Crestar Education Group’s adult professional education division KLC International Institute (KLCII) held a significant graduation ceremony on 17 August 2024. Together with their families and friends, 313 graduands were recognised for their achievements.

The graduates were students from certificate and diploma programmes, as well as the Bachelor of Arts programme offered by KLCII, in collaboration with Beijing Normal University (BNU).

The event, held at the Singapore Expo, was graced by distinguished guests, including:

  • 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
  • From Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA): Ms Pamela Goh, Deputy Director

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

Each graduand took the stage to receive their certificates from the academic dignitaries, capturing a moment of well-deserved joy and pride for posterity.

Amongst the graduands was the most recent class from BNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Mandarin) programme.  About half of the graduands were from KLCII’s professional diploma programmes, while the other half came from KLCII’s advanced certificate and higher certificate programmes.

Since its founding over 35 years ago, KLCII has seen more than 30,000 students graduate or receive training in certificate courses.

KLCII graduands at the graduation ceremony

In her valedictory speech, Ms Wendy Tian Qian, who graduated from the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Mandarin), shared that embarking on the degree programme marked an important milestone in her learning journey. She expressed how the course at KLCII had equipped her with valuable professional knowledge and broadened her horizons.

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

In another Valedictory speech, Ms Lakshmi Thila, who graduated from the WSQ Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education – Teaching programme, emphasized that her journey was not solely about academic achievements. She spoke about overcoming obstacles, embracing change, personal growing, and realising that true success involves perseverance, empathy, and the willingness to help others.

Dr Chua giving the opening speech on stage

In his opening address, CEO and Principal of KLCII, Dr. Chua Ying Hwee reassured the graduands that KLCII’s support for them in their careers in the early childhood care and education (ECCE) sector continues beyond graduation. KLCII recognises the challenges teachers face in maintaining inclusivity and meeting the diverse needs of children. Therefore, caring for the mental, emotional and social well-being of teachers has become increasingly critical and urgent.

Responding to this need, KLCII has launched the ‘Every Child, Every Teacher’ (ECET) initiative. It aims to equip and support every teacher, enabling them to ensure every child under their care is VALUED (Validated – Affirmed – Loved – Understood – Enabled – Developed) to the fullest. The ECET project includes ongoing professional development for teachers to implement inclusive practices effectively and to promote their overall well-being. KLCII has also established counselling services to students and graduates working in the ECCE sector.

Dr. Chua encouraged the graduating classes to utilize these services and to participate in KLCII’s Student Collaborative Excellence Group (SCEG) activities, which promote emotional well-being through social interactions amongst 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) Participate in SCEG activities, please click here.