“After completing my Masters in Public Administration in 2019, I was supposed to have my commencement in 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this didn’t happen. So the next best thing was by way of a virtual ceremony held yesterday.

This is a huge achievement for me, coming from the Normal (Technical) stream and the ITE. I had originally set my sights on only getting a bachelor’s degree. Somehow, thanks to the FB algorithm, I was prompted to sign up for a tea session, to find out more about the programmes offered at LKYSPP. Given my background, I didn’t think I’d be offered a place.

After receiving much support from my mother, and a few friends, I sent in the application. There were a few naysayers who were discouraging, for reasons I don’t wish to elaborate. However, I’m glad I didn’t listen to them. I am thankful to my two former bosses, who readily agreed to be my referees in the application.

As I eagerly waited for the application result, many friends continued to encourage me. When some of them learnt I would be taking an extended unpaid leave of absence from work to pursue my studies, they offered their homes for me to stay in, so that my commute to school would be much shorter. Others offered to pay for transportation or for my meals.

In addition to being accepted into LKYSPP, I was very pleased to be offered a full scholarship by the Li Ka-shing foundation. This was the first time I had received one! It helped immensely with my tuition fees and monthly expenses. I remember writing a thank you letter to Mr Li when I received the scholarship. The scholarship office replied that I didn’t have to send them anything, but I was so grateful I wanted him to know.

My graduation would not have been possible without the support from my family, partner and friends, the academic staff of LKYSPP, my fellow coursemates.”