Between May 4 and May 8, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) celebrated the graduation of more than 5,500 students. Among those crossing the stage were two standout individuals, Ms Sophia Lai and Ms Victoria Ann Gore Tay, whose academic journeys reflect a blend of personal resilience and strategic goal-setting.
Ms Sophia Lai, recipient of the Tan Kay Yong Gold Medal, navigated a challenging path to academic success. After struggling with burnout and academic difficulties in secondary school, she utilized art and journaling to manage her emotional well-being. Upon enrolling in her diploma program in 2023, she proactively sought campus counselling to address mood swings and sleep issues. Through her final-year project, she engaged the public on autism awareness, a passion she intends to carry forward into a degree in social work at the National University of Singapore.
Ms Victoria Ann Gore Tay, 23, was awarded the Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal, which recognizes the most outstanding graduate formerly from an Institute of Technical Education. Motivated by her mother’s experience as a single parent, Ms Tay balanced her studies with part-time work at Luckin Coffee for three years to achieve financial independence. Her consistent focus on both her studies and her family’s stability earned her a spot on the Director’s Honour Roll for two consecutive years. She now looks toward a future in finance, with plans to major in the field at either the National University of Singapore or Singapore Management University.
Did You Know?
The Tan Kay Yong Gold Medal is awarded specifically to graduates from design or creative courses who rank within the top 5 per cent of their cohort and provide an outstanding portfolio of work.
Expert Insight:
The success of these graduates illustrates a growing trend where academic achievement is increasingly tied to holistic student support and personal agency. By utilizing institutional resources like counselling or developing strict boundaries between employment and study, students are better equipped to handle the stresses of higher education. These personal frameworks are likely to serve these graduates well as they transition into more rigorous university environments and professional roles.
Looking Ahead
As these graduates move into the next phase of their lives, their previous experiences could serve as a blueprint for their future academic careers. For Ms Lai, her background in community engagement through art may provide a unique perspective in social work. Similarly, Ms Tay’s history of managing financial responsibilities while maintaining a high academic standing is likely to inform her approach to her upcoming finance degree. Both graduates face the potential for increased pressure as they transition to university, yet their proven ability to adapt and seek support suggests they are well-positioned to meet these new challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the criteria for the Tan Kay Yong Gold Medal?
It is awarded to a graduate from a design or creative course who ranks within the top 5 per cent of the cohort and showcases an outstanding portfolio of work.
How did Ms Lai manage her mental health during her diploma studies?
Ms Lai recognized her need for support when she experienced lifestyle shifts and mood swings, and she sought assistance through the counseling services provided on the Singapore Polytechnic website.
What was the motivation behind Ms Victoria Ann Gore Tay’s work-study balance?
Ms Tay wanted to ease her mother’s financial burden by not taking pocket money, as her mother had single-handedly raised her and her brother.
How do you think institutions can best support students in balancing their mental well-being with academic rigor?
