Chairman’s Message

Vancouver Premier College turned 25 years young last year and celebrated by collaborating with members of the BC post-secondary education system and BC STEAM Ecosystem at VPC’s “Collaborative Learning Connections” event to constructively discuss the prospective impact of Generative AI on both teaching and learning and BC’s post-secondary education institutions. In addition to having subject matter experts share their various insights and perspectives with those in attendance, VPC announced a number of scholarship opportunities for BC STEAM Ecosystem Members, Non-Profit Organizations and, Indigenous and New Canadians that will enable them to access BC’s quality post-secondary education system. As the College Board of Governors, we also acknowledged Founder Kevin’s Ong’s 25-Year contribution to students and their families by conferring the title and honour of President Emeritus on VPC’s Founder and also established five President’s Awards for faculty and staff in Kevin’s honour. VPC’s “Collaborative Learning Connections” event was held at the Rosewood Georgia Hotel and was attended by 150 executives, faculty, staff and community collaborators with whom VPC will continue to work closely with in the years to come.

There were a number of accomplishments over the past year in the area of policy and program development which included making an organizational commitment to the design and implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) programming. Based on forecasts that approximately 65% of jobs that will be filled by students entering grade one today have not yet been created and, that more than 80% of future jobs overall will require STEAM literacy, the Board of Governors passed a resolution in support of developing STEAM programming as a priority for VPC’s academic team. In addition to its commitment to STEAM program development, the Board of Governors also approved the submission of VPC’s first Associate of Science in Information Technology Studies Degree to BC’s Degree Quality Assessment Board. As Vancouver Premier College’s Board Chair, I am proud to work with a group of knowledgeable and committed board members as well as an experienced leadership team, administration and faculty. Notable qualitative enhancements this year included reviews of VPC’s post-graduate programs in cybersecurity, data analytics, information technology and digital marketing. These pragmatic programs not only provide a pathway to Baccalaureate and Master degrees through VPC’s articulation agreements but also, provide a pathway to highly-valued industry certifications that enhance international employability in existing and emerging labour markets.

The Board of Governors reviews and updates VPC’s Strategic and Academic plans and related policies annually. We encourage you to share your thoughts with us as we continue to bring quality post-secondary education opportunities to life that are capable of changing lives while enhancing the well-being of our academic and social communities.