Despite starting work as an apprentice in a car workshop in 1973, it was not till 17 years later that David started his lifelong learning journey. Armed with only a Secondary Three education and an ITB Trade Certificate, he was unable to move up the corporate ladder.

That was what prompted him to improve his academic qualifications. His first step at improving his qualifications resulted in a diploma in supervisory management. It was not easy.

As the sole breadwinner, he had to juggle a full-time job, his family commitments and his studies. But with the diploma under his belt, he was able to switch sectors to become a maintenance facilitator. He now has two more diplomas and a bachelor’s degree, which he completed when he was 51.

Still, his ferocious appetite for learning will not stop. He will be starting on his Master in Safety, Health and Environmental Technology at the National University of Singapore next January. David, who now works at Pfizer Asia, said: “Change is inevitable, so we must continually upgrade our skills to stay relevant and to maintain our value in society.”