SPEECH BY RADM (NS) TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AT THE AMP ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY AT AMP CENTRE ON SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2000 AT 3.00 PM.

Mr Mohd Alami Musa, Chairman of AMP,

Community Leaders,

Principals, parents, students,

2.       Today, 43 primary and 13 secondary students will be receiving awards in recognition of their good performance both in the academic as well as in non-academic realms. The academic awards include the Best Progress Award, Best Achievement Award, and awards given to the top PSLE and 'O' level students. Non-academic awards will be given to students who have demonstrated a dedication to their studies and have shown progress in their personal growth. These awards underscore our belief that education goes beyond the intellectual development of a child. It is also about developing the child morally, physically, socially and aesthetically.

3.       Ours is a society which attaches great value to education. The Ministry of Education encourages parents and the community to work hand-in-hand with our schools to provide the best possible education for our children. These awards are an affirmation that the AMP subscribes to the belief that "Every Singaporean Matters."

4.       The efforts of AMP in boosting the preparedness of Malay/Muslim students for a knowledge-based economy are to be commended. I understand that the educational and enrichment programmes organized by the AMP for school children include activity-based learning programmes for weaker students; the English, Maths & Science or EMAS Programme; and the Speakers, Writers & Thinkers (SWAT) Programme.

5.       Such efforts have contributed to an increase in the community's educational achievements over the last decade. The number of Malay/Muslim students who qualify for secondary and post-secondary education, is on the rise. In 1989, 42% of the Malay/Muslim candidature passed with at least 5 credits for the GCE 'O' level examinations. This percentage rose to 49% in 1999. The proportion of Malay/Muslim PSLE candidates who qualified for secondary schools also rose from 74% in 1989 to 91% in 1999.

6.       The educational progress made by the Malay/Muslim community has been encouraging, but we must continue to persevere. The percentage of Malay/Muslim students who attained a pass in Mathematics and Science in the 1999 'O' level examinations was about 60%. While there has been an improvement in these pass rates over the past decade, we must aim to further raise the proportion of Malay/Muslim students who perform well in Mathematics and Science in secondary schools.

7.       Success in a knowledge-based economy hinges, to a large extent, on one's grasp of scientific and technological knowledge. This requires a firm foundation in science and mathematics. A lack of mastery of science and mathematics will be a disadvantage when competing for jobs in the knowledge-based economy of tomorrow. It is therefore important for all our students to develop a healthy appreciation of science and mathematics, and be comfortable in applying scientific and mathematical concepts.

8.       The endeavour to prepare our young for the world of the future requires more than just the efforts of our teachers in the schools. To ensure success, a close partnership and co-operation involving the schools, parents and the community is not a luxury, but a necessity. In addressing the concerns and issues faced by Malay/Muslim students, the family environment plays an important role. There is a limit to what a teacher or school can do. The country's education system complements the values taught in one's family. Therefore, the family must fulfil its role as the critical building block of society.

9.       I am therefore heartened to see that the AMP has taken a step towards fostering a partnership by organising the Partners in Learning Programme. This programme aims to provide parents with the skills to support their children's academic and personal development. Through it, parents become more aware of the need to monitor and support their children's learning, and more able to guide and advise their children on their choice of academic paths.

10.     Let me conclude by extending my congratulations to today's 56 award recipients. You have done your family and your community proud. I am certain that this will be an occasion that you and your parents would always cherish as all your hard work has produced the desired results. Your achievement will be a source of inspiration to other Malay/Muslim students, and together you will help your community to excel. Thank you.