SINGAPORE

Each year, thousands of students flock to Singapore’s polytechnics, eager to choose from over a hundred diploma courses. However, many of these 16-year-olds find themselves selecting paths that may not align with their true interests or future aspirations. To address this growing concern, Republic Polytechnic (RP) plans to launch a unique program in 2025 aimed at helping students identify their strengths and career goals early on.

Designing Your Life (DYL) Program

The Designing Your Life (DYL) program will employ a cutting-edge design thinking method, originally developed at Stanford University. Incoming students will engage in a structured process that encourages them to investigate their personal interests, career goals, and life aspirations. This initiative goes beyond conventional academic advising; it immerses students in a creative mindset that will help them view challenges and opportunities like a product designer.

Students will be guided through a series of exercises to help them reevaluate their beliefs about potential careers, encouraging them to prototype various ideas and pathways. Once they discover which fields resonate most with them, they will have the opportunity to tailor their diploma courses accordingly, ensuring that their education aligns with their passions and talents.

Mentorship and Support

By April 2025, an impressive 800 lecturers from RP will be trained to serve as mentors. These mentors will continue to engage with students for two years post-graduation, providing ongoing support during their crucial transitional period into the workforce.

Curriculum Revamp and Learning Options

RP’s principal Jeanne Liew emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the polytechnic is undergoing a curriculum revamp to offer a diverse range of learning options. With 19 minors spanning various fields, students will gain not only subject-specific expertise but also essential soft skills, including critical thinking and communication. Additionally, RP plans to increase its focus on industry certifications in burgeoning fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Changing Definitions of Success

Liew noted that the motivation behind these changes aligns with the broader vision articulated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, which challenges traditional definitions of success. “Success is no longer restricted to landing a top-tier university degree and a high-salaried job. We want our students to explore, experiment, and seek purpose beyond societal norms,” she stated.

Designing Your Impact Initiative

Starting in April 2025, students will have designated time—one day a week and two extra weeks per semester—to pursue interests that lie outside their academic confines, particularly in community service. This initiative, known as Designing Your Impact, aims to inspire students to think about how their lives can have a positive effect on the wider community.

Student Testimonials

In a testimony to the program’s anticipated success, current RP students Cheri Teh and Mohammed Danie Dahlan expressed their enthusiasm for the ability to find and explore their strengths. “While I started with an interest in pharmaceutical science, I feel the urge to explore a variety of health science fields before making a concrete decision,” said Teh. “I’m excited about the chance to delve deeper into my interests.”

Echoing her sentiments, Dahlan stated, “Many of us might not have a clear vision of our future careers, so having the DYL program will be invaluable in helping us navigate our pathways.”

Expert Endorsement

Additionally, Bill Burnett, the director of the Stanford Life Design Lab and co-author of the best-selling book Designing Your Life, underscored the significance of such a program. According to his research, less than 20% of young people can pinpoint their passions, making the tailored approach crucial for giving students a stronger sense of direction. Burnett remarked, “Aligning your career with your natural gifts is vital for lifelong growth and satisfaction.”

Empowerment for the Future

With the DYL program, Republic Polytechnic is poised to not only reshape the educational landscape for its students but also empower them to thrive in an uncertain future. As education continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the future belongs to those who know how to design their lives with purpose!