Edusave Skills Award 2025: From Core Skills to Lifelong Growth

Collecting a most meaningful Edusave-Skills award from MP Foo Cexiang

I am grateful and humbled to have received the Edusave Skills Award today (29 November 2025) from MP Foo Ce Xiang, recognising my development in the 10 LifeSkills competencies alongside good conduct throughout my polytechnic journey. This award not only marks a milestone but also reaffirms my commitment to continuous improvement, lifelong learning, and community service.

Looking back to my early reflections on Critical Core Skills back in 2022, I see how those foundational abilities have matured through hands-on projects and leadership experiences. Leading initiatives such as the NEA YES Leaders’ Beyond the Flush! hygiene project, which targeted improvements in public sanitation, and spearheading the LTA Car-lite Movement as the only team to complete it among 10, challenged me to innovate, persevere, and take responsibility not just for outcomes but also for positively impacting the community. 

I am thankful for the many learning opportunities provided by SP, that has allowed me to practice and deepen these essential skills. From collaboration with transnational peers in the Youth Model ASEAN (2025) Conference, to engaging audiences as an SP Comperes emcee, and honing my soft skills and digital communication strategies during my internship at the UAE Singapore Business Council. Each experience has strengthened my resolve to apply digital media creatively towards solving problems, improving communication and supporting sustainability causes, with a global, ethical lens. 

This award inspires me to nurture curiosity, resilience, and empathy further. I look forward to continue building upon these competencies and applying them in public service and sustainability initiatives. Grateful to mentors from SP MAD and UAESBC for their guidance and support throughout my learning journey, and of course my parents for their constant love and morale support. I am excited for the many new adventures ahead as I ready myself for National Service and undergraduate studies.

Chia Howie

29 November 2025

TLDR Back in 2022, I wrote about core skills. Three years on, delighted to receive the Edusave Skills Award for LifeSkills excellence, thanks to experiences like NEA Beyond the Flush!, LTA Car-lite leadership, YMAC, UAESBC internship, and support from SP mentors. Excited for NS, uni, and a career in sustainability/public service.