The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC), in collaboration with Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, organized and facilitated the benchmarking visits to TVET institutions in Malaysia and Singapore from August 26 to September 1, 2024. The study visit was designed to provide a comprehensive exchange of best practices among TVET institutions, including the exposure to diploma programs and industry partnerships, which was joined by 15 school administrators and directors from the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco.
On August 27, 2024, the Salesian Sisters visited the Politeknik Port Dickson (PPD), a Platinum-level TVET institution accredited by the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC). PPD Director Hasan Bin Mohd Sharif B.C.M., P.J.K delivered the welcome speech and shared their best practices of PPD in achieving the Platinum status. This was followed by a facility tour in some areas of the PPD campus such as the Centre of Architecture Technology (CaRT) and Hajah Kundur Heritage House; Fundamental Green Energy Lab; and Welding Workshop. PPD also conducted a visit to its industry partner, Anjung Kelana, a retreat house designed by Architect Azman Zainal using reclaimed timbers.
Furthermore, the Salesian Sisters visited the Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Masjid Tanah (KKTM) on the following day, August 28. The study visit in KKTM commenced with the welcome message imparted by Mr. Shabudin Bin Said, KKTM Director. Following this, Mr. Said presented their best practices as an APACC-accredited institution with Platinum level accreditation. KKTM also held a facility tour around their campus wherein the participants were able to see the Moment of Platinum Gallery. The participants have also immersed themselves in some workshops for automotive, polymer composite, plastic, and ceramic.
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East, Singapore facilitates the study visit for the Salesian Sisters
The Salesian Sisters have continued their benchmarking initiatives to some of the renowned TVET institutions in Singapore during the succeeding days. The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East gladly welcomed the delegates upon their visit. Some officers from ITE shared Singapore's Whole-of-Government approach to career and technical education (CTE), and discussed its key driving forces, including the types of training implemented in ITE’s three campuses. ITE also provided a facility tour for the participants as they explored the Logistic Training Center, Landscape Equipment Gallery, and Horticulture Technology Hub.
The Salesian Sisters on their benchmarking activity in Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore
The last stop of the Salesian Sisters was the Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), which they visited on August 30, 2024. NYP provided the participants with thorough knowledge about the quality education and training that their academic schools offer through its diploma courses and common entry programmes. Like other institutions, NYP also shared their best practices as one of the leading TVET polytechnics in Singapore.
With this benchmarking activity, PCD and APACC have achieved their goal for the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco to support them in furthering their strategies and practices in TVET management. The program was officially concluded on September 1, 2024 as the Salesian Sisters returned to the Philippines with gratitude and learnings.
