5 May 2000

SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AT THE METHODIST SCHOOLS BUILDINGS ENDOWMENT FUND CHARITY PERFORMANCE "THE STUDENT PRINCE" AT KALLANG THEATRE ON FRIDAY 5 MAY 2000 @ 8.05 PM

The Bishop, Pastors,
Principals, Teachers and Alumni of the Methodist Schools
Ladies and gentlemen

1 Thank you for inviting me to this evening's performance of "The Student Prince", in aid of the Methodist Schools of Singapore.

2 In our schools today, a solid education with a firm foundation in the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic are a given. In fact we have even become the model for science and mathematics teaching and learning for schools in the United States. This is testimony to the good work of our Education Officers. You can be sure that our teachers and principals will not rest on their laurels; instead they are committed to excellence in their profession. For example, look at how our schools have made the change to incorporate IT in every facet of the school culture - in administration, in teaching and learning - to stay relevant in the changing times.

3 The Methodist Schools have understood the need to prepare its students for the demands of new technologies. Hence the Methodist Schools Building Endowment Fund is starting an endowment of $15 million for the 13 Methodist Schools. This fund will enable the schools to upgrade their teaching and learning facilities, such as provide additional IT equipment for computer-based learning and teaching. The Methodist Church has donated an initial sum of $5 million, and it hopes that the congregations, the schools' alumni, and other well-wishers, will help to raise the balance, through fund-raising events such as this evening' s performance.

4 Every year the 13 Methodist Schools in Singapore educate some 21,000 students. As aided schools, the cost of delivering the prescribed curriculum in these schools is fully subvented by the Ministry of Education. What the Methodist schools have brought to the education system in Singapore is some additional resources, but more importantly the extra commitment, time and concern of the members of your community to the education of the students in your schools, regardless of faith.

5 I am confident that your schools will continue to do their best to live up to the mission of educating your students into scholars of academic excellence, and citizens of strong moral values, with love and a sense of responsibility for their fellow men.

6 I wish the Methodist Schools every success, and I wish you an enjoyable evening. Thank you.