Jerina Wong, 17, thinks that Singaporeans are not doing enough to stay healthy.

However, instead of keeping her thoughts to herself, the O-level graduate has decided to take a step further and steer Singapore towards a more healthy lifestyle - she will be applying for a new nutrition course offered by Singapore Polytechnic (SP).

Starting April 2009, SP will be offering a Diploma in Nutrition, Health and Wellness that will equip students to integrate nutrition knowledge with physical, mental and social wellness principles.

It will be the first full-time diploma of such a nature offered by a polytechnic.

Graduates can look forward to future careers such as assistant nutritionists, patient health educators, public health coordinators and marketing executives.

The nutrition programme is one of three new offerings for the new school year.

The other two new diploma courses include the Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media and Diploma in Engineering with Business.

Breaking into new media

The former is the first diploma in Singapore designed for students to learn how to create, write and produce a wide a range of products for different media platforms.

For example, graduates can write and produce for television sitcoms, documentaries and podcasts.

Students enrolled in the course are eligible for a six-month internship at television networks or media houses.

SP's new move has been met by praise from industry insiders.

"There is a shortage of good researchers, scriptwriters and story tellers in the industry," said Mr Tony Chow, President of the Association of Independent Television Production Companies Singapore.

"Content is king, and we need to help train more skilled writers to translate ideas into reality."

Multi-faceted engineers

The Diploma in Engineering with Business is an inter-disciplinary course that marries mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering with business elements.

The course will enable engineering graduates take up jobs which require them to perform sales and marketing functions.

80 places will be made available during the initial intake of students in April 2009.

SP will be holding an open house between Jan 8 to Jan 10 for those who want to find out more about these courses and its other offerings.

The event will be held at SP's convention centre, located beside Dover MRT Station, between 10am to 6pm.