At KLC International Institute’s (KLCII) graduation ceremony on 17 August 2024—our first since the pandemic hit in 2020—we, together with family and friends, recognised and celebrated the achievements of more than 300 graduands, coming from our certificate and diploma programmes, as well as the Bachelors of Arts programme offered in collaboration with Beijing Normal University (BNU).

Held at the Singapore Expo, the event was graced by distinguished guests that included:

  • From the Education Department of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China: Mr Han Jun, Minister Counselor, and Ms Shi Hui, Third Secretary;
  • From BNU: Associate Professor Kan Wei, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Associate Professor Fang Wanzhen, Vice Director of the Institute of Early Childhood Education;
  • From Workforce Singapore (WSG): Ms Safrah Eusoof, Director of Healthcare, Social & Business Services Division, and Ms Clara Ong, Senior Manager, Security, Land Transport and Early Childhood; and
  • From Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA): Ms Pamela Goh, Deputy Director
KLCII Graduation

From left to right: Dr Chen Shi, Ms Shi Hui, Mr Han Jun, Ms Kwan Peck Leng,
A/Prof Kan Wei, Dr Chua Ying Hwee, Ms Safrah Eusoof, Mr Robert Leong,
Ms Pamela Goh, Mr Desmond Seah, Ms Clara Ong and Ms Ally Siew

A total of 313 students took to the stage individually to receive their certificates from the academic dignitaries, and have their photographs taken for their personal moment of well-deserved joy and pride to be captured for posterity. Amongst the graduands was the most recent class in BNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Mandarin) programme. About half of the graduands were from KLCII’s professional diploma programmes, and about half were from KLCII’s advanced certificate and higher certificate programmes.

The cumulative number of students who have graduated or received training in certificate courses from KLCII has exceeded 30,000 since KLCII’s founding more than 35 years ago.

KLCII graduands at the graduation ceremony

KLCII graduands at the graduation ceremony

In her Valedictory speech, Ms Wendy Tian Qian, who graduated with the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Mandarin) degree, shared that embarking on the degree programme is an important milestone in her learning journey. Through learning, she has “gained valuable professional knowledge and expanded her horizons.”

Ms Wendy Tian Qian, Valedictorian, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Mandarin)

Ms Wendy Tian Qian, Valedictorian, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Mandarin)

In another Valedictory speech by Ms Lakshmi Thila, who graduated with the WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education – Teaching, shared that her journey was not just about academic achievements, but also about overcoming obstacles, embracing change, growing as an individual, and realising that true success lies in perseverance, empathy, and the willingness to help others.

Ms Lakshmi Thila, Valedictorian, WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education – Teaching

Ms Lakshmi Thila, Valedictorian, WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education – Teaching

In his opening address to the graduands, KLCII’s CEO and Principal, Dr Chua Ying Hwee thanked graduands for their persistence and sacrifices made during the pandemic in joining the early childhood sector and contributing to help keep Singapore’s preschools open through the pandemic, avoiding disruptions to the care and education of our young children.

Dr. Chua, KLCII’s CEO and Principal, delivering the opening speech on stage at the graduation ceremony

Dr. Chua, KLCII’s CEO and Principal, delivering the opening speech on stage at the graduation ceremony

Dr Chua took the opportunity to let the graduands know that KLCII’s support for them in their careers in the early childhood care and education (ECCE) sector does not end at graduation. KLCII is keenly aware of the challenges teachers face as preschools uphold inclusivity and seek to accommodate children presenting a broadening range of needs. In this context, the importance of taking care of the mental, emotional and social well-being of teachers has become more critical and urgent.

Responding to this need, KLCII has launched an initiative, named ‘Every Child, Every Teacher’ (ECET), to equip and support every teacher, that they in turn are able to ensure every child under their care is VALUED (Validated – Affirmed – Loved – Understood – Enabled – Developed to the fullest). The ECET project is a multi-prong initiative that includes continually equipping and developing teachers professionally to sustainably implement inclusive practices in their classrooms, as well as caring for the overall well-being of teachers. To the latter end, KLCII has set up the capability to offer counselling services to our students as well as our graduates who are working in the ECCE sector.

Dr. Chua welcomed the graduating classes to avail themselves of these services, and also to participate in KLCII’s Student Collaborative Excellence Group (SCEG) activities, that promote emotional well-being through social activities involving students, staff and alumni.

If you are a graduate of KLCII and are interested to:
1) Join our ECET mailing list, please click here.
2) Learn more about our counselling services, please click here.
3) Be a part of the SCEG activities, please click here.