Professor Leo Tan, Director, National Institute of Education,
Mr Kwa Chong Seng, Chairman and Managing Director,
Exxon Mobil Singapore
Assistant Professor Nick Aplin, Chairman of the Caring Teacher Awards
Organising Committee
Colleagues, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen

2       We place a high premium on education in Singapore. Our people are our only resource. And we maximise this resource by striving to develop each one of our people to their full potential. This is the basic thrust of the "Thinking Schools, Learning Nation" vision that has been introduced by the Ministry of Education. The specific programmes include the IT Masterplan, National Education, Creative Thinking just to name a few. This is a challenging agenda. While we have programmes and initiatives, we must always keep at the centre of our minds that education is about people.

3      Teachers are the key to all that we do in education. They have to help their students learn knowledge and skills. But more importantly they have to help their students develop the right values and attitudes. It is through personal interactions and their influence as role models that teachers mould and nurture their students, helping to shape their characters, and imbue them with the values, attitudes and skills that will enable them to meet future challenges.

4      Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences during your school days. Can you recall a teacher who has touched your heart, who has influenced your choice of career, or how you have chosen to live your life? A teacher, perhaps, who was a friend and mentor; or who left an indelible impression on you through a kind word, an inspiring lesson, or through exemplifying discipline and upholding high standards?

5      More often than not, teachers whom you remember are those who have gone the extra mile, and passionately believed in the innate and latent qualities of pupils, no matter how unpromising they may have seemed. In short, teachers who through their words and actions say, "I care".

6      What then is a caring teacher? A caring teacher is good at more than imparting knowledge and skills. A caring teacher is able to motivate academic achievement, gel a rowdy rabble into a football team and draw out shy and awkward students to stage a play. He is able to identify and harness the innate abilities of all his students. A caring teacher is all these and more.

7      Caring teachers are prepared to go beyond the ordinary for the fulfilment of their students. They genuinely have their students' welfare and interests at heart. I know of many teachers who take time to listen to their students' personal problems, who coach students who had been on long medical leave, to ensure that the students are able to catch up with the rest of the class.

8      Caring teachers are themselves guided by values and principles which enable them to decide how to guide and motivate their students; when a soft word of encouragement is needed or when the firmer discipline may be required.

9      Caring teachers do not work alone. They seek partners and work with them to get the most out of their students - other teachers, coaches, counsellors and most important of all, parents.

10    To better equip teachers with the ability to provide guidance and a sense of direction to pupils, I am pleased that NIE will be launching two new courses - the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling and the Advanced Diploma in Guidance and Counselling in January 2001.

11    The Advanced Postgraduate Diploma is offered to serving teachers who have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, while the Advanced Diploma will be offered to those with a Diploma in Education or its equivalent. Both programmes will equip teachers to be effective helpers and counsellors to their students. They will also be able to plan, implement, evaluate and improve guidance and counselling programmes in their schools, helping their colleagues to be more caring teachers.

12    I am delighted to note that this year's Caring Teacher Awards has again attracted tremendous response in recognising the efforts of our teachers. As in 1998, more than 3000 nominations were received.

13    The large number of nominations shows clearly that there are many caring teachers; many whose dedication and commitment have moved others to take notice and nominate them.

14    Today, we are here to commend a group of teachers drawn from these 3000 who exemplify caring teachers. They have touched the lives not only of those whom they have taught and their parents, but also their peers. Nominations have come from all of them - students, parents and colleagues. There can be no higher tribute, nor greater affirmation of your dedication and commitment.

15    Five of these teachers will be recognised as the most caring teachers in Singapore, and 11 will receive Certificates of Commendation. These teachers receive the accolade of 'Caring Teacher' because they have gone beyond the ordinary call of duty in an unstinting, and exemplary manner. They have helped students to overcome personal difficulties, and they have led by example.

16    Let me extend my warmest congratulations to all the award recipients and every one of the nominees. You have proven that caring teachers do make a difference in someone's life.

17    I would also like to thank Exxon Mobil Singapore for their continuing support of the Caring Teacher Awards. You have helped to make possible a very meaningful award, and helped to recognise the hard work, commitment and dedication of a very special group of people - our teachers.

18    To all our teachers, I would like to say a big 'thank you' for all the good work which you have done for your students, your schools and our nation. May you continue to enjoy a successful and rewarding teaching career.