27 October 2000

ADDRESS BY MR PETER CHEN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY AT THE ROTARY – ITE ALUMNI ACHIEVER AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY
ON FRIDAY, 27 OCT 2000
AT 1830 HOURS AT ITE HEADQUARTERS

Mr Eric Gwee
Chairman, ITE

Dr Law Song Seng
Director & CEO, ITE

Mr Alex Eow
President, Rotary Club of Bugis Junction, Singapore

Mr Roger Lee
President, ITE Alumni Association

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening.

Introduction

I am pleased to join you today to present the Rotary – ITE Alumni Achiever Awards and the Paul-Harris-Fellowship Awards to a group of outstanding ITE alumni. Their success and achievements in their respective fields should motivate the large community of ITE students and graduates to excel in their studies and careers.

Singapore 21 Vision

All individuals have potential far beyond their current achievement. We recognise this and have incorporated this fact into Singapore's vision of our nation in the twenty-first century. One of the key ideas in Singapore 21 is " Every Singaporean Matters".
Hence, opportunities are given to every Singaporean. Today, Singaporeans have the opportunity to develop their potential fully regardless of their background. Your abilities are recognised --whether one is academically- or technically-inclined, is good in business or blessed with special talents or skills-- the openings and opportunities are there for all to succeed. Many of you here have chosen to follow your dreams through the technical education path and have succeeded with an ITE education.
Just as "Every Singaporean Matters" I hope that each one of you also feel that "Singapore matters" and that you have a role to play. And a contribution to make to society and nation.

ITE Breakthrough
ITE has responded well to the Singapore 21 vision. Its new strategic plan, the ITE Breakthrough, will help Singaporeans realise that vision.
ITE students today are indeed fortunate. They enjoy the benefits of modern campuses, quality programmes and dedicated teachers. All of them have the opportunity to do well. ITE’s "high-tech" teaching and learning environment is evident to the public and community.
However, an ITE education should not be limited to technical knowledge and skills. ITE should provide a well-rounded education that will encourage students to acquire knowledge, skills and values for lifelong learning. A world-class technical education should also create opportunities for students to excel in areas beyond technical skills, as for example, in the music and arts, sports and community services. Such pursuit and achievement truly reflect the spirit of tonight’s awards.

Congratulatory Remarks
This evening, I also have the pleasure of presenting the Friends-of-ITE-Alumni Award to companies that have provided outstanding support to both ITE and ITE Alumni Association projects and activities.
I am heartened to see community-oriented organisations like the Rotary Club of Bugis Junction, Singapore, supporting ITE’s efforts in promoting the importance of technical education. Your partnership with the ITE Alumni for the Achiever Awards for ITE students is commendable. In closing, let me first acknowledge all nominees for the Achiever Awards. Your contributions are important and valuable to society. I offer my congratulations to all the recipients of the Rotary-ITE Alumni Achiever Awards and the Paul Harris Fellowship Awards, as well as the Companies receiving the special Friends of ITE Alumni trophy.