Ever wondered where Singapore’s future innovators and creative minds get their start? Right here at ITE College Central. It’s more than just a school. It’s a launchpad for dreams.
ITE College Central is one of the three colleges under the Institute of Technical Education. The “One ITE System, Three Colleges” governance model makes it unique. It stands as a beacon of technical education in Singapore.
Let’s step back in time. Before this impressive campus existed, ITE College Central schools were scattered across Singapore. They were in Bedok, Bishan, MacPherson, Tampines and Yishun. In December 2012, these schools united here in Ang Mo Kio.
This move marked a new chapter. The consolidated campus enabled better resource sharing. It fostered a stronger sense of community. The former campuses were either demolished or repurposed.
This location spans 10.61 hectares. The campus boasts a gross floor area of 192,820 square meters. ITE College Central opened its doors to its first students in January 2013. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially opened the campus on November 8, 2013. Since its opening, ITECC has even hosted the National Day Rally yearly.
ITE College Central is designed to inspire. It is envisioned as a “College of Creativity and Innovation”. The campus can accommodate over 10,000 students and 850 staff members. The ITE Corporate Headquarters also calls this campus home. Before this, the headquarters were at Dover Drive.
Notice the architecture. The building and landscape are closely integrated. The ground floor supports access, parking and services. The first floor features the Spine, a key social space. The Spine connects aerial walkways and terraces. These lead to the educational blocks. Gardens and planted areas dot the Spine. A continuous water feature flows through it creating cool spaces. Retreat terraces and sunken gardens offer spaces for students and staff.
ITE College Central has four academic schools. These are the School of Business and Services, the School of Design and Media, the School of Electronics and Info-Comm Technology, and the School of Engineering. These schools offer diverse courses. Students can pursue NITEC and Higher NITEC qualifications.
ITE College Central has produced notable alumni. Romeo Tan is a Mediacorp artiste. Actresses Hayley Woo and Jayley Woo also studied here.
ITE College Central has received accolades for its design. It won the SILA Gold Award for Educational Institutions and the Skyrise Greenery Awards.
The campus is not without its somber moments. In 2018, a murder occurred in the carpark. A woman, Low Hwee Geok, was found dead. She was the director of ITE’s examinations division. The suspect was her former husband.
ITE College Central stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to technical education. It’s a place where students gain skills, pursue their passions, and shape their futures. It is a college of creativity and innovation.