Author: KC Yeoh, CEO, Temus
Hi everyone!
Good afternoon to all of you. I would like to acknowledge Russell, Chairman IMDA and Henry, Deputy CE, Govtech. Welcome to our guests from industry, colleagues, and, most importantly, our Step IT Up graduates and their loved ones. I’m very pleased to be here today to celebrate the achievements of our latest cohort from the Step IT Up programme. Today is not just a culmination of your hard work over the past few months; it is the beginning of your transformative journey in the tech industry.
Thank you Russell for accepting our invitation to be the guest of honour for our graduation event. This is his first external event as IMDA’s Chairman. I texted Russell during his driving holiday in Namibia asking him whether he would agree to do this and he readily accepted as I hoped he would. Russell is not just a friend and colleague at Temasek, but also someone who has been passionate about building a strong talent pool and capabilities in Singapore throughout his career.
When we launched Step IT Up with IMDA’s support over a year ago, our vision was clear: to create a pathway for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to transition into high-demand tech roles. Seeing all of you here today, I am proud to say that this vision is being realized more vividly with each graduating class. We call our graduates, Temus Transformers, for the impact they will make in their new roles and their courage in making a significant career change.
We are very happy to have attracted candidates from a diverse array of occupations, enriching our program with their unique perspectives and backgrounds. We have had a Chef, a tutor, offshore research engineer, optometrist, news editor and a professional musician in past batches. This current batch is no different. We welcomed individuals transitioning from various fields, including marketing, physiotherapy, education, supply chain management and an individual who returned to the workforce after dedicating time as a stay-at-home parent. Each of your stories is a testament to the inclusive and transformative nature of the Step IT Up program, which opens new career avenues across the tech sector through re-skilling and re-learning.
I want to talk about the remarkable journeys that epitomize what this program is all about.
In our first two batches, we trained our Transformers in .NET and low-code development. These skills are crucial for today’s tech landscape, and it’s inspiring to see our graduates now actively deployed across various industries. Their work spans a range of projects, demonstrating the versatility and direct applicability of the training they received.
These include developing solutions such as a groundbreaking environmental intelligence platform, a digital marketplace to connect niche communities, and integrated user-friendly technical management support systems. Our Transformers work in cross-functional teams, integrating technology with human-centred design, AI, data engineering, and visualization.
I would like to highlight two “firsts” for this cohort. It marks the first time we’ve collaborated with a client partner, GovTech, to train career converters specifically tailored for their new roles in technology as Digital Business Analysts. This collaboration not only enhances the relevance of our training but also strengthens the bridge between education and real-world applications. I hope that more companies to join us in this initiative. Engage with our graduates, participate as training partners, and let’s collaboratively pave the way for more success stories.
Secondly, while past batches have always had high graduation rates, typically in the 90+%, this is the first time that we have had 100% graduation. At the start of the training, our Step IT Up coach and emcee, Melody, told me that she believed everyone would successfully pass. Some of the trainees may have had your doubts, particularly during the most difficult points of the programme but I am so proud that you proved Melody right. All of you made it. Well done and congratulations!
To our newly minted Transformers, I ask you to remember today as the day you stepped up, ready to transform the world with your skills and insights. Keep pushing boundaries, keep learning, and keep leading. Congratulations once again on your remarkable achievements. We are all incredibly proud of you and cannot wait to see where your new skills will take you.
Thank you.
