MScESLPLD graduate Tiago Chan qualified as a speech therapist in Singapore after passing the qualifying examination in Speech-Language Therapy in 2016. He now practises in a private clinic there, serving primarily paediatric population.
How did you benefit from MScESLPLD?
Put simply, it made me a speech therapist. It laid down a solid theoretical framework of different areas of speech therapy. Most importantly, it equipped me with a toolkit for evidence-based practice. From theory to practice, we gained hands-on experience from a wide range of clients ranging from pediatric to geriatric care.
When did you attend the Singapore Speech-Language Therapy examination? Did MScESLPLD help?
I took the exam in April 2016. It comprised two written papers and two oral exams. At first I was a little scared by the reading list. When I went through the readings in detail I was amazed at how similar the MScESLPLD curriculum was to the exam syllabus.
What are the differences between working in Hong Kong and Singapore?
In Hong Kong I worked at an NGO. Here in Singapore I work at a private clinic and so have the flexibility to decide on the frequency of therapy sessions. It's great - I can see remarkable improvement within a short period of time after giving intensive therapy to children in my care. Regarding cultural differences, as most Singaporeans are multilingual I need to consider their home language/dialect.
Which lecturers / instructors impressed you during your study and practicum?
I enjoyed working with all of the lecturers and instructors. To name a few,
Dr Kevin Yuen – his sophisticated acoustic lessons;
Dr Anna Kam – her hearing screening sessions were great fun;
Dr Lorinda Kwan – her persistence in therapy;
Ms Polly Lau – her patience in guidance;
Ms Karen Yu – her positivity;
Ms Esther Kwok – her thought-provoking questions
One thing I will never forget from my first practicum supervisor Dr Renee Ip, “There are no strict protocols on how to conduct your session. Your method has to be evidence-based. Customize your therapy according to your client’s character and needs. If you strike a right balance, you can shape a fine piece of art.”
