Classrooms transformed into gym, aircraft engine facility to aid learning

A new lab also allows students to tinker with humanoid robots and use advanced software

- Elisha Tushara

Stepping into the newly set up Fitlab at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio feels like entering a professional gym.

Once a traditional classroom space, the new open-concept facility spanning 450 sq m now allows the 560 students in the Higher Nitec in Sport Management course to learn in a gym setting that is up to date with fitness industry trends and technology.

Refurbishment of the space began in July 2024 and wrapped up in March 2025.

Mr Alif Hafiz Masnor, 37, sports studies lecturer at the campus, said: "With this new upgrade, we are able to meet the current dynamic trends with this high-end equipment."

The aim is for students to be immersed in practical learning, from leading circuit training exercises to analysing posture and movement through an AI-driven motion capture system – commonly used in professional sports and rehabilitation to track and assess body movement.

Another feature in the gym is InBody scanners, which professional trainers use to conduct health assessments for their clients.

"All these are also available in gyms outside. So we want our students to be able to interpret this real health data and then apply it during their internships," said Mr Alif.

The Fitlab is one of the latest spaces that have been upgraded at the Institute of Technical Education's (ITE) main campus in Ang Mo Kio. Two others are a laboratory for students studying electronics and information and communications technology (ICT) and a facility for learning about aircraft engineering and maintenance.

In the last of a three-part series, The Sunday Times takes a closer look at how ITE campuses have refreshed their facilities to keep up with industry needs and deepen student learning.

Since becoming fully operational in April, the Fitlab has been used to conduct both theory and practical lessons.