Excellencies
Singapore Scholars
Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the Singapore Government, I extend a very warm welcome to all of you. I am pleased to join you at the 7th Singapore Scholarship Certificate Presentation Ceremony today, and also meet with the 59 recipients of the Singapore Scholarship under the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
2 At the recent ASEAN Day on 8 August, Singapore's Foreign Minister, George Yeo, spoke of "the need to bring ASEAN down to the level of the common man as it was important that the younger generation of ASEAN citizens should be enthused to know one another and feel comfortable in each others' countries." It is the hope of the leaders from ASEAN that the ten-member family would be friends with everyone and have no enemies. Indeed, one of the objectives of the Singapore Scholarship Programme has been to create and facilitate the opportunities for interaction among the youths of ASEAN, enhancing integration among the ASEAN family members.
3 Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, once said, "All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth". This aptly describes the importance of educating the young and how it links to the very future of our countries. Let me briefly elaborate on that and leave all of you with three thoughts.
Education
4 My first thought will be on education. Education should not be a means to an end. In your pursuit for academic excellence, it should not be at the expense of gaining practical knowledge being literate of the world that we live in and understanding issues outside of the classrooms, and the inculcation of life values.
5 From this perspective, I would like to share with you two examples of Singapore Scholars who did not just attain academic excellence. These two First-Class Honours graduates in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with their individual experiences during the course of their undergraduate studies, gained purposeful insights and values. Daw Linn Zar Chi, from Myanmar, found her passion in performing and participated in several Traditional Burmese Dancing performances, including activities organised by the Myanmar Embassy such as Subaani 5 Countries Water Festival, and many other international student activities on and off campus. She also joined the National Undergraduate Research Opportunity, paving the way for her current stint as a research engineer. She gained knowledge that she feels will contribute meaningfully to her country when she returns home. Ms Goh Ai Wai, from Malaysia, participated in a university Mentoring Scheme and tutored local primary school students in all subject matters.
6 Both Daw Linn Zar Chi and Ms Goh Ai Wai were accepted for the Accelerated Bachelors Programme but chose to immerse themselves in their campus environment by following the normal curricula instead. These examples epitomise an all-round education, blending academic pursuits and character development. Our universities, reflecting Singapore's multi-racial society, are a tapestry of different cultures, creating a campus life that is vibrant, dynamic and engaging. I encourage all our Singapore Scholars to be actively involved in your respective campuses during your stay, forging friendships with people of different nationalities and backgrounds, including your fellow ASEAN students. By living together and learning from one another, your sense of identity as members of the ASEAN community and as a global citizen will grow. I am confident that your education experience will be both enriching and fulfilling.
The Younger Generation
7 My second thought is on the younger generation of ASEAN. The youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Without the proper nurturing and management of the 'software' or people, the best 'hardware' that a nation possesses today will not function effectively. Singapore is a testimony of this fact. We are a small city-state with people as our only resource. We have invested heavily in educating the next generation of future leaders in the social, business and public sectors of Singapore. The Singapore Scholarship programme embodies this philosophy of human resource development. It was initiated to ensure that opportunities for good education remained available to bright, young people in ASEAN regardless of their economic situation. In its own small way, it is fostering a new generation of prominent and influential people within ASEAN who can contribute to national development and regional economic integration.
8 The world is undergoing political, social and economic changes in an unprecedented manner, inevitably impacting each ASEAN member. Globalisation, the rise of China and India, health issues and terrorism are some of the key challenges facing us. ASEAN's future still holds much promise if the next generation will rise up and ride the wave of opportunities afforded by the geopolitical changes. You have been given a great opportunity to be groomed as the future driving force for your country's development. I urge you to seize it, and emulate what your predecessors in this Singapore Scholarship Programme have achieved. This will not be an easy task but I am confident of your capabilities if you would adopt the correct attitude.
Your Country's Future
9 The last thought that I would like to share with you is the impact that you can make for your country. As Scholars, you represent your country's hopes and aspirations. The knowledge and skills that you acquire through your studies are relevant to the developmental needs of your home countries. They will enable you to contribute meaningfully upon your return. Your stay here will also inundate you with ideas, "best practices" and experiences that you could creatively adapt and apply back home.
10 But besides the "know-how", there is also another crucial factor in achieving success for your country. Singapore would not be where it is today if not for the determination and perseverance of her citizens to ensure that our nation survives and thrives. As an example of what it means to persevere in the face of disappointment, we have among us, Mr Somsay Ouanphilalay, who obtained his entry into the Singapore Scholarship on his second try. Despite his first unsuccessful application to be a Singapore Scholar, he persisted, renewed his efforts at his studies and succeeded this time round.
11 In the same way, your attitude, determination and willingness to step forward and contribute back to society will be instrumental in shaping the policies for your country in the political, social and economic arenas. There is a Malay proverb, "Hidup tidak berilmu bagai pohon tidak berbuah" or "a man without knowledge is similar to a tree without fruit; it does not give benefit to fellow man". What you will learn should be used for the betterment of your fellow countrymen and humankind. Remember that your country is not a faceless entity but consists of your parents, siblings and friends. You are here today because of them and it is them that you can serve when you return. I look forward to seeing all of you serving your countries after your graduation.
Closing
12 In closing, I would like to thank the Ministry of Education, NTU, NUS, and the SMU for helping us implement the Singapore Scholarship and ensuring that these scholars are in good hands. To help you settle in quickly, a Singaporean host family has volunteered to provide you with guidance and a listening ear during your stay. These families are present today and act as valuable points of contact for information, friendship and advice. I thank the participating host families for taking the time and effort to lend your support to our young ASEAN friends.
13 Finally, I would like to wish each Singapore Scholar the very best for the coming years. May your stay in Singapore be both memorable and fulfilling. Thank you.
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