Professor Christopher Chia has been appointed Adult Education Fellow (AEF) by SkillsFuture Singapore, its highest award for professionals who set the benchmark for quality and excellence in adult education.
Professor Chia was among five individuals that made up the first ever recipients of the AEF award which was presented at a ceremony officiated by Senior Minister of State for Education and Communications and Information, Dr Janil Puthucheary at the Institute for Adult Learning.
SkillsFuture is a national body that helps Singaporeans of any age and background prepare themselves for the jobs of the future.
Professor Chia, from the Department of Analytics and Operations at NUS Business School, has always been a passionate educator, preparing the Civil Service for computerisation, setting up reading initiatives for the young at the National Library Board and training media professionals at Media Development Authority.
Commenting on the award Professor Chia said: “I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary group of people over the years to participate in the training and education of people from young, through their formal education years, their working lives and into their post-working ages. I am honoured to represent those that have fanned the spark of lifelong learning through the decades. And to be recognised for participating in such a journey”.
Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore, Mr Ng Cher Pong, said: “The quality of Adult Educators is critical to the success of SkillsFuture, in helping to up-skill and re-skill our workforce. We are therefore excited to welcome the first five Adult Education Fellows. All of them are outstanding role models who have shown great dedication towards raising professional standards in the Training and Adult Education sector, and who inspire other Adult Educators to strive for excellence in their practice.”