I HAD THE opportunity to attend the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between 3 institutions – Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) last Monday.

The signing ceremony was held to recognize the debut of Singapore’s first degree programme for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, offered under the banner of SIT-TCD.

Minister of Health Mr Gan Kim Yong was present to grace the event. Others in attendance included the Irish Ambassador to Singapore Mr Joseph Hayes, TCD President and Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast, SIT President Prof Tan Chin Tiong, and NYP Principal and CEO Mr Chan Lee Mun.

SIT-TCD Occupational Therapy representatives, with Dr May Lim

SIT-TCD-NYP Signing Ceremony
(From left to right: TCD President & Provost Dr Prendergast, Minister of Health Mr Gan, SIT President Prof Tan, Irish Ambassador to Singapore Mr Hayes, and NYP Principal & CEO Mr Chan)

The same sentiment echoed in all the speeches given, in that the programme is a milestone not just in the health professional community… but also in the long history of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries – Singapore and Ireland.

Of course, it was exciting to be able to meet and greet TCD President & Provost Dr Prendergast upclose! A rare opportunity indeed.

The other nerve-wrecking bit was when we got interviewed by the local news. Here is an article featured on The New Paper the following day:

Taken from The New Paper, 30th October 2012 (pg. 11)

Sounds to me like my alter ego speaking there, not me. Nonetheless, it was a good evening spent and am looking forward to the remaining weeks in the SIT-TCD programme leading up to our Dublin trip in January!

Till next time (: