants at the Human Wheelbarrow Challenge @ TP also successfully set four Singapore Book of Records for the Fastest Human Wheelbarrow Race, the Human Wheelbarrow Endurance Challenge, the Fastest Human Wheelbarrow Relay Race and the Longest Human Wheelbarrow Challenge - 74 people in all.
28 Feb 2009 The construction of a new Clean Energy Centre at TP was completed. This Centre, the first of its kind in the region, acts as a focal point for the School of Engineering's Clean Energy diploma course, and houses the latest equipment and facilities for fuel cell technology, as well as other clean energy technologies such as solar power, hydropower, wind energy, and biomass.

2008
 

27 Jun 2008 President S R Nathan officially opened the >60 Design Centre at TP. The national design centre is dedicated to developing lifestyle solutions for an ageing population. It is seed-funded by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and partnered by social organisations, healthcare institutions and business groups such as Spring Singapore, Council for Third Age, Alexandra Hospital, Jurong Medical Centre, the Centre for Seniors and the Meiban Group Ltd.
27 Mar 2008 TP and Lufthansa Technical Training, Germany, jointly set up the Lufthansa Technical Training Singapore Centre at the School of Engineering.
22 Jan 2008 TP's ISO14001:2004 certification was successfully renewed. TP first achieved the ISO 14001:1996 certification for its Environmental Management Systems in December 2001 and was successfully converted to the 14001:2004 standards in April 2006.

2007
 

13 Nov 2007 TP's Community Service Club won the Informal Group Category of the President's Social Service Award. The highly prestigious award, conferred by the office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, honours and recognises outstanding voluntary contributions made to the social service sector.
1 Nov 2007 The Interactive Digital Centre (IDC Asia) was officially launched by the School of Engineering, EON Reality Inc and IM Innovations Pte Ltd. It is Asia's first and only the eighth such centre in the world, and aims to boost Singapore's efforts to become a digital media and entertainment capital.
1 Oct 2007 A sixth school "School of Humanities & Social Sciences" was established at TP. It marks TP's move to offer courses in these disciplines, with Psychology Studies as the first diploma programme offered for the academic year 2008/2009. The Temasek Information Technology School was also renamed to the Temasek Informatics & IT School. The inclusion of the term "informatics" in the school name opens up avenues for courses in more diverse and specialised areas.
1 Sep 2007 The Security Industry Institute was set up by TP and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency to offer nationally recognised and comprehensive professional security training and placement for security personnel.
15 Aug 2007 The Temasek Culinary Academy was officially launched by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State for Education. The $5.5 million complex houses comprehensive F&B facilities to hone culinary and service skills for Culinary & Catering Management and Hospitality & Tourism Management students in surroundings that replicate the industry environment.
17 Jul 2007 TP was the only tertiary institution among the nine recipients of the inaugural Watermark Award given by the Public Utilities Board. The Award is given to those who make significant contributions towards water conservation efforts, valuing water resource and promoting bonding with water through organising water activities.
26 Mar 2007 The Fuel Cell Community was launched jointly by TP and the Economic Development Board. This initiative is part of Singapore's plan to set up a fuel cell industry hub that will position the country as a centre for innovation in fuel cell technology and applications. The Community comprises collaborative partners from the industry to spearhead this effort.
23 Mar 2007 TP clinched the "Best Host for International Students Studying in Singapore" title at the Singapore Tourism Board's inaugural Singapore Education Awards. The Awards recognise exceptional contributions made by members of the Singapore education industry.

2006
 

10 Oct 2006 TP was given the 15-Year Outstanding SHARE Award in addition to the SHARE Platinum Award from the Community Chest. This is the eighth time that TP has won the Platinum award.
28 Jul 2006 TP received the Work-Life Achiever Award from the Tripartite Committee on Work-Life Strategy. The Award testifies to TP's efforts in implementing effective work-life strategies for its staff. The biennial award, which TP has won since 2000, was previously known as the National Family-Friendly Firm Award.
7 Jul 2006 TP was awarded the Friendship Order by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for our active contributions to the human resource training for Vietnam and the development of friendship between Vietnam and Singapore. The Friendship Order is Vietnam's highest award in the area of international relations.
5 Jan 2006 Some 6,000 TP staff and students set a new national record for the longest distance run by a relay team in 24 hours, with a total distance of 14,023 km. The national record was set alongside Dr William Tan, a paralympic wheelchair athlete, as he attempted a new Guinness world record for hand-cycling around a track in 24 hours.

2005
 

17 Nov 2005 TP's 15th Anniversary celebrations were brought to a climactic end with the performance of the musical, Moon People. Resonating the anniversary theme 'It's All About People', the musical was entirely scripted, composed, directed and performed by TP staff and students. The Guest of Honour for the Gala performance was Minister for Education, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
9 Aug 2005 TP staff and students were honoured to contribute to Singapore's 40th National Day celebrations in a variety of ways, including designing the official logo and funpack as well as producing the official website.
22 Jul 2005 TP was awarded the highest accolade of the Total Defence Awards, the Minister for Defence Award, in recognition of its outstanding and consistent support and contributions towards National Defence. It was also inaugurated into the prestigious Minister for Defence Awards (MiDAs) League.
16 May 2005 Following an agreement to establish and operate a regional hospitality, service and tourism campus on Sentosa Island between TP and the Sentosa Leisure Group in 2003, The Tourism Academy @ Sentosa opened its doors to students for the first time.
4 Feb 2005 TP's 15th Anniversary celebrations, themed "It's All About People", was officially launched by President S.R. Nathan.

2004
 

28 Oct 2004 The Learning Academy (LA) at TP was inaugurated, marking a milestone in staff development efforts. Aimed at enhancing the Polytechnic's human capital, the LA seeks to continuously improve the core and generic competencies of staff, and foster a culture of learning and innovation at TP.
23 Oct 2004 TP was awarded its first Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. (Helping Employees Achieve Life-Time Health) Award (Gold). The Award is given by the Health Promotion Board in recognition to organisations with commendable workplace health promotion programmes.
20 Jul 2004 TP is the only educational institution, among seven organisations, to receive The Singapore Family Friendly Employer Award for the third time. It was the first educational institution to receive the award in 2000 and was again awarded in 2002.

2003
 

13 Nov 2003 TP was awarded The Enterprise Challenge Shield for its educational innovation in developing the Problem-Based Learning model.
27 May 2003 TP was successfully converted to the ISO9001:2000 standards for the design and delivery of its full-time diplomas.

2001
 

17 Dec 2001 Mr Boo Kheng Hua is appointed Principal/CEO of Temasek Polytechnic.
19 Sep 2001 Two Temasek IT School students emerged Champions in the 36th WorldSkills Competition in Korea, winning Gold medals in the Software Applications and PC Support & Network categories.
10 Jul 2001 TP received the Public Service Award for Organisational Excellence, a premier award given to recognise public service organisations which have attained key organisational excellence standards.
2 Apr 2001 Closing of 10th Anniversary Time Capsule officiated by President S R Nathan.
21 Mar 2001 TP was awarded ISO 9001 certification for the design and provision of its full-time diploma courses.

2000
 

21 Nov 2000 TP became the first educational institution to receive the Enterprise Challenge Award to develop a Problem-Based Learning Education model for Singapore.
1 May 2000 TP was presented with the May Day 2000 Award Plaque of Commendation by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
31 Mar 2000 TP celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Sixty-five staff members were presented with the Pioneer Awards. A musical, "And The Plate Spins", produced and performed by staff and students was staged for the first time.
18 Jan 2000 The official opening of the Phase 3 extension of TP, officiated by RAdm Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education.

 

1999
 

9 Nov 1999 Temasek Polytechnic was hailed as a pioneer in computer networking education and was the venue for the first Cisco Networking Regional Academy in Singapore.
23 Sep 1999 TP received the People Developer's Award for its outstanding staff training programme.
20 Aug 1999 The School of Design launched the first design research centre in Singapore, the Centre for Design Innovation, dedicated to the advancement of the design profession and its search for new directions for design.
21 Jul 1999 TP received the Singapore Quality Class recognition.
19 Apr 1999 TP became the first Regional Networking Academy, appointed by Cisco Systems.

1998
 

27 Aug 1998

TP became the first Authorised Academic Java Campus in Asia South.

14 Feb 1998

Topping-Up Ceremony for the Phase 3 extension, officiated by RAdm Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education, to mark the completion of its development.

1997
 

17 Apr 1997

Inauguration of the sculpture, "Young Bold & Caring", a landmark of TP, by Dr Elsie Yu and officiated by Mr Liu Thai Ker, Chairman for the National Arts Council.

25 Jan 1997

Official Opening of the campus in Tampines officiated by Prime Minster Goh Chok Tong.

1996
 

5 Sep 1996

Opening Ceremony of the first Mechatronics Design Centre in South East Asia, officiated by Mr Lim Boon Heng, Minister without Portfolio.

30 Jan 1996

TP became the first higher education institution outside the UK to receive accreditation for its staff training programme from the Staff and Educational Development Association.

1995
 

18 Sep 1995

Commencement of classes at the new state-of-the-art Tampines campus which brought together more than 6,500 staff and students.

25 Aug 1995

Start of the big move from the five satellite campuses to the campus at Tampines.

20 Mar 1995

Temasek Polytechnic became the first tertiary institution to be awarded a licence for private satellite communication links under the Government's liberalised Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) policy for research and training.

14 Feb 1995

Topping up ceremony of Temasek Polytechnic's campus at Tampines, officiated by Mr Lee Yock Suan, Minister for Education, to mark the completion of its building works.

1992
 

23 Nov 1992

Ceremony to mark the commencement of piling of the new campus in Tampines, officiated by Mr Lee Yock Suan, Minister for Education.

13 Apr 1992

Ground-breaking ceremony for the Temasek Polytechnic campus at Tampines, officiated by Dr Tay Eng Soon, Senior Minister of State for Education.

1991
 

27 Nov 1991

Public announcement of the Temasek Polytechnic Campus Master Plan.

30 Jul 1991

First graduation ceremony for 89 full-time students.

27 Jun 1991

Unveiling of the Temasek Polytechnic corporate logo.

1990
 

May/Jun 1990

Matriculation of the first batch of students to TP’s Schools of Business and Design.

6 Apr 1990

Presidential Assent to Temasek Polytechnic Bill and official establishment of Temasek Polytechnic. Appointment of Dr N Varaprasad as founding Principal of Temasek Polytechnic.

28 Mar 1990

Passing of Temasek Polytechnic Bill by Parliament.

1989
 

22 Dec 1989

In-principle approval by Cabinet to set up Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore's third polytechnic.



Quick Links


Looking to access other information quickly? Click on any of the items below.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MEDIA CENTRE
CONTACT US
PRINCIPAL & CEO'S MESSAGE

We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy statement.

Accept