On 10 December 2023, a faculty delegation from ZCFE departed for Singapore for an eight-day professional development programme. The initiative aimed to broaden faculty members’ international perspectives, strengthen their teaching skills and support the university’s development.
Led by vice-deans responsible for teaching from across the university’s schools, the delegation participated in lectures, workshops and practical activities exploring educational approaches in Singapore.
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Lecture delivered by David Li, President of Chartered Institute of Technology Singapore
11 December: Educational Approaches and Student-Centred Learning
The delegation began its training with a lecture by David Li titled Singapore’s Education for Generation Z. He introduced Singapore’s higher education system and discussed the “Teach Less, Learn More” approach, highlighting collaborative learning, critical thinking and lifelong learning.
In the afternoon, Dr Tan Wai Kuan delivered a session on using the Value Proposition Canvas to address practical problems. Drawing on examples from universities, the session combined discussion with group workshops and encouraged participants to explore student-centred approaches to teaching.
12 December: University Development and Teaching Innovation
During the morning session, David Li discussed approaches to evaluating higher education in Singapore. Participants then took part in a flipped-classroom activity in which they designed an ideal university around its vision, mission and values. The session highlighted the importance of teaching enhancement, effective management and educational reform in improving educational quality. In the afternoon, Su Xinyi introduced a student-centred teaching approach that combines instructor guidance with independent study, inquiry-based learning and collaboration.
13 December: Practical Teaching and Design Thinking
The morning session featured a demonstration lesson in business communication delivered by curriculum development manager Paulynn. She illustrated how a competency-based syllabus could incorporate varied assessment methods and guided participants through practical group tasks.
In the afternoon, Dr Tan Wai Kuan facilitated a design-thinking workshop. Participants explored techniques including empathy mapping, brainstorming, 5W1H analysis and Six Thinking Hats, applying them to activities designed to encourage creative problem-solving.
The opening sessions provided opportunities for faculty members to exchange ideas, reflect on their teaching practices and explore approaches to student engagement. Further training activities were scheduled as part of the eight-day programme.