Staff of Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) were privileged to have distinguished alumnus of the Hwa Chong family, Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee, share at their recent School Collaboration professional development session in July.
Known for his expertise in educational change, policy and leadership, Assoc Prof Ng has been sought out by government organisations, professional networks and media regarding his views on educational change. He has delivered numerous speeches around the world, such as the Google Global Education Symposium and International Baccalaureate Global Conference. Hence, it was with much excitement that HCIS staff sat down to glean of his insights on education and the joy of teaching.
Assoc Prof Ng’s presentation was essentially a celebration of the teaching profession. Having begun his career as a Mathematics teacher before entering research and academia, he brought a refreshing and empathetic perspective to the often-challenging landscape of education.
Throughout the session, Assoc Prof Ng’s down-to-earth manner and engaging storytelling made his sharing accessible and relatable. His personal anecdotes and stories resonated with the teachers in attendance and inspired them to reflect on how they can strengthen school culture and support one another to achieve.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of strengthening pedagogy to better engage students. He stressed that the joy of learning is not equal to having fun but is actually about solid learning and the enjoyment that comes from it. Teaching well will naturally translate into student engagement and an enjoyment of the process of education.
The session concluded with a profound message: “Educators are people who plant trees, so that others can sit under those trees… and no one knows who planted them in the first place.” Assoc Prof Ng’s passion was contagious and inspired his audience to reflect deeply on their teaching motivation and practices, and to embrace the continuous journey of sowing in their teaching.
Feedback from the attendees was naturally very positive. Teachers appreciated Assoc Prof Ng’s practical advice and the motivational boost his talk provided. Many left the session with a renewed sense of purpose and a refreshed perspective on their role in shaping young minds. Assoc Prof Ng’s visit was a timely reminder of the profound impact educators can have when they approach their work with both skill and joy.