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| Stints
at DSTA and Shell |
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| Mr
Thomas Low from Radin Mas Primary
School had always wanted to know how private organisations and statutory boards
go about their business. So when the Teacher Work
Attachment scheme was launched, he was the first
in his school to sign up. |
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He was attached to the
Defence Science and Technology Agency’s (DSTA) Plans Department for five days.
During his attachment, he learnt how Knowledge Management
(KM) can enhance an organisation’s competitiveness.
When the new school term started, he eagerly applied
what he had learnt to his work.
He said, “I have since incorporated two KM initiatives into my teaching
methodology. Firstly, I tried to build a culture of sharing and collaboration
by getting my students to post resources online so that everyone can access the
materials from home as long as he/she has a computer and Internet connection.
“I also introduced a tea session during which my pupils and I discuss current
affairs over food, drink and classical music. It is very much like a working
high-tea session.”
Sharing how the attachment experience had impacted him on a personal level, he
said, “Now I tend to look at things from a broader perspective. When faced
with a problem, I would look at it from multiple angles. The experience has developed
my critical thinking skills to a large extent.”
Mr Yap Wai Meng, an Anderson Junior College teacher, also had many positive things
to say about his experience. He had wanted to learn about operations in
a multinational corporation and was attached to Shell’s Human Resource
Department for a week.
During his stint, he gained insights into how the company goes about recruiting
staff. He noted that when assessing candidates, the company paid much attention
to each candidate’s accomplishments, traits and abilities beyond what their
academic track record might state.
He actively shares what he observed with his students. “I talk to students
every now and then about working life and what they are going to do after their ‘A’ levels,” he
said. “I try to point out that although academic performance is important,
it is also important to lead a balanced life with CCA involvement and other experiences
that may be invaluable one day in the working world.”
Mr Yap has also incorporated a case study on Shell in his geography lessons. |
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| Next: BCA
officers taste life in the private sector |
