This year, Republic Polytechnic’s Digital Business Challenge made a spectacular return, guiding eager secondary school students through a rewarding journey. Participating teams underwent comprehensive training through a two-day workshop with RP, followed by a preparation period with student mentors. This culminated in the climactic Grand Finals, where six finalist teams showcased their creative solutions to a distinguished panel of judges from both FMAS and RP.
The challenge’s return was eagerly anticipated by organising lecturers and staff from the Diploma in Business (DBIZ) and the Diploma in Consumer Insights and Psychology (DCIP). They prepared diligently for the two-day workshop, equipping students with essential skills in marketing and business analytics.
About The Digital Business Challenge
The theme of this year’s challenge is “Digital Marketing – Connect & Engage Customers via Online Platforms,” centered around destination marketing for heartland precincts like Keat Hong and Nee Soon Link. The aim was to enhance visibility for local businesses and shops.
Participants were tasked with raising awareness and promoting their assigned precinct as a prime destination for residents. They created social media campaign proposals to achieve this aim.
FMAS, this year’s challenge partner, generously prepared attractive cash prizes for the winning teams, ensuring their efforts were recognised. The first-place winners received $300, second-place winners $200, and third-place winners $100.
The Participant’s Journey
Throughout the challenge, participants engaged in programs that enriched their knowledge in marketing and social media proposal planning. They visited the precincts of Keat Hong and Nee Soon Link, exploring local amenities, shops, and learning about the community.
The RP workshop taught them crucial concepts like creating customer profiles, analysing demographics, and making social media content calendars. Seasoned RP students closely mentored them, refining their ideas into impressive marketing proposals.
“We learnt lots of digital business skills. I think it was quite beneficial for our futures because nowadays everything is online and through social media,” said Adeline, a winner from Team JAMS of Christchurch Secondary School.
Student helper Prudence Esguerra, a Year 3 Consumer Insights and Psychology student, shared her experience: “DBC gave me a sense of what being a lecturer at RP is like. It made me realise the immense effort behind the scenes to shape our curriculum.”
The Final Pitch
The challenge culminated at the Grand Finals, where the six finalist teams pitched their proposals to a panel of judges. This momentous occasion saw the teams’ hard work and learning come to fruition as they presented creative and innovative solutions.
“Being a judge was very eye-opening. It was an enriching experience because it gave me a new perspective on how fresh creative minds tackle a problem,” said Mr Alex Seo Jia Jun, one of the judges from The Federation Of Merchant’s Associations Singapore.
The event was also graced by Mr. Yeo Hiang Meng, President of FMAS, who presented the winning students with their prizes and certificates, congratulating them on their efforts and success.
Towards The Future
Overall, this year’s Digital Business Challenge was a resounding success. Participants gained valuable insights into the world of marketing while supporting local communities. They learned how to better pitch proposals, work in teams, and create engaging social media content.
The experience also proved enriching for FMAS, as they gathered useful insights and creative ideas from the students. Mr. Yeo, FMAS President, remarked, “It filled me with immense pride witnessing the creativity and dedication of these young minds. This competition not only honed their skills but also instilled a sense of community engagement vital to their future endeavours.”
