SMU Executive MBA graduate Abu Bakar's story was one of several told by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Keppel staff who have risen through the ranks through training and acquisition of new skills, though they did not have stellar academic qualifications. Abu Bakar's graduation was made possible only after former Keppel chief executive Choo Chiau Beng wrote him a testimonial – as he did not have any degree qualifications.