Kian Seng is a sterling instance of how lifelong learning not only equips one with relevant skills, but also stand one in good stead for a career switch.

Kian Seng started his career in the technical industry. He upgraded his technical knowledge and improved his existing skills by by obtaining his National Trade Certificates at Levels 3 and 2. This enabled him to secure a job as a Technician at Asia Cement and subsequently, as a Maintenance Worker (Central Packaging). He then enrolled in many of the company’s in-house training courses to equip himself with the requisite skills for the job.

Life then dealt him a cruel blow in 2002 when Asia Cement relocated to China and he was retrenched. Depression soon set in, but he finally came round to the fact that life had to move on. In a bold move, he opted for a complete career switch. With help from the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Kian Seng took up a three month course as an In-patient Care Assistant, conducted by Balestier Hospital. That opened up a new career opportunity for him as upon completion of the course, Kian Seng found employment with the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) as a Healthcare Attendant.

Today, he continues to participate in the hospital’s in-house improvement courses and also signs up for external programmes such as the National Skills Recognition System’s (NSRS) Operation Theatre Technical Course. Kian Seng attributes his employability to his willingness to quickly adapt to new environments, not withstanding his courage to make a career switch. Above all, he possesses an overwhelming desire to stay relevant in today’s changing marketplace.