30 November 1999

OPENING ADDRESS BY MR MOHAMED MAIDIN BPM, PARLAMENTARY SECRETARY (EDUCATION), AT THE 36TH ASEAN SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 1999 AT BOULEVARD HOTEL, JERVOIS 1 & 2 AT 9.00 AM

1. First of all, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the delegates of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council to Singapore and to thank you for your presence here at this 36th Biennial Management Meeting.

2. It is unfortunate that Laos cannot be with us today, although we have extended an invitation to them. I hope that Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will be able to join us as members of the ASSC in the near future, but I will have to leave this task to the incoming President of the ASSC.

3. Despite the recent economic downturn, I am happy to report that the ASSC was able to fulfil all its commitments made since our last meeting. With the assistance and cooperation of member countries, we have successfully organised 5 competitions in 1998 as well as this year. Singapore was very privileged to host the ASSC 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner in December last year, where we honoured our pioneer members for their contributions and service to this Council. I was heartened to note that there was a good turnout at the function. So to all of you, I wish to record the Council’s thanks and appreciation for your hard work and contributions.

4. Over a period of almost 3 decades, the ASSC has not only expanded from the original 5 pioneer members to the present 7, but has facilitated a deepening of mutual understanding, tolerance and trust among member countries.

5. The ASSC has stayed true to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, having successfully organised numerous sports competitions, seminars and coaching workshops. These not only serve as good nurturing grounds for budding national sportsmen and women in member countries, but have strengthened the bonds of friendship, understanding and tolerance within ASEAN. Most importantly, they demonstrate the ASSC’s commitment to assist in the delivery of a holistic education to our ASEAN youth, to nurture in them a ruggedness of body, mind and spirit.

6. In closing, I would also like to record a vote of thanks to both our Vice-Presidents for their kind support and contributions. With your continued support, I am confident that the 36th Meeting will be a meaningful and productive one.