Background

The idea of establishing a polytechnic in Singapore was first proposed in August 1951 by the Technical Association of Malaya's Singapore branch (now known as Technological Association Malaysia).^[4] An ad-hoc committee, chaired by educationist Thio Chan Bee, petitioned the government in 1952 for the creation of a fully-equipped polytechnic to address the shortage of skilled workers.^[5][6]

In January 1953, then-Governor Sir John F. Nicoll appointed a committee to investigate the feasibility of the polytechnic. This committee was tasked with determining the curriculum, estimating costs and equipment needs, and evaluating the institution's integration into Singapore's existing education system.^[7]

Committee report and findings

The 13-member committee, chaired by Professor E. H. G. Dobby from the University of Malaya, submitted the Dobby Report to the government on 17 September 1953.^[8][9] This report defined a polytechnic as an institution offering part-time technical and professional training primarily for employed individuals, with potential for full-time programs.^[10]

The report highlighted the need for a polytechnic to equip local workers with modern skills, prepare them for managerial roles, and establish a centralized training system. However, concerns about high costs and Singapore's small population were noted.^[10]

Two surveys were conducted to assess training needs. Based on the findings, the committee recommended a polytechnic for at least 2,000 part-time students, with an annual capacity for 500 full-time students.^[11] Proposed departments included Commerce, Engineering, Management, Architecture and the Applied Arts, and Vocation Training in Language and Science, with English as the medium of instruction.^[10]

Establishment

Based on the reccomendations of the Dobby Report, the Singapore Polytechnic Report was presented on 10 May 1954 to the governement of Singapore by A. W. Gibson, then-principal of Dudley and Staffordshire Technical College (now known as Dudley College).^[9][12]

The Singapore Polytechnic Report recommended seven departments for the polytechnic, prioritising General Education, Commerce, Management Studies, Engineering, and Architecture and Building. Secondary priorities included the Applied Arts and a Women's Department for domestic science. Gibson emphasised initial training for craftsmen and technicians before expanding to advanced subjects. He also suggested locating the polytechnic at Shenton Circus for optimal accessibility.^[13]

On 27 October 1954, the Singapore Polytechnic Act was passed,^[14] and the first Board of Governors was appointed in January 1955.^[15] Construction of the $5.2 million 10-acre campus at Prince Edward Road,^[13] off Shenton Way, commenced in April 1957, while classes continued to be held at the Tanjong Katong Technical School, Belvedere School, and Connell House at Anson Road.^[16][17]

The campus was officially opened by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on 24 February 1959, with the then-Governor, Sir William Goode, and the then-Chief Minister, Tun Lim Yew Hock.^[9][18] By then, over 2,800 students were enrolled across 58 courses in 5 departments: Engineering, Building and Architecture, Science and Technology, General Education, and Commerce.^[9]

Other facilities

• The alumni clubhouse, Singapore Polytechnic Graduates Guild (SPGG), located next to the campus, and has a bowling alley, swimming pool, pool room, a gym and a restaurant.^[19]
• Two libraries: the Main Library and Hilltop Library. The Main Library houses the first Makerspace in a Singapore library.^[20]
• AeroHub: A four-storey building that houses an aircraft hangar, laboratories and a Research & Development centre. There are currently four aircraft in the hangar: Hawker HS 125-700A, King Air B90, A4SU Super Skyhawk and Bell UH-1H.^[21]

Singapore Polytechnic Outstanding Talent (SPOT) Programme

SPOT is a talent development and enrichment programme. All recipients of the SP Scholarship will automatically be placed under this programme. Other eligible students will be invited to join SPOT based on their academic results or lecturers' recommendation.

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE)

EAE is an admissions exercise that allows students to apply and receive conditional offers for admission to polytechnic based on their aptitudes and interests before taking their O-Level exams, or after completing their NITEC or Higher NITEC course at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This exercise replaced the Direct Polytechnic Admissions (DPA) and Joint Admission Exercise (JAE).

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

PFP is an admissions exercise that allows the top 10% of Normal Academic (NA) students to apply to a polytechnic without going through O-Level. PFP students will go through a one-year course, teaching them the foundations of subjects that will be needed in their diploma year. If the student passes PFP, they will move onto their diploma courses. Additional scholarships and awards are available to those who do well in their foundation year.^[23]

Academia

• Shih Choon Fong, college administrator
• Chai Keong Toh, computer scientist, engineer and professor
• Tan Chin Liong Lecturer of the Electronics and Communication Engineering department

Entertainment

• Tanya Chua, singer
• Cliff Tan, architect, Feng shui practitioner and influencer
• Taufik Batisah, singer and Singapore Idol winner
• Kelly Poon, singer
• Shigga Shay, Hip hop artist and songwriter
• Jarrell Huang, singer and SPOP Sing! winner
• Ivy Lee, actress and host

Politics and Public Service

• Cedric Foo, Minister of State for Defence (2002–2005), Minister of State for National Development (2004–2005), and Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC (2001–2011), and Pioneer SMC (2011–2020)
• Liang Eng Hwa, Member of Parliament for Bukit Panjang SMC (2020–present), and Holland–Bukit Timah GRC (2006–2020)
• Faisal Manap, Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC (2011–present)
• Png Eng Huat, Member of Parliament for Hougang SMC (2012–2020)