The opportunities that the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) have given to the less academically inclined highlights the uniqueness of Singapore's education system, observed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech.

Citing the example of an ex ITE-grad turned marketing manager, he also pointed out that the ITE's approach towards education reflected the openness and acceptance of the nation's society.

"Take this young lady, Brenda Tan. She's a marketing manager.

Brenda Tan

"In school she was playful & lazy. O-level results not so good.

"But she went to ITE, then she went to Ngee Ann Poly for a Diploma in Business.

"She got a job at Citibank as a tele-sales officer. She did well, she was promoted, she was posted to Malaysia to set up a new unit there.

"She became the manager of the unit, managing 80 people on her staff.

"And she came back to Singapore. Now she's progressing in her career, " pointed out PM Lee as he shared a note from Brenda thanking the ITE for giving many opportunities to the less academically inclined.