Speeches

Our new Vision, "Trailblazing a Better World by Design”, resonates deeply with every SUTDian aspirations. We will continue to redefine design, education and research, working closely with industry partners throughout the educational journey to nurture technically grounded leaders who embrace risks to continuously innovate for a better tomorrow.

Some time back, I challenged SUTD to continue to pioneer new ways of teaching and learning. I challenged them to learn from the best across the world so that we can develop new models of teaching and learning that is scalable, affordable, accessible. It sounds simple, but perhaps not so easy to achieve.

We have students whose education levels range from those without degrees to those with post-graduate degrees. About a third are in full-time employment and will be juggling studies and work at the same time. Another third are currently unemployed and will be using this opportunity to upskill themselves...

Don’t be afraid to experiment, and test the boundaries of your ideas, even when it strays from what is expected. This is how the best solutions are found. Build prototypes, test them, iterate, and challenge the status quo. You should expect failure. Embrace it, since it is how we all learn.

We believe this partnership will continue to inspire future generations of design innovators and provide many opportunities to both the SUTD family and the wider community in Singapore to bring ideas out of the academic environment into the real world, into the real economy.

Our world is changing fast. We want to help our people keep pace. But no amount of frontloading can prepare our people for an ever-evolving world. Lifelong learning is not just a good-to-have, but a necessity for us to stay competitive and relevant.

The challenges and issues facing us are complex. But I am confident that SUTD has equipped you with the interdisciplinary skills, knowledge and mindset to navigate and seize opportunities in the future economy.

By working together, despite our differences, we can create holistic solutions to complex world problems. So I hope you stay open and connected, and continue to embrace diversity even as you enter the workforce.

SUTD also plays a key role in ensuring the pipeline of STEM talents for Singapore. They offer a unique curriculum that integrates design thinking within practical projects. Their graduates are highly sought after by employers because of their rich skills in interdisciplinary applications.