Those living in Singapore will be familiar with the fact that we’re all competing in a rat race. We need to do our PSLE, followed by O levels before getting our diploma or degrees, an internship and finally a job ASAP.
Any other alternative would be detrimental to our life’s timeline, unless you fancy disapproving stares or tuts from relatives during Chinese New Year.
Oh don’t forget about the marriage and then the child you have to pop out before your ‘expiry date’.
Life in Singapore has a timeline you’re expected to follow, so it’s not very often that you see someone who’s quite a bit older than others in the classroom.
However, with Singapore pushing for lifelong learning, this sight is becoming increasingly common.
She’s 50 Years Old And She’s Studying For Her Engineering Diploma At SP
Ms Zoey Moh Kah Ling, 50, joined her husband’s electrical engineering company four years ago.
Her new job and position encouraged her to pick up new knowledge through Singapore Polytechnic’s diploma in engineering.
However, there are a couple of reasons why this occurrence isn’t common. It’s understandably difficult to go back to school after many years to start studying again.
Ms Moh admitted that returning to school was harder than she thought it would be.
Ms Moh told TNP “I could not pick up things as fast as I could back then. It takes me a while to form a connection, I had to always re-read things two to three times before I could understand.”
But let’s address the elephant in the room. A lot of people will think that it’s embarrassing to be the oldest in the classroom.
Ms Moh, who has three children said that it was intimidating for her.. at first.
“Most of my classmates are in their 20s and 30s. But instead of leaving me behind, they were always there to help. I am thankful I was in such an encouraging environment,” said Ms Moh.
Not Her First Rodeo
But if you think that this is her first diploma, think again. Ms Moh already has three diplomas and a degree to her name.
The reason she decided to take on the diploma was because it would give her an opportunity to apply for the electrical worker license from the Energy Market Authority.
She needs this license to carry out electrical work for a project.
All the stars aligned when she found out that the course duration had decreased from five to three years.
If you’re interested in continuing your education, Singapore Polytechnic is holding an open house targeted at parents and working professionals, which is happening now till Saturday, 11 January 2020.
Ms Moh said, “I didn’t want to sit around playing mahjong like my friends. Going back to school for me was a way to be young and active.”
