Never stop learning, Lawrence Wong tells Singapore Polytechnic's graduating class of 2015

SINGAPORE - Their achievements now mark the beginning of a journey of lifelong learning, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong told graduates at Singapore Polytechnic's (SP) 55th Graduation Ceremony on Monday.

The guest of honour at the ceremony that will see close to 5,900 SP students graduate said that while education is important, "learning does not stop at your graduation today".

"What happens in your first 16 or 17 years of education is the beginning of a much longer and far more important journey of lifelong learning, and that's why we're talking about SkillsFuture now," Mr Wong said in reference to the initiative aimed at helping Singaporeans improve themselves throughout various stages of life.

Mr Wong also called on graduates to keep up a spirit of excellence and to care for others around them.

He brought up the example of Ms Amanda Chia, 21, a nutrition, health and wellness student who set up the Sign Language Club in SP to teach fellow students communication skills with the deaf.

Ms Chia, a volunteer with the Singapore Association for the Deaf and recipient of the Toh Chin Chye Gold Medal, had herself attained advanced certification in sign language.

By the time Ms Chia graduated with a near-perfect grade point average of 3.97, the club had attracted more than 100 members.

The polytechnic will also see it's first batch of 45 pioneer students graduate from its new course, Diploma in Business Innovation and Design.

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