Detail

A dataset of 562 courses offered by Singapore’s five polytechnics from 1958 to 2025 compiled by The Straits Times highlights that polytechnic diploma programmes in Singapore are highly dynamic and often relatively short-lived, with most being offered to new students for a median of about eight years before they are renamed, merged or discontinued — meaning many do not last more than a decade. This reflects the industry-focused nature of polytechnic education, which adapts courses to changing manpower needs and job market trends. Leaders from the polytechnics themselves emphasised this responsiveness: TP’s Senior Director Mr Albert Yeo explained that demographic trends and students’ desire for flexibility have led to the consolidation of specialised diplomas into broader programmes to better meet labour market needs. NYP’s Deputy Principal Ms Esther Ho noted that the school uses sector roadmapping to adjust offerings, such as introducing a diploma in biomedical science with analytics and an AI and business digitalisation specialisation to respond to industry demand. RP’s Senior Director of Industry Services Mr Soh Lai Seng highlighted that changes to programmes often align with government strategy and anticipated sector growth — for example, renaming environmental science to environmental and marine science after sustainability-related job projections. SP alumnus and regional managing director of Grundfos, Mr Eric Lai, credits his coursework for giving him the building blocks for a lasting career. Some long-running courses have also endured for decades across the five institutions — NP’s Mechanical Engineering and Business Diplomas, TP’s Interior Architecture and Design, SP’s Nautical Studies, and NYP’s Nursing Programme — showing that while many courses evolve, others remain relevant over time.

[The Straits Times]