SMC unveils new program at RP Open House 2019

Common Business Programme’s first Open House booth, where visitors can find out about the programme from facilitators and student volunteers. Photo By: Sally Gloria Manik

RP’s 2019 Open House showcased SMC’s new programme, Common Business Programme (CBP). A course counselling booth and an activity area was present, allowing visitors to discover more about the programme.

At Open House 2019, to introduce CBP, a course counselling booth was present, allowing visitors to have their questions and queries answered by the facilitators teaching CBP modules and student volunteers. In addition, an activity area was also set up, allowing visitors to try and match the description of modules taken in CBP to the module names. An arch was also set-up, allowing visitors to read information off it on their own to find out more basic information about CBP.

Alumni of SMC Kristina Lydia Romauli Manik, 21, even commented on the efforts made to promote CBP, stating: “The fact that they are using student volunteers from the different SMC courses – I think that’s good, so they (student volunteers) can explain the different aspects that they are more specialised in.”

The programme itself lasts for six months, after which students in the programme will be able to pick from the eight diplomas from School of Management and Communication (SMC) and School of Hospitality (SOH). The programme is described on RP’s official website as a programme to help students “gain a better understanding” of themselves. It is also described in SMC’s Course Brochure as a programme that will immerse students in real-life scenarios and help develop skills and principles that will “be beneficial no matter what specific course” students choose to take.

Regarding the programme, CBP facilitator Mr Alan Seow, 38, describes the programme as a “taster programme for students” and mentions that the programme offers “comprehensive career guidance,” allowing students to make more informed decisions when selecting what diploma to pursue in Republic Polytechnic.

Secondary school students who visited RP’s Open House also had positive views about the programme. Commonwealth Secondary student Nuraisyah Binte Rosman, 17, mentioned: “I think it’s a good opportunity for me to find out what I actually like,” adding on that she would be interested in joining CBP as it would additionally help in giving her exposure to the different types of business diplomas in RP.

Students who choose to partake and are accepted into the programme can look forward to specially-designed Educational and Career Guidance (ECG) activities and some general modules for their six months in CBP. The programme will begin on April 15, 2019 likewise all other diplomas.