Despite his humble beginnings, sole breadwinner Rahmat Adban is well aware of the importance of education and constant upgrading not just for his five children, but for himself as well.

One of seven siblings in his family, Rahmat Adban only had Secondary Two educational qualifications when he entered the Vocational Institute to further his studies. He only managed a one-month stint as he was forced to quit due to financial difficulties. As the older child, he wanted to give his younger siblings a chance to study. So he went to work to put them through school.

Rahmat initially worked as an assistant carpenter and then got a job as an office boy at the Subordinate Courts. After a few years, he joined the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore as a House Inspector. It was a physically demanding job as he spent his working hours going from one house to another to conduct house checks.

In 1984, Rahmat got his first break. He found work as a Foreman Gardener at National Parks Board (NPB) and it was here that he was given the opportunity to continue his learning journey. He signed up for a Trade Certificate in Horticulture Practice, obtained seven National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) certificates, and went on to pursue WISE (Worker Improvement through Secondary Education) as well as English and Maths Courses at the Institute of Education. To further enhance his employability, he enrolled for computer courses, which led him to his current job as a Technical Support Officer at NPB.

From carpenter to office boy, gardener and finally, a Technical Support Officer, Rahmat’s learning journey has definitely been an unconventional one.