The future is green: Top ITE student aspires to open his own aquaponics farm

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

Damien Loo Yi Heng
Nitec in Electronics, Computer Networking and Communications @ ITE College Central
Recipient of Tay Eng Soon Gold Medal

Nurturing Dreams, Cultivating Success

Damien has two areas of interest – aquaculture and hydroponics. These shaped his dream of setting up his own aquaponics farm, where fish and plants are grown together.

Damien enrolled in ITE’s Nitec in Electronics, Computer Networking and Communications course, as he believed it would equip him with relevant skills to implement useful technologies for his future farming business.

His interest in plants led him to join ITE College Central’s Greenery Club, where he rose to become its Vice President.

Motivated by a desire to constantly improve himself and realise his dream, Damien excelled in his studies at ITE.

He also actively participated in numerous competitions and leadership programmes to better himself.

Personal Breakthroughs

“When I entered ITE, I had the goal of achieving my potential. I am thankful to ITE for helping me to realise this goal. My lecturers gave me many opportunities to participate in various competitions and professional development programmes. I grew and learned a lot from these experiences. They helped to boost my confidence and hone my presentation skills, which are very important for professional success. I never had such opportunities before joining ITE.”

After ITE

Damien is pursuing a Diploma in Landscape Design & Horticulture at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Top Achievements

• Recognised for his all-round excellence, Damien won the 2022 Lee Kuan Yew Model Student Award. He graduated with a perfect Grade Point Average of 4.0 and was in the Director’s List for all terms from 2020 to 2021.

• Damien led his classmates to clinch the Diamond Award in the 2021 Community in Bloom Awards, a competition by the National Parks Board which recognises excellence in gardening efforts by community groups.