ITE student gets perfect 4.0 GPA while juggling volunteer work and being orchestra president

This article was contributed by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Pau Yee Song
Higher Nitec in Leisure & Travel Operations @ ITE College West
Recipient of the Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal 2020 

Setbacks are Setups for Success

Despite scoring an impressive nine points for his GCE Normal Academic examination, Pau Yee Song did not qualify for the Polytechnic Foundation Programme, since he did not meet the other critical criteria. Naturally, he was at a loss on his next step.

However, his disappointment quickly transformed into joy as he learned of many interesting courses offered by ITE. Finding inspiration from a post-examination holiday he planned for his classmates to Australia, he decided to enroll in the Higher Nitec in Leisure & Travel Operations at ITE College West.

Yee Song found the initial transition from secondary school to a post-secondary institution overwhelming. He felt he had to hit the road running in an unfamiliar environment, with a different hands-on style of learning, with new peers and teachers.

Through perseverance and dedication, he aced his studies and excelled in CCA, as the President of the West Symphonia orchestra. Yee Song is grateful for the exposure and support he received from ITE, in balancing his academic pursuits with the orchestra’s hectic performances and practice schedule.

Opening New Doors

Yee Song shared: “The amazing thing is sometimes setbacks set you up for something better. My life may not have been what I envisioned it to be, but I ended up exactly where I am meant to be.

"My time at ITE has been an eye-opener - I entered as a scared and unsure teenager, but I leave as an inspired and confident youth.

"The experiences, skills and knowledge I have gained in the past two years are strong foundations that I will continue to build upon. It was worth everything for me!”

After ITE

Yee Song is currently pursuing a Diploma in Tourism and Resort Management at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. After serving National Service, he plans to pursue a Degree in Business Studies at a local university.

Yee Song aspires to work at Changi Airport as a Changi Experience Ambassador.

Top Achievements

  • Yee Song had consecutively made it to the Director’s List throughout his course. He scored a perfect 4.0 GPA. He was also awarded the Service Star Award (Gold) in 2019.
  • He led a team representing the Leisure and Travel Operations department to compete at the Singapore MICE Challenge 2019, a nationwide challenge for all tertiary students.
  • Yee Song still managed to find time to volunteer for community outreach programmes and grassroots activities, such as the FoodNotes 2018 at Bukit Panjang where he distributed flyers and collected food donations from residents for charity; and bringing cheer to residents of the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital through student performances and fun activities.
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