We are developing tomorrow’s leaders with Singapore Polytechnic
Together with Singapore Polytechnic (SP)- the first technology and engineering institute in Singapore established in 1954- we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) enhancing collaboration and cultivating strong ties to help prepare and grow tomorrow’s leaders in the chemical industry.
Nurturing future leaders
We are working together to encourage students to take internships at various Solvay labs (Home and Personal Care, Coatings and Analytical labs). The average number of SP students who take internships at Solvay is about four to six students per year.
The collaboration goes both ways, with SP providing us access to advanced and innovative equipment, helping to support the Group’s Research & Innovation (R&I) activities in Singapore.
Furthermore, SP’s lecturers work closely together with our scientists and researchers permitting valuable information exchanges, which SP lecturers use to update their syllabus to better prepare students for the job market.
Building bridges
“SP’s lecturers are allowed to come to our Singapore laboratory to observe how their students are doing during their internship. They also work closely with our scientists to have a better understanding of our projects. Each intern has a supervisor and gets hands-on experience in the lab. Students are able to apply the theories they learn in school, and gain practical and valuable experience,” explains Chee Fei Chin, Senior Research Scientist, Solvay Singapore.
“Building alliances with technical schools/universities allows Solvay to expand its network and create a bridge to tap into a huge pool of talents and resources previously inaccessible. This allows Solvay to increase innovation output and capabilities while managing its costs,” says Zhihua Zhang, Regional Laboratory Manager.
What Singapore Polytechnic students have to say
“The opportunity to intern under Solvay’s experienced staff has allowed me to gain various insights, significantly sharpen my critical analytical skills, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the industry,” says Grace Charlotte Lui, SP, student in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science.
“At Solvay, I learnt that creativity is not limited by your mind. You can try out any possibility,” expresses Jie Qi Wu, SP, student in Perfumery and Cosmetic Science.
Solvay’s mentorship and guidance
“It is very encouraging to witness Solvay’s strategic partnership with SP strengthen. For many years, Solvay has been training our students in Applied Chemistry, Perfumery and Cosmetic Science through internships. Interns get the chance to work in state-of-the-art laboratories in Biopolis and are given opportunities to dig in to real industry projects.
“SP values the mentorship and guidance from our highly experienced researchers and mentors. We are equally grateful for the opportunities that Solvay has provided us with to build staff capabilities. In 2018, Solvay’s chemical plant in Jurong Island opened its door for our students to visit as part of their learning journey. This was really an eye opener for our students as they had never stepped in to a real chemical plant before,” explains Meilianty Gunawan, SP’s Liaison Officer for Solvay.
