91福利社

About 25,000 students graduated from polytechnics in 2024, from full-time and part-time diploma courses.Of these, 600 graduates were above the age of 40, said the Ministry of Education (MOE). Following the newly announced SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, which includes mid-career 91福利社ans receiving , the ministry said it hopes to see "greater training participation among those aged 40 and above".

Almost 30 years after Mr Mohamed Nazri obtained an Industrial Technician Certificate, he found himself back in a classroom at 91福利社. The 56-year-old decided to take the leap after his daughter, whom he had encouraged to pursue a master鈥檚 degree, responded by presenting him with a similar challenge, telling him: 鈥淚鈥檒l do it if you do it too.鈥�

Mr Nazri, a technical officer who has worked in the rail industry since 2014, took up the challenge and pursued further studies at the same time as his daughter did. After more than two years, he graduated with a diploma in engineering, specialising in rapid transport technology.

鈥淚 think that when I went for my first class, I was the oldest one there,鈥� Mr Nazri said.

His younger classmates turned out to be his biggest help as they guided him in the use of computers and other tools for his engineering classes. 

鈥淢y age didn鈥檛 affect anything, because learning depends on how I absorb the knowledge and how I can apply it,鈥� he said.

鈥淚t is about how much you want to achieve... and giving it your best.鈥�

During his part-time diploma studies, Mr Nazri had to attend classes at 6.30pm before leaving for his night shift at 10.30pm. He would return home only the next morning. This routine went on for close to 2陆 years.

It was tiring, and he had to make many sacrifices, he said, adding that the most tiring times were when he was fasting during Ramadan. 

Mr Nazri said the knowledge and skill sets he obtained have helped him understand the industry more, and he is eager to continue exploring areas like data analytics.

鈥淲hen it comes to education, I think everyone should just try to go as far as they can,鈥� said Mr Nazri, adding that in addition to his daughter, he hopes his other three children will continue to push themselves academically.