By Lin Zhaowei, The Straits Times, 31 May 2012
FOR the first time in his life, contractor Lam Mui Ben put on a graduation gown.
The 48-year-old graduate of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) was attending the school's graduation ceremony, held yesterday at the National University of Singapore's University Cultural Centre hall.
The black-coloured gowns, with red and gold collar stripes, were introduced for the first time this year.
All 11,807 students who graduated this year wore them at their graduation events.
Mr Lam, who runs his own interior renovation company, said wearing a graduation gown made the event a better experience.
'Wearing a gown makes me feel even more satisfied with my graduation,' he said.
The gowns were introduced by the ITE to recognise the students' successful completion of their courses, and to instil pride in them, said a spokesman.
Mr Bruce Poh, director and chief executive of ITE, said he could see that students felt more proud wearing the new gown, which was designed by lecturers from the ITE design school.
Mr Bruce Poh, director and chief executive of ITE, said he could see that students felt more proud wearing the new gown, which was designed by lecturers from the ITE design school.
Having a uniform gown also added to the prestige and atmosphere of the graduation ceremonies, he said.
Previously, the dress code for graduates was business attire: for men, a long-sleeve shirt, tie, and trousers; for women, a blouse and skirt, or dark dress pants.
At yesterday's ceremony, more than 600 graduates from three ITE colleges - East, West and Central - received certificates of merit for academic excellence.
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, who was the guest of honour, said the ITE has proven that a practice-based education works well for students who learn better by using their hands, and cited the high employment rate among its graduates. He also noted that the ITE has been rated highly by international organisations.
Last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) described the ITE as 'perhaps the best in the world' in vocational and technical education.
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