TVEC Sri Lanka’s leadership visited ITE Singapore to study its education model, aiming to enhance vocational training and employability in Sri Lanka
Singapore, 22 November 2024 – The Director General of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) of Sri Lanka, accompanied by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, visited the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in Singapore on 8th November 2024. The visit aimed to gain insights into Singapore’s technical education framework and explore opportunities for collaboration to strengthen Sri Lanka’s vocational training sector.
During the visit, Mr. Chong Leong Fatt, Deputy Principal of ITE College Central, presented the institution’s “One ITE System, Three Colleges” Governance and Education Model. He highlighted ITE’s robust industry partnerships, which ensure that its curriculum aligns with evolving labour market demands. This alignment equips students with market-relevant skills, enhancing their employability. Mr. Chong also shared details about ITE Education Services (ITEES), which provides consultancy and training to 30 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake emphasised the potential benefits for Sri Lanka in adopting a market-oriented vocational training system similar to Singapore’s. Such a framework could enhance student outcomes, align workforce skills with industry needs, and improve job placement rates.
Dr. Lalithadheera, Director General of TVEC, engaged in an interactive session comparing the vocational education systems of Sri Lanka and Singapore. Discussions focused on diversifying educational pathways, expanding course offerings, and adopting best practices to strengthen Sri Lanka’s TVET sector. The delegation also explored the possibility of formalising a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TVEC and ITE.
The visit concluded with a campus tour of ITE College Central, where the Sri Lankan delegation explored facilities such as the IoT Experiential Centre, Retail Training Centre, and Precision Engineering Hub. These state-of-the-art labs provide students with hands-on learning experiences and exposure to real-world applications.
The visit marked a significant step towards enhancing Sri Lanka’s vocational education system through collaboration with global leaders in technical education.
