Speech by Dr Eric Kuan, MDIS President at the MDIS – Leeds Beckett University Graduation CeremonySpeeches

Good Morning,

Guest-of-Honour, Mr Darren Brunton, Chairman of the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health, Singapore

Dr R Theyvendran, Secretary-General, Management Development Institute of Singapore,

Dr Duncan Sharp, Dean of School for School of Clinical & Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University

Mr Tim Briggs, Course Director for School of Clinical & Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University

Members of MDIS Governing Council,

Faculty Members of Leeds Beckett University,

Distinguished Guests,

Parents,

Graduands,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Opening remarks
1  Welcome to the 2nd MDIS and Leeds Beckett University graduation ceremony. Today, we celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of 91 graduands, of whom nine of them have attained First Class Honours. To all our graduands, I’m proud of your achievements and I extend my heartiest congratulations to you!

2  During your academic journey, you have drawn support from your family and loved ones. I also wish to convey my gratitude to lecturers. Your lecturers have been dedicated in guiding you through the academic journey. Graduands, please rise and give your family and lecturers a big round of applause. Please be seated.

MDIS - LBU Partnership
3  The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Safety, Health and Environmental Management qualification you have received from the Leeds Beckett University through its strategic partnership with MDIS is one of high academic standing and international repute. The renowned university boasts a 200-year-old history and is one of UK’s most popular institutions for tertiary education. The knowledge and skills you have acquired through the programme is well recognised by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower and accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. In the MDIS graduate survey, it was reported that 73.5% of our graduates have found jobs within six months after graduation.

4  This academic outcome has shown that the continuous improvements of our academic and business standards have fostered our delivery of quality programmes that help enhance our graduates’ employability. It has also helped us to gain recognition in the education industry. In November last year, we received the Singapore Prestige Brand Award 2018, lauded as one of four and the overall winner in the Heritage Brands category. This accolade is a testament of MDIS as a trusted brand that continues to provide quality education, locally and internationally.

Staying Relevant
5  Graduands, the quality education you have acquired at MDIS is your stepping stone to a successful career. In a time where companies are increasingly aware of occupational hazards and safety parameters, your careers as health and safety professionals will bring about transformations to the current work processes. The workplace of today is constantly evolving and you may face real-life situations that challenge what you have learnt during your academic study. Be prepared to go beyond knowledge that you have acquired to stay relevant to the contemporary challenges in the companies that you will work for.

6  You are guardians at work; and I can’t emphasise enough how crucial your work is. By your knowledge and skills, you ensure the safety and health of co-workers to maintain peak productivity levels and ensure that they go back to their families safely at the end of the day. Have confidence that you can make positive changes and improvements towards the benefit of our economy and society.

7  As you progress and advance in your career, do keep yourself abreast of industry developments because the world is changing rapidly. Embrace lifelong learning and stay connected with your alma mater, the Leeds Beckett University and MDIS with which you will be the alumni.

Conclusion
8  Continue to network with your peers and teaching faculty to tap on the opportunities for professional growth.

9  Once again, I congratulate all of you on your achievements and I wish you every success in your future endeavours.

Thank you.