14 February 1998

ADDRESS BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION & 2ND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT THE TOPPING-UP CEREMONY FOR THE PHASE 3 PROJECT OF THE TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS ON 14 FEBRUARY 1998 @ 9.40 AM AT TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC

I am very pleased to be here this morning to officiate at the topping-up ceremony of the Temasek Polytechnic's Phase 3 Extension Project.

2 Polytechnic education in Singapore has continued to be popular among school-leavers. The percentage of the Primary 1 cohort who went to post-secondary education in our universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education has increased from 16% in 1980 to 68% by 1996. Out of these, about half will choose to study at the polytechnics. To meet this demand, the government has continued to invest heavily in new infrastructure. For example, the new Nanyang Polytechnic campus at Ang Mo Kio will be nearing completion soon. The Phase 4 expansion of Ngee Ann Polytechnic is completed while the Phase 5 expansion of Singapore Polytechnic is underway. Today's topping up ceremony of Temasek Polytechnic's Phase 3 Extension is one more example of the government's continuing commitment to providing facilities for post secondary education of the highest quality.

3 Besides the polytechnics, the government is also upgrading the Institute of Technical Education so that, in conjunction with the Universities and Polytechnics, we will have a well-structured and high quality post-secondary education system in place for those who can complete 10 years of education.

4 Such investment reflects a quiet confidence in the future. Despite the current regional economic turmoil and the need to scrutinise expenditures carefully, the government has no hesitation in giving education high priority because a high quality education system has always been one of Singapore's key competitive advantages. By developing each individual to the maximum possible, education will provide our people with the skills and resourcefulness to help Singapore to continue to excel over the long term.

5 A well-educated and technically competent population is also one that is ready and willing to absorb and adapt new technologies without difficulty. As the pace of technological change accelerates in the coming years, an excellent technical education system will pay dividends to our well-being and our economic competitiveness. This is more so given the challenges that confront us amidst the volatile economic situation in the region.

6 But knowledge, skills and technical competence alone do not make for an all-rounded person. There are other facets which are equally, if not more, important.

7 Recently, the Ministry of Education released a document called "The Desired Outcomes of Education". It represents a holistic approach to education and seeks to develop the total person in the Moral, Cognitive, Physical, Social and Aesthetic spheres.

8 The polytechnics are an integral part of this thrust to deliver holistic education. Indeed, the polytechnics face 3 challenges in delivering holistic education.

9 First, 40% of each Primary 1 cohort would be going to the polytechnics. In the 21st Century, the typical Singaporean will be a graduate from one of our Polytechnics. Because of this large proportion, the polytechnic students are of a wide range of abilities, aptitudes and interest. Yet, the polytechnics must seek to bring out the best in each while educating all to learn to appreciate and work well with those who are different from themselves.

10 Secondly, the students are in the transition stage to adulthood and are learning to take responsibility for their own lives. The polytechnics can make a difference in the way these impressionable students develop into responsible and confident adults.

11 Thirdly, because of the close links between the polytechnics and industry, the polytechnics have an important role to teach their students to be creative and innovative. These polytechnic graduates will then help industry to develop and improve.

12 The challenge then is for the polytechnics to go from just providing superior technical skills education to the all-rounded development of their students.

13 I am therefore very pleased that Temasek Polytechnic's new Mission and Vision statements have captured the essence of the attributes and values identified in the Desired Outcomes of Education.

14 The Mission statement talks about preparing school-leavers for a future of dynamic change, with relevant knowledge, life-long skills, character and a thirst of continuous improvement.

15 Similarly, in its Vision statement, Temasek Polytechnic aspires to be a world-class institution in the global education network, reputed for its programmes, applied research, managerial excellence and innovative corporate culture.

16 In addition, Temasek Polytechnic's own Character Education Programme also touches on aspects of character development and moral steadfastness. It has identified the attributes of character to be high standards of integrity, respect for others, initiative, compassion, co-operation and perseverance in the face of difficulties.

17 I am very glad that Temasek Polytechnic is progressing well and growing. The campus expansion which we are topping out today will provide facilities for an additional 600 engineering students, mainly in the rapidly growing areas of microelectronics, intelligent building technology, and mechatronics.

18 However, the physical infrastructure is merely a shell. What goes on within the shell in terms of the dynamism, energy and creativity will make the difference in excellence. It is important that the Principal, staff and students take this physical shell and bring to life the outcomes that we desire from education.

19 I am sure that Temasek Polytechnic will continue to grow from strength to strength. I wish it every success in its development!