SINGAPORE - Republic Polytechnic (RP) unveiled its new Republic Polytechnic Industry Centre (RPIC) on Wednesday (Aug 3). The six-storey building cost $27 million to build - in less than two years - and contains several state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development, was guest of honour at the opening ceremony and he toured the facility.
He put the finishing touches of sprinkles on chocolate-coated cookies, made using the equipment at the Republic Polytechnic-Wilmar Innovation Centre. The cookies were made in the lab, using its chocolate making equipment.
The Republic Polytechnic-Wilmar Innovation Centre is a joint food innovation centre with Wilmar International, a global agribusiness group, and is one of the new laboratories at the RPIC.
More than 500 pre-employment training applied science students will be able to use the lab every year for hands-on learning and skills training.
Final-year student Yeoh Jia Le, 20, who is doing her Diploma in Biotechnology at RP's School of Applied Science, had the opportunity to use the refrigerators and utensils at the new lab for her final year project, which involved using natural sweeteners to make healthy beverages.
Her team collaborated with SugarNature Food, a local food technology firm, which provided them with the sweeteners. While she will not have the opportunity to work with the new chocolate making equipment, she shared her excitement for future cohorts of students.
She said: "It's more exciting; previous labs didn't have such advanced technology and they will get the chance to be exposed to it."
Collaborations between RPIC and other industry partners - such as McKinsey & Company Microsoft Singapore - were also announced on Wednesday.
The RPIC was built to be a learning hub for students, staff and industry professionals to develop skills that will be relevant for future industry needs. The facilities will allow students to familiarise themselves with industry-standard equipment and practices.
Small and medium enterprises will also be able to use the facilities for training and collaboration on joint projects with the polytechnic.
RP principal Yeo Li Pheow said: "The centre signifies our commitment to develop our students' skills with a strong industry focus, giving them an edge in the future industry landscape."
