Singapore Polytechnic Outstanding Talent (SPOT) Programme

Siva Saadhurva, School of Business, UOB Kay Hian Scholar, Director’s Honour Roll

The Singapore Polytechnic Outstanding Talent (SPOT) Programme sharpened my global awareness through curated activities with an emphasis on ASEAN’s growth and potential. The annual Youth Model ASEAN Conference allows students to step into the role of organisers and delegates working hand in hand with experienced lecturers to host foreign leaders and delegates, strengthening cross cultural communication. As the Deputy Secretary-General (Administration) of YMAC 2023, I had the opportunity to engage local and foreign leaders like Minister of State Alvin Tan and the Lao PDR ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Sengkeo Pouangpadith and learn the diverse considerations public service leaders navigate on a daily basis.

Gabrielle Tran En Xuan, School of Architecture & the Built Environment, Design Singapore Scholar

My SPOT journey played a huge role in shaping how I see the world beyond architecture. Modules such as Understanding ASEAN opened my eyes to regional and global issues, helping me understand how design, policy and communities intersect. Learning about real social and environmental challenges across Southeast Asia made me more aware of how I could contribute meaningfully, and inspired my decision to spend half of my gap year backpacking across Asia to volunteer with NGOs and environmental non-profits, learning where and how I can help on the ground. Serving as Vice President of SPOT allowed me to connect closely with fellow SPOT students, learn about their diverse passions, and help plan and run community events that brought people together beyond studios and classrooms.

Jamie Yau, School of Business, Low Guan Onn Gold Medallist 2023, IMDA Gold Medal recipient

“Joining SPOT has helped me grow leaps and bounds! Through avid mentorship, I have been able to develop positive perspectives towards solving challenges, and core values that guide my decision making through my SP years. Through programmes like the Youth Model ASEAN Conferences (2021 & 2022), I had the opportunity to develop my transferrable skills in leadership and kickstarted my interest to serve communities within Singapore and the region. The most rewarding part of being in SPOT is interacting and being part of a community of like-minded peers."

Ghernie Lorenz Millanes Encinas, School of Computing, Infocomm Security Management Gold Medallist 2024

"Joining SPOT was a game-changer for me as a tech student. It shattered the myth that I should only focus on technical skills. From workshops and conferences to immersive modules and engaging opportunities, I gained leadership and soft skills that supercharged my journey beyond school. SPOT isn't just a programme; it's a launchpad for students to become holistic, impactful leaders. It’s an exhilarating ride that sharpened my all-around potential and expanded my network. To me, my great achievement was not so much about being valedictorian of my cohort but to how human I was along the way."

Wong Guan Min, Media, Arts & Design School, IMDA Gold Medallist 2019, PSC Scholarship 2019

“Participating in the ASEAN Youth Conference 2017 organized by SPOT was transformative for me. The conference provided me valuable exposure to pressing global issues and to engage in meaningful discussions with youth leaders from across the region. Through insightful leadership workshops, I was able to hone my soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. The connections forged with friends and the mentorship provided by teachers have been instrumental in my growth. The guidance and wisdom imparted by mentors have empowered me to navigate challenges with resilience and determination, shaping my journey beyond SPOT.”