Excellent parenting and siblings who are positive role models has helped shape Vincent Sim Keng Boon as a person. The only son in a family of five, Vincent attributes his success to his family for helping to shape him as a person of sound values.

This Diploma in Banking and Financial Services graduate believes in keeping focused on his goals to achieve success in life. “My goals are a powerful motivational factor in driving me to work harder,” said this year’s Toh Chin Chye Gold Medal winner.

Vincent recalls being very demoralised after receiving his 'O'-Level results. However, with help and support from his parents and friends, he managed to rebound and get his life back together. He decided to pursue his passion and enrol at Singapore Polytechnic. There has been no turning back since, and for his three-year course, Vincent has bagged 31 distinctions and As in total.

Vincent relishes spending his spare time with his two baby nieces because he feels that time spent together as a family is really rewarding. It also reminds him that his family is most precious to him.

One of his most memorable experiences was a trip to Kolkata, India, to represent Singapore Polytechnic at the Asian Management Games. Being amongst the poorest of the poor and seeing them find joy and strength in all the hardship they faced made Vincent realise that the most important lesson in life is to be content.

The former Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student aspires to be a public servant. He has shown special interest and keenness in policy-making and is determined to contribute to Singapore’s policy-making with the hope of someday working among different ministries.

Vincent hopes to fulfil his dream of reading Economics overseas and has been offered a place at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. He believes in having a stake in the future of Singapore and hopes to be given the opportunity to contribute to the country’s development.

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