Rotary-ITE Student Excellence Awards
There are many awards to the high achievers in the Singapore universities, polytechnics and the business world. The well-known award in the business world in Singapore is the Rotary ASME Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As an established and prestigious business accolade, this award is conferred on entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen fields of business while making social contribution a significant part of their business philosophy. However, there is a lack of recognition in the Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs). Our Charter President CP Allan Yap initiated the project and guided the New Generation Committee to undertake this project of creating the award for ITE students. Firstly, we started with Ang Mo Kio ITE, with our objective to benefit three avenues of services in Rotary - New Generation, Vocational and Community Service, and to foster excellence in the field of technical education. In the following year, we extended the Awards to all ITEs in Singapore for maximum impact. 
The main objective of the Rotary-ITE Student Excellence Awards is to build self-confidence and pride in their skills. To the employers in the industry, the Award will indicate that the recipients are the best amongst their peers. At the end of the academic term, the ITE's selection committee will select the top students from each sector according to the set criteria. The awards will be presented during a Rotary Club of Bugis Junction official function, such as the Installation Dinner or Anniversary celebrations. The funding of the Awards was initially from our members, their companies and business associates, who generously donated to this revolving fund. PP Alex Eow led the fundraising exercise and managed to raise the seed money of S$15,000 in 1998 in members' donations and sponsorship. Senior Minister of State Mr Peter Chen presented the maiden Awards on 2nd July 1998 at the Pinetree Town and Country Club to signify its importance. With the evolution of ITE structures towards modern education campuses, the scope has also changed to award top students from three ITE Colleges. The criterias are;
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To award deserving graduating students who have excelled in their academic performance
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To inculcate a mindset of "Do it once, do it right" in school and when performing their chosen trade skills after graduation
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To encourage the practice of high ethical standards in their chosen careers
RCBJ hopes this Award will expose the students to the global community and humanitarian work done by Rotary International and inculcate in them the desire to help their fellow human beings, be it alleviating hunger and poverty or eradicating polio from the face of the earth.