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About 500 student leaders from Singapore’s five polytechnics gathered at SP Convention Centre on 15 September for the opening of the 2025 Polytechnic Forum, held from 15–19 September. Making his first appearance as Education Minister at the forum, Mr Desmond Lee encouraged students to be bold and innovative in tackling national challenges such as geopolitical and economic pressures, ageing, technology shifts, and climate change, while continuing to reskill and stay grounded. Calling AI both incredibly transformative and extremely disruptive, he noted that automation will push humans toward higher-order tasks like judgment, cross-disciplinary thinking, and creativity. Students said the discussions resonated strongly with their own concerns. SP Diploma in Information Technology student Suhani Arora said, “My personal concern is what will happen when I graduate after pursuing this diploma. One major concern right now in the technology market would definitely be being able to get a job in this sector.” NP Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering student Richard Li offered a different opinion, “There are many things to learn right now. To get better job opportunities, it is better to be well-equipped with more skills. Because knowledge is not something you can buy.” Mr Lee reminded participants that a polytechnic diploma provides a strong base, but lifelong learning will be what ensures success in a fast-changing world. Lianhe Zaobao quoted Director of Student Development Ms Evelynn Koh, who said the forum provided students the opportunity to encourage them to make decisions with limited resources, fostering leadership and problem-solving skills, which are catalysts for innovation. SP Diploma in Integrated Events & Project Management student Pang Yi Xi also mentioned that “The greatest benefit was being able to work with peers from different institutions and backgrounds. We discussed the benefits and disadvantages of AI and while believe it can improve efficiency, others worry about being replaced." SP Director for Student Development Ms Evelynn Koh said the forum provided students the opportunity to encourage them to make decisions with limited resources, fostering leadership and problem-solving skills, which are catalysts for innovation. Shin Min Daily News quoted SP Deputy Director for Student Development Mr Johnny Ong who mentioned that this year's forum featured new elements such as informal discussions which would help students better understand and appreciate the nation's developments while strengthening their identity. Berita Harian quoted Director of Student Development, Ms Evelynn Koh, who said that the forum is important as a platform for youth to reflect on the country's journey so far. SP Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering student Akif Danish Aidi also mentioned that new technologies and challenges will always arise, hence the ability to continue learning and adapting is very important for staying relevant in his career. CNA and CNA938 featured SP Diploma in Business Administration student Stephanie Chia. Vasantham featured SP Diploma in Chemical Engineering student Sugumar Rishivandh. Similar news reported in Tamil Murasu, Tabla, Berita Mediacorp, 8 World, Oli968, Ch5, and Class95.

[The Straits Times]