WorldSkills Competition winners return to ITE as teachers
WorldSkills Competition winners return to ITE as teachers
ITE College East looks set to produce more world-class students.
Two multiple-award winners at the WorldSkills Competitions (WSC) - both former ITE students in beauty therapy - have returned as lecturers, with one more planning to join them soon.
Ms Chua Ka Wen, 28, and Ms Shuner Villanueva Leong, 26,each won two gold medals in multiple WSCs between 2009 and 2011.
WSC has been likened to being the "Youth Olympics of Work Skills".
Ms Chua and Ms Leong graduated with a Nitec in Beauty Therapy in 2008. They then furthered their studies under the ITE Teaching Scholarship scheme.
Ms Chua received a Foundation Degree Sciencesin Beauty and Spa Management from the University of the Arts London, while Ms Leong got a Diploma of Beauty Therapy from the Box Hill Institute in Melbourne.
Ms Leong, who became a lecturer in 2014, said changing mindsets and attitudes makes teaching fulfilling.
She recounted turning around one student: "I persuaded her by reminding her that she has the potential to be groomed.
"I didn't give up on her, and it paid off when she decided to take more responsibility for her future."
SHOWMANSHIP
Reflecting on her first day back at her alma mater as a teacher in 2012, Ms Chua said:"I felt out of place when I first stepped into ITE College East as a lecturer."
But she adapted by "observing seniors and their teaching styles".
Ms Chua said her niche is in "coaching the showmanship aspect".
"Showmanship is about how we present ourselves - for example, our body posture, rhythm, and movement when we are performing massage treatment," she said.
"In training, learn to relax during the weekends, or else you will be too drained during the weekdays to focus. Also, always be on the lookout for the unexpected," she advised.
Although the two women had big wins in the WSC, it was a tough journey.
Ms Chua recounted: "I broke down and cried during the practice in the lead-up to the competition."
Ms Leong said: "We had to train for an average of eight to 10 hours every weekday, and still had to set aside time to complete our homework.
"We didn't have time to even eat properly. Lunch breaks were less than an hour."
However, their hard work and sacrifices paid off.
Ms Leong said: "This competition has changed my life by opening many doors.
"Winning the WorldSkills Competition was a contributing factor to the decision by ITE College East to award me a Teaching Scholarship."
Mr Bruce Poh, director and chief executive officer of ITE, said he is glad the winners have joined ITE as lecturers "to develop the next generation of beauty therapists".
"Their experiences as competitors in past WorldSkills Competitions will be invaluable in providing insights on the physical and mental preparation, skills and adaptability needed to succeed on the international stage," he said.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The WorldSkills Competition (WSC) has come into the international spotlight for being the "Youth Olympics of Skills".
The biennial competition, which was first held in 1950, is organised by WorldSkills International.
It sees hundreds of young people from around the world gather to compete by showcasing their skills in various crafts, and measure themselves against rigorous international standards.
A total of 1,189 competitors from 59 countries and regions competed in 50 skill areas last year.
Some of the skills categories includebeauty therapy, graphic design, health and social care, and mobile robotics.
Ms Catherine Boey Xiao Wei, 23, mentored by past winners
A third WorldSkills Competition (WSC) award winner is set to return to the ITE College East as a lecturer.
Ms Catherine Boey Xiao Wei, 23, won a gold medal at the WSC Leipzig 2013 in Germany, and the WorldSkills Singapore Competition 2012. She also won a Medallion of Excellence in the Asean Skills Competition in 2012.
She was mentored to her successes by two other WSC winners, Ms Chua Ka Wen, 28, and Ms Shuner Villanueva Leong, 26, who are both now lecturers at ITE College East.
Ms Boey did a Nitec in Beauty Therapy in 2010, and a Higher Nitec in Beauty and Spa Management from 2011 to 2013.
SCHOLARSHIP
She is now on an ITE teaching scholarship, studying for a Foundation Degree Sciences in Beauty and Spa Management at the University of the Arts London.
She said of her mentors: "Both Ka Wen and Shuner were very supportive and helpful with imparting their skills and what they have learnt to me.
"All three of us have bonded over going through the same tough training and just like them, I will be an ITE student-turned-lecturer in the future.
"This brought us closer together and I look forward to us becoming good friends and colleagues."
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