Due to the prevailing COVID-19 safety measures that included bans on large-scale events, students had to face a number of unprecedented challenges last year. Among them was a disruption to their graduation ceremony plans which eventually led to RP’s decision to host the occasion virtually instead.
One year on, as Singapore remains cautious with many safety rules still being enforced, graduates of 2021 can finally experience the proud moment of walking on stage under the spotlights to receive their certificates and awards. Students can look forward to putting on their robes again and walking proudly up on stage.
Arvinash Ravindran, 20, a graduating Mass Communication student said: “I’m grateful that I will be able to attend the ceremony this year as my seniors who graduated last year couldn’t.”
In comments published on RP’s website, Principal Yeo Li Pheow said that he felt grateful to still be able to celebrate this year’s graduation ceremony with students in person despite the school not being able to host the ceremony in the same scale as pre-COVID times.
Family, friends, and guests will not be permitted to attend the occasion on campus. However, acknowledging the importance of them witnessing this significant event, the organisers have arranged for the ceremony to be broadcast live online and guests are welcome to celebrate the students’ success virtually.
Charmian Tee, 20, a graduating Biomedical Science student said: “Honestly, I am glad that they still have another platform to watch us during the ceremony, as our parents would want to see one of our proudest moment in life and I feel that this way is much safer in the current pandemic.”
After the ceremony, students are to leave campus immediately and there will be no photo taking with fellow graduands to minimise intermingling. Despite the restrictions, students have the opportunity to make this milestone a memorable one before they take the next step on their career path.
Mr Li said: “On behalf of your lecturers and the RP management team, I wish you the very best for your future endeavours and continue to learn and achieve!”
Follow and stay engaged with RP’s graduation ceremony on social media with the new hashtag #RPgrad21.
