Tan Hock Yang - LKY Award for Math and Science
“In the past, I just wanted to graduate with a diploma,” says RP School of Engineering graduate Tan Hock Yang. “Now that I've received the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science, I feel my hard work has paid off.” 🏆
Inspired by his older brother's career in aerospace engineering, Hock Yang set out on the same path at another polytechnic. But life had other plans. After being withdrawn due to poor grades, he enlisted for NS — a period he used to reflect and rethink his future. Through that self-discovery, he came across RP's hands-on approach to learning and found his calling in logistics, which led him to enrol in the Diploma in Supply Chain Management. 🎯
The transformation was remarkable. The quiet student who once kept to himself grew into a leader, guiding his team to victory at the Supply Chain Challenge++ 2024. From struggling academically to earning module prizes and scholarships, his turning point was simple — stepping out of his comfort zone by joining competitions, participating more in class, and not being afraid to ask questions. 💪
“RP taught me to take risks, explore more opportunities, and be more adventurous,” says the Junyuan Secondary School alumnus. “This award motivates me to keep improving myself and never give up.” 🌟
After graduation, Hock Yang will pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (Infrastructure and Project Management) at the National University of Singapore, specialising in sustainable green buildings. Congratulations on your achievements, Hock Yang — your journey is a true inspiration! 👏
⬅️ Swipe to read more about Hock Yang’s inspiring story.
🔗 Learn more about RP’s extraordinary award winners at www.rp.edu.sg/graduation/our-graduates/award-winners/.
Reflecting on Tan Hock Yang's inspiring story, it's clear that resilience and embracing new challenges can dramatically change one's academic and professional path. Facing failure at a previous polytechnic and being withdrawn due to poor grades, Tan used his National Service period as a time to reassess and discover what truly motivated him. This self-reflection is crucial for anyone feeling lost or disappointed by setbacks. Transitioning to Republic Polytechnic, Tan found that a hands-on learning approach suited him better, especially in the field of logistics and supply chain management. This highlights how educational environments that encourage active participation and practical experience can ignite passion and improve performance. By stepping out of his comfort zone—joining competitions like the Supply Chain Challenge++ 2024, engaging more in class, and seeking help when needed—Tan demonstrated how initiative leads to growth. Moreover, his leadership in winning a major competition and earning scholarships shows how extracurricular involvement complements academic work, building skills that employers value. His internship experience at DIC Asia Pacific also gave him real-world insights into logistics optimization, emphasizing the importance of applying classroom knowledge practically. Tan's decision to continue his studies at the National University of Singapore in Infrastructure and Project Management with a focus on sustainable green buildings further exemplifies his commitment to growth and adapting his skills to future industry needs. His journey underscores the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and openness to new opportunities for students and professionals alike. For those struggling academically or uncertain about their paths, Tan’s experience is a reminder that setbacks can be stepping stones. Exploring different interests, embracing hands-on learning, and taking part in competitions or internships can uncover hidden talents and lead to unexpected successes. Above all, resilience remains key—failure is not the end but an opportunity to rethink, adapt, and excel.
