Singaporean celebrity Dennis Chew has graduated from polytechnic at the age of 51, and is looking forward to furthering his studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
On May 2, the Love 972 DJ, actor and host was among 198 full-time graduates from the School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) to receive their diplomas at the institution.
Dressed in a dark blue graduation gown and sporting a tie, he walked onstage to receive his diploma in Chinese media and communication from the school’s director, Sandra Toh, at 4.50pm.
His famous friends – local actors Marcus Chin and Mark Lee, who are also his co-hosts on Love 972’s radio programme The Breakfast Quartet – turned up to support him.
Chew was even name-dropped by the event’s guest of honour, Yuen Kuan Moon, who is chairman of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Council as well as group chief executive of telco Singtel.
In his speech, Yuen said Chew’s story is an inspiration to many. “Although he already has a successful media career with Mediacorp, he saw the value of upskilling. With the support of his employer, and by sheer determination, he overcame challenges related to returning to school after a long gap.”
Chew is the oldest full-time diploma student to graduate in 2025. During his three years at NP, he was awarded the Kongzi Culture Fund’s Pei Hwa Foundation Scholarship and the Ministry of Education’s Edusave Certificate of Academic Achievement for two consecutive years.
The Mediacorp artiste told The Straits Times after the ceremony that he has been offered a place in NUS’ College of Humanities and Sciences. He hopes to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chinese studies come August, once he sorts out his work commitments.
“I have attended the Star Awards many times, but this is my first time attending a graduation ceremony and I was very moved,” he said, referring to Mediacorp’s annual television awards ceremony.
Before enrolling in 2022, he had hosted events on NP’s campus. “But never did I think I would study, let alone graduate, from here.”
Unfortunately, his father, who died in February, did not live to witness the proud moment.
Chew said: “Decades ago, when I did very poorly for my O levels and told him I did not want to study any more, he let out a very long sigh and walked to another room. I will never forget that sigh. So, if he saw me today, I think he would feel very happy and comforted.”
Calling his poly journey enriching, he added: “I realised that I am like a frog in a well. There were a lot of things I thought I knew, but I did not. Even now, there is still a lot more to learn.”
Being around his batchmates, who are mostly in their late teens and early 20s, has also taught him life lessons.
“When I am with young people, I see their innocence and it changes me. From them, I learn not to be so fussy about some things. So, although I came to study, I also learnt how to live better and be a better person.”
Fully aware that they have officially parted ways, he admitted he will miss them dearly.
“We have spent almost every day together for the last three years. But now, some of them will be serving in the army, and others will be travelling. We will have less time to interact and I will feel a sense of emptiness without them.”
He added: “In my life, there have been only two periods which I thoroughly enjoyed – my national service days and my poly days.”
Chew also hopes to encourage those wanting to further their education to take the leap, no matter their age or stage in life. “As long as you can take the first step, you will realise that it is not as difficult as you imagined.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
