Ladies and gentlemen,

Boys and Girls.

1.     This Official Opening of the new premises of Siglap Secondary School is a special and auspicious occasion for the school. This ceremony marks the celebration of change as well as continuity in the history of Siglap. The move from its former premises in Siglap Road to Pasir Ris New Town and the upgraded facilities in this new campus has opened up a new array of learning opportunities for pupils that will better prepare them for the future. The geographical and physical change is symbolic of a brand new start for the school in this new millennium; an opportunity for new directions. This Official Opening also coincides with the school's 45th Anniversary. The school has a relatively long history of 45 years and has achievements and traditions that it can be proud of. While the school celebrates change, this is also a moment when it considers what should continue in its culture and traditions so as to preserve the school spirit and ethos that have brought it thus far.

A New Beginning

2.     The move to this brand new building has started a new chapter for Siglap Sec Sch. Equipped with up-to-date facilities, the school is now better positioned to provide an education geared towards preparing our young for the future.

3.     The future will be driven very much by technological changes. The pace of change has never been so fast nor has the impact of change been so pervasive. Just this time last year, the world was amazed at the Pentium III computers that were running at 500 megahertz, and now, in just 1 year later the Pentium III family of computers has already doubled that at 1000 megahertz. In fact, we have a whole new generation of computers complete with handphone capabilities, something we can hold on just one palm. I am sure you feel the impact of these changes already. The school must therefore be ever ready to respond to change, and ensure that the curriculum it provides prepares pupils for the future. Most important of all, the school must develop in its pupils a mindset that is always quick to grasp the opportunities presented by change.

4.     What should go into a curriculum that would prepare our pupils for the future? Our schools have been very strong in helping pupils acquire knowledge and skills needed at work. However, such knowledge and skills can become obsolete quickly. The one vital skill the school must develop in its pupils is independent life-long learning. MOE initiatives, like the IT Masterplan and teaching of Thinking skills, have developing lifelong learning as one of the key objectives.

5.     I am happy to note that Siglap Secondary School has done well in integrating these new initiatives into the school curriculum. The school has embraced new methodologies, using IT in teaching. Learning is no more confined merely to the classroom or the text. Up-to-date information is only a click away.

6.     With more and better facilities in this new campus, the school has been able to operate in one session. Turning single session has allowed the school to provide pupils with an all-round education. Pupils now use the hours in the afternoon to participate in a myriad of co-curricular activities, which enrich school life, impart life skills, and develop leadership abilities.

7.     Since moving into Pasir Ris, the school has also developed close links quickly with the community. It has established the Parents' Support Group and worked on several projects with the Residents' Committees. By building links and working with the community, the school is exposing pupils to an environment beyond the boundaries of their families and school. Through community activities, pupils will have the opportunity to learn to appreciate others, empathise with others, and develop social skills. Pupils will get the chance to come in contact with the real world, and in the course of it, develop a practical understanding of the world and become more aware of their relationship to the world. These experiences will develop in them the sense of responsibility to the society and the capacity to help the less able to adapt to the rapid changing environment.

Continuation of Traditions

8.     As the school looks ahead and adjusts itself for the future, it is also timely for the school to celebrate its past. Siglap Secondary School has 45 years of history. Siglap can look back with pride and joy at the rich heritage behind these four and a half decades. It has 45 years of memories shared by so many of you present here today: ex-teachers, teachers and alumni members. The experiences and lessons of the past must be cherished. Siglap must continue to propagate the school's traditional values that have enabled so many who passed through its portals to be successful in life. These values are captured in the name of the school - SIGLAP: S for Single-mindedness I for Integrity G for Graciousness, L for Loyalty A for Adaptability to change and P for Perseverance

9.     Siglap's traditional strengths have been in art and sports. The rich collection of paintings and artefacts that greeted you at the foyer as you arrived this evening is testimony to Siglap's rich heritage in art and the many art talents it has developed. In the sports arena, the school had the honour of producing the only Singaporean to have clinched a gold medal in athletics at the Asian Games so far. Chee Swee Lee, who won a gold medal in athletics at the Asian Games Women 800m event in 1974 is the epitome of the Siglapian spirit of perseverance and excellence.

10.   In more recent years, Siglap has established high standards of achievement in soccer. The school won the national inter-school tournament championships for two consecutive years in 1997 and 1998, coming in fourth in 1999 and being the first runner up this year.

11.   Siglap is the Art Centre for the EastOne Cluster. Later this evening, we will witness the official opening of the Centre. With the facilities funded by the EastOne cluster, Siglap can now build a strong art programme that is essential to the cultivation of art talents. Siglap must also collaborate with the other cluster schools to inspire young people in the cluster towards the pursuit of art.

Closing

12.   Siglap Secondary School has much to be proud of. The school has established high levels of achievement in Sports and in Art. Moving to these new premises has allowed the school to chart a new direction. It is important for the school to provide a curriculum that will prepare pupils to be adept to changes in the future. As you look ahead, take time to also look back and continue traditions that would be useful for the future.

13.   Finally, may I extend my best wishes to the SAC, the Principal, staff and pupils.