Oldest Lifelong Learner Award recipient becomes his own boss at 62

Siew Choon started his career in a small way as a clerk with the Port of Singapore Authority 40 years ago. But even then he had big dreams to upgrade himself. He took on courses conducted by professional institutes that were relevant to his work. He started to share his skills by lecturing part-time. It was not long before he took the plunge to join teaching full-time as a lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

In a career that spanned almost three decades, he was progressively promoted from a junior lecturer to a Principal Lecturer, all as a result of his efforts to stay relevant in his field. He specialised in productivity training and became a certified trainer, facilitator and manager at a time when Singapore businesses were embracing productivity as an integral part of their operations. And he did not slow down, even when he was about to retire, obtaining a Doctorate in Business Administration with Distinction at the age of 61.

He continues to take on new challenges, learning the ropes to be an entrepreneur by setting up his own training & consultancy company this year.