2 August 2002

SPEECH BY THE GUEST-OF-HONOUR, DR NG ENG HEN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION & MANPOWER, AT THE FIRST SESSION OF THE 42ND GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC AT THE INDOOR STADIUM, ON FRIDAY, 2ND AUGUST 2002, 9.30 AM

1. It gives me great pleasure to join you at your graduation ceremony. This is your proud moment and signifies a brighter future that you have created through your educational attainments. My heartiest congratulations to you on successfully completing your studies in the Singapore Polytechnic.

2. You are graduating at a time when the job market is not so favourable. Unemployment rate is currently at 4.1%. Despite signs of the economy turning around, unemployment could worsen further before it gets better.

3. However, as a diploma holder, your situation is better than most. Going by last year's employment statistics for polytechnic graduates, you will still stand a very good chance of getting a job. Last year, about 3 out of every 4 polytechnic graduates managed to get employed 3 months after graduation. This shows that employers value polytechnic education and understand the rigour of the training you have received. The employers know that your Polytechnic has equipped you with the relevant knowledge and skills for the job market.

4. Being young and energetic, you have the added advantage of the "beginner's mind". Being new to the workplace, you bring with you the ability to view things from fresh perspectives, without the burden of fixed mindsets. You are better able to challenge the norms and to be innovative.

5. However, you will have to be realistic in your expectations. It will be more difficult for you to gain employment if you set your sights on an ideal job. While it is always good to look for your ideal job, this job may not come so quickly. Do not wait for too long. It may be better for you to be employed in a reasonable job and gain some working experience first. As you know, the shelf life of knowledge is getting shorter. If you are unemployed for a long period of time, your knowledge will become less relevant to the employers.

6. Today, no one can expect pre-employment education to prepare him adequately for his entire working life. The challenge you face from now on is how well you are able to continually re-train and re-skill yourself. What you have learned and what you know are not as important as what you are able to learn. Rote learning will probably not help you as much as learning through reflection, critical thinking, inquiry and experimentation - valuable skills that the Polytechnic has equipped you with during your course.

7. I note that it is the vision of the Polytechnic to have each of you committed to lifelong learning. I am pleased to learn that Singapore Polytechnic has mounted many part-time continuing education courses, including advanced and specialist diploma courses. The Government has also put in place many programmes to help the workforce remain relevant and employable as the need for skills upgrading and retraining has become even more urgent in these times. I would urge you to take advantage of these opportunities as lifelong learning is key to continued employability.

8. I am told that many among the graduands present here are exemplars of life-long learners. Graduating today is Mr Tan Yean Soon from the SAF who aspires to be an electrical engineer. Having joined the army after his A-levels, Mr Tan, who is 36 years old, felt the need to upgrade himself with new skills. Three years ago, he received an SAF study award to pursue a full-time course in Electrical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic. He felt that one was never too old to go back to school or learn new skills. Despite being the "big brother" in his class and becoming a father halfway through his course, he has managed to top his course of study! I am happy to announce that he is a Lee Kuan Yew award recipient this year.

9. Another life-long learner graduating today used to be a taxi-driver. She was over forty years old when she decided to give up her taxi-driving career to study Biotechnology in the Polytechnic. She is on record as Singapore Polytechnic's oldest graduate in the history of this course. She has since been accepted to pursue a degree course in Melbourne University, and I understand that she is now in Australia.

10. There are many other mature students, especially those in the part-time courses. They work by day and attend classes at night, striving to upgrade and re-skill themselves. Their spirit of perseverance is truly encouraging and deserves your commendation and emulation.

11. The future is an exciting one. The knowledge-based economy offers many challenges and opportunities for those who are not afraid to work hard, explore and discover. Your Polytechnic training has given you a head start. Be willing to adapt, upgrade and re-train and you will do well in the new economy.

12. Once again, my congratulations to all graduands. I wish you many exciting and fulfilling years ahead. Thank you.