Scholar teachers

Singapore Graduations

Two Singapore secondary school teachers who won scholarships to study at the University of Adelaide have been awarded the top prize for outstanding academic achievement at the University's recent Singapore graduation ceremony.

Theresa Lai and Alvin Tan have both graduated with a Masters of Educational Studies from Ngee Ann-Adelaide Education Centre, earning nine High Distinctions and five Distinctions between them and jointly taking out the Executive Dean's Award for their efforts.

The teachers, who are employed by one of the most innovative schools in Singapore - Ngee Ann Secondary School - have spent the past 12 months studying at Ngee Ann-Adelaide, which has offered programs on behalf of the University of Adelaide for the past 14 years.

Alvin said the Masters program had given him a good insight into what was needed in a quality educational curriculum.

"I have learned the elements of designing a good and innovative curriculum and trying out many new ideas as a teacher," Alvin said.

"The Masters program was very practical and it complemented my work tremendously as an educational researcher."

Theresa said her studies had enabled her to be a more reflective teacher.

"I am now more conscious of the changing profile of my students and adapting to their needs," Theresa said.

"Thanks to the Masters program I am also a more critical and innovative thinker and always looking for new ways of teaching in the classroom to better engage students."

The macebearer for the Singapore graduation ceremony, Bernard How, topped the MBA program at Ngee Ann-Adelaide in 2011, earning three High Distinctions and six Distinctions.

Bernard said he chose to study his MBA at the University of Adelaide because it was one of the most prestigious universities in Australia and numbered among its alumni some of Singapore's most senior government officials and business leaders, including a past President and two deputy Prime Ministers.

"The support I received from the University and Ngee Ann-Adelaide was outstanding," he said.

Story by Candy Gibson