4 August 2000

SPEECH BY MR PETER CHEN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION
AT THE TAN KAH KEE POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION CEREMONY
ON FRI 4 AUG 2000 AT 11.30 AM AT COPTHORNE HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL

This is the 18th year that Tan Kah Kee Foundation is awarding scholarships to graduates who intend to further their postgraduate studies locally or overseas. Over these years, more than 170 Singaporeans and permanent residents have received the Tan Kah Kee scholarship award. We are happy to note that the past TKK scholarship recipients are actively contributing in various capacities to the development of Singapore. I am happy to see some of them able to take time off to attend today's Award presentation ceremony.

I commend the Foundation for its excellent efforts in helping our promising graduates realise their full potential. At the same time, I would like to extend my best wishes to all the award recipients as they pursue greater challenges in the years ahead.

As Singapore enters a new era of the Knowledge-Based Economy, we need to encourage in our youth the culture of life long learning by providing a knowledge and information rich environment in our country. Our success as a Knowledge Based Economy will depend largely on our ability to nurture a highly competent and dedicated workforce.

While the Government and business community can create the opportunities for people to learn and to upgrade, these opportunities must first be taken up. Our best and brightest Singaporeans must be committed to contribute their fair share to the development of Singapore for themselves and for their families.

The quality of commitment to the family and society at large is an important attribute. The Tan Kah Kee Postgraduate Scholarship Selection Committee has long ago decided that both academic excellence and community spirit should receive important weightage. As a result, involvement in community work has become one of the major selection criteria.

We cannot over emphasize the importance of encouraging young Singaporeans to take up community and social work. It is worth re-sounding this clarion call once more. PM Goh Chok Tong in a speech in Parliament has recently called upon young Singaporeans to adopt "Community" to be one of the 5Cs which they should strive for. The brighter our students, the greater is the need for commitment to community. By stressing community spirit in the Tan Kah Kee postgraduate scholarship awards, you are signalling to all Singaporeans of your contribution to make Singapore a caring, courteous and sharing nation. It is your way of encouraging our young to possess the community spirit by giving due recognition to those who have actively participated in community work.

We can do all we want to nurture and develop our own manpower and talent. But at the end of our day, all our efforts will only count if our best and brightest Singaporeans remain committed to the country, and want to contribute to the growth and prospects of Singapore.

As recipients of the Tan Kah Kee postgraduate scholarship, and in the true spirit of the award, you will excel in all you do and your contribution to the community for yourself and for country. I wish you all the very best in your pursuits.