22 May 2000

SPEECH BY MR MOHAMAD MAIDIN PACKER MOHD,
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MP
FOR MARINE PARADE GRC, AT THE NANYANG ACADEMY
OF FINE ARTS' SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS (SVA)
GRADUATION SHOW 2000, WORLD TRADE CENTRE EXPO GATEWAY,
MONDAY, 22 MAY 2000 AT 6.30 PM

Good evening, Mr Ho Kah Leong, Principal, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Board Members, lecturers, students

Ladies and gentlemen

1. I am pleased to be with you here this evening at the opening ceremony of the School of Visual Arts' Graduation Show 2000, and to have been given the opportunity to view the high quality of the artworks on display. These are works of students who will soon have the distinction of being the inaugural cohort of graduands of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts' School of Visual Arts in the new century.

2. As Singapore steps into the knowledge-based economy, its success will depend largely on the capacity of its people to source for knowledge and be able to adapt, innovate and create. Creativity and innovation will form the core of our economic life as vital ingredients to enhance the competitiveness of our nation. We therefore need to maximise every talent to the fullest and prepare our people to meet the challenges of the future.

3. To compete successfully in the global economy, we must progress to higher value-added activities. Arts education, represented by educational institutions such as NAFA, plays a critical role in securing our future, by helping Singapore to develop its creative industries while developing the overall cognitive abilities of individual citizens. It is indisputable that an arts education sensitises children to the visual, spatial or auditory relationships needed to create a coherent piece of art, music or literary work. The diversity of art forms also teaches individuals to see that problems can have multiple solutions, solutions that can be reached through a variety of inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches.

4. The arts scene in Singapore has been reborn in recent years with added vibrancy and has already imbued a greater variety and balance to the social palate of Singapore. The many artistic and cultural activities associated with the visual and performing arts have tapped the talent of Singaporeans, ranging from the very young to those who are older.

5. The theme of this year's SVA Graduation Show, `Fresh Blood: Rejuvenate Your System', is a timely reminder of the need for continuous innovation and change if the development of the arts scene in Singapore is to remain healthy and productive. There is room for both the expert contributions of veteran artists and designers, and the new styles and representations of their students. Some are among the more than 3,000 exhibits on display here this evening.

6. I would like to congratulate the 393 students who have successfully undergone their arts training over these past few years. As new graduates in the arts, your education has not ended. The moment you step out of this auditorium, you will be challenged to hone the training that you have received at NAFA to a higher level of creativity, innovation and strength. You must continue to build on the education that you have gained by adopting the philosophy and culture of life-long learning. This will ensure that your artistic talents will continue to develop and mature and your works of art and design will command greater attention, respect, and even profit.

7. The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts has contributed a great deal to the nurturing of local arts talents in Singapore during the past decades. I am confident that your comprehensive curriculum, tailored to suit the changing playing field of a global society, will continue to produce graduates with the vision and passion to visualise their Art in action.

8. On this note, I declare the SVA Graduation Show 2000 open. Thank you and have a pleasant evening.