This Filipino educator found her purpose at NIE NTU, Singapore

MANILA, Philippines — In the Philippines, ongoing education reforms have reinforced the need for educators to continually upskill and reskill.

Having spent five years as a deputy director at a family-run school, Seth Kemuel Pascual Ravazo—who has a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship under her belt—came to realize that with this shift in national policy towards more inclusive, learner-centered approaches, effective leadership requires more than just administrative or entrepreneurial know-how. Such reforms calls for a deep understanding of how students learn and develop.

“It has long been part of my plan to pursue a master’s in education to gain the tools and knowledge necessary to lead confidently, drive innovation and make informed decisions that best serve our students and teachers,” Ravazo reflected.

Although she had honed her entrepreneurial skills to run the operations at her school, Ravazo realized that excelling in the education sector meant gaining pedagogical and educational management expertise. Pursuing a postgraduate degree became, for her, not just an ambition, but a necessity.

Choosing NIE Singapore: Learning from Asia’s benchmark in education

Driven by her goal to transform her school’s practices, Ravazo enrolled in the Master of Education (Developmental Psychology) program offered by the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore).

“I valued that NIE is based in Singapore,” she explained. “A country whose education system is often regarded as a benchmark for many of us in the Philippines.”

Ranked among the top universities globally, NIE Singapore stood out to Ravazo because of its outstanding reputation as one of Asia’s leading institutes for teacher education and educational research. NIE’s strong global reputation, rigorous academic standards and focus on educational innovation stood out to her.

Designed for educators and education professionals who wish to deepen their expertise and advance their careers, the Master of Education program offers 16 areas of specialization. The program allows students to pursue fields aligned with their professional interests and career goals, whether in teaching, specialist or leadership tracks.

The Master of Education (Developmental Psychology) program, in particular, equips teachers and counsellors with a deeper understanding of cognitive, social and emotional development in children and adolescents.

Beyond its academic excellence, Singapore’s proximity and cultural familiarity made it an ideal study destination. “Being in Southeast Asia meant that traveling home was easy. And adjusting to Singapore’s culture felt natural since it shares many similarities with the Philippines. This made the transition smooth and allowed me to focus fully on my studies,” Ravazo recounted.

More importantly, Singapore represented a unique balance of academic excellence, innovation and accessibility. It allowed her to immerse herself in an environment where forward-thinking policies and practices are the norm.

She described Singapore’s efficiency, safety and multicultural environment as important considerations.  “This,” Ravazo continued, “offered exposure to diverse perspectives while still feeling familiar and welcoming as a Southeast Asian neighbor.”

Because of this familiarity, Ravazo found that adjusting to life in Singapore was much easier than she expected. “There was always someone from home visiting me, so I never really felt homesick,” she chuckled.

A remarkable learning experience

For Ravazo, the real challenge was adjusting to Singapore’s education system. She described the dynamic and collaborative learning environment to be rigorous.

She credited her professors for the support they provided that helped make her transition smoother. Her classmates who brought diverse perspectives that enriched classroom discussions gave her the confidence to succeed in the classroom.

“Everyone was warm and welcoming. I felt included immediately. My professors were approachable and genuinely invested in my growth, and my classmates were generous in sharing their insights,” Ravazo recalled.

One lesson that left a lasting impression explored how cultural context shapes teaching and learning. “As a Filipino educator, I shared some of the challenges we face in implementing play-based and child-centered approaches. My professors and classmates listened thoughtfully and shared their own country contexts. That exchange gave me concrete strategies to bring back to my school,” she recounted.

It was this safe and encouraging space which allowed Ravazo to build not only academic knowledge but also a professional network she continues to draw inspiration from.

“Being surrounded by passionate educators pushed me to grow, challenged me to think critically, and reminded me why I chose this path,” she reflected.

Turning theory into impact at home

Looking back, Ravazo felt that her experience at NIE transformed both her professional and personal growth. It gave her the confidence and sharpened her ability to lead strategically.

“I now approach challenges with a more analytical and evidence-based approach where I always strive to consider what will best serve my students and teachers,” she noted.

She also felt that NIE has taught her resilience and adaptability. “Adjusting to a new education system and its rigor pushed me outside my comfort zone. With the support of my professors and peers, I learned to thrive in that environment. This reinforced my belief in lifelong learning and reminded me of the importance of surrounding oneself with mentors and a supportive community,” she shared.

With renewed purpose, Ravazo plans to apply the theories she had learned from the Master of Education (Developmental Psychology) program into practical steps to strengthen their existing programs, introduce more research-informed initiatives, and to build a stronger professional development framework for her teachers so that they can deliver the best possible learning experience for their students.

“I plan to leverage what I have learned, especially in developmental psychology and educational leadership, to transform my school into a model for innovation and child-centered learning. I am also in the process of building my own SPED school, where I hope to apply inclusive and evidence-based practices that support learners with diverse needs. Through these efforts, I aim to create teacher training programs, integrate more research-informed approaches, and design initiatives that prioritize both academic excellence and student well-being,” Ravazo shared.

Why Filipino educators should consider NIE

As the Philippine education system continues to evolve to meet 21st-century learning goals, the need for leaders equipped with global insights has never been greater. Programs like the Master of Education at NIE Singapore prepare Filipino educators to address these changes, helping them blend pedagogical theory with practical leadership and policy understanding.

“I would absolutely recommend NIE,” Ravazo affirmed. “Singapore will always be my second home. NIE offers a world-class learning environment that is both academically rigorous and incredibly supportive. The professors are not only experts in their fields but are also genuinely invested in the growth of their students. The diverse and collaborative community makes the experience deeply enriching.”

Your next step: Apply for August 2026 intake

If you aspire to enhance your leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in education like Ravazo, consider applying to NIE NTU, Singapore.

Applications for the August 2026 intake are open until December 29 for graduate programs by coursework.

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is an autonomous institute under Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. It is ranked among the world’s top 12 universities and Asia’s top three education institutions in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject.  NIE is widely recognized for its cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and strong partnerships with ministries and schools across Asia.

Learn more about the application process and program details at https://ntu.sg/nieGradProgIntake.

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