8 August 2002

SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND 2ND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT THE 150th ANNIVERSARY PARADE OF ST JOSEPH'S INSTITUTION ON THURSDAY, 8 AUGUST 2002 @ 1830H

1. It fills me with great pleasure and pride to join you to celebrate Singapore's National Day at my Alma Mater, and to witness the change of command ceremony of the school's uniformed groups. This occasion is of special significance since this is also the year that we celebrate the 150th Jubilee year of SJI.

2. I say that it is a pleasure for me because I can reminisce about the days when I was a member of the SJICC, now known as the NCC Land. I recall how, as a young cadet, I had participated in the School's 115th Anniversary parade in 1967. And I am proud that the tradition of excellent performance by SJI's uniformed groups continues to be upheld today.

3. As we celebrate our Nation's 37th year of independence, it is good to take stock of how much Singapore has progressed. And as we pull ourselves out of the economic downturn, and face the new economic and security challenges, we can be thankful that Singaporeans have responded together as a nation. We can attribute this to characteristics such as teamwork and valuing social cohesion, perseverance and adaptability, and good leadership. These characteristics are also qualities that uniformed groups in schools inculcate in their members.

4. I remember well the days when I stood together with my fellow SJICC members to pledge our loyalty, service and commitment to each other, our school and our country. These are values that we lived and learnt together as students and as cadets. And these are values that I hold dear today. It is no coincidence that many former uniformed group cadets play an active role in contributing towards the progress and well being of our nation and countrymen.

5. Let me elaborate on these traits. First -- "Teamwork". In joining a uniformed group, members are introduced to the ethos and values of being part of a group. Through the various activities, such as footdrill, camps and outdoor activities, Uniformed Group members not only learn self-discipline but also develop a sense of identity with their group. This concept of group loyalty transcends race and religion. In identifying with their fellow cadets, members appreciate the importance of lending support and assistance to their teammates, and in pulling their weight to accomplish tasks as a team. The importance of teamwork is reinforced through their interactions not just with cadets from their own unit, but also with cadets from other units. In this way, they are moulded into responsible individuals who value teamwork and cooperation with their friends.

6. In participating in community work, the members also learn, from a young age, the value of service and of developing enduring friendships with one another. That is an integral part of nation building - recognising the importance of reaching out to compatriots who are in need, understanding the sense of national purpose and embracing social cohesion. This will ensure that as Singarpore grows, we all share in and benefit from this growth, as the better off feel it their responsibility to lend a hand to those who are less fortunate.

7. The second trait is "Perseverance and Adaptability". Through the various activities, traits such as perseverance and adaptability are also fostered. Uniformed Group members develop resilience and resourcefulness, and are trained to look adversity in the face, identify the problem and adapt quickly enough to look for solutions beyond the immediate parameters. This capacity to "never give up", coupled with the ability to think critically and innovatively will certainly enable them to respond ably to an environment of constant and rapid change.

8. The third trait is "Good Leadership." Good leaders are marked by their breadth of vision and depth of passion, and many of them discovered their strengths on the training grounds of school uniformed groups. Cadets of uniformed groups are groomed into young men of vision, passion and action. Since Day One, they are charged with a sense of purpose, mission and vision for their uniformed groups and for themselves. They also participate in different activities, ranging from footdrill to camp craft, to first aid, to community service, and to taking on positions of leadership in their respective units. These activities can only be done well when they are carried out with passion and commitment. Such training will put them in good stead in the future when they will be able to take on other leadership roles and contribute to the community and the nation.

9. SJI's uniformed groups have indeed exemplified all the vital traits I mentioned above. The school achieved Gold Awards for NCC (Land) and (Air) units, the Pelandok Scouts and NPCC. In addition, NCC (Land), the oldest unit in SJI, has also clinched the Gold Award for the 7th consecutive year and achieved the overall Best Unit Award. This outstanding record is not an easy feat. I congratulate the teacher-officers and students whose effort and hard work have contributed to the excellent results.

10. This is a significant moment for those of you who will be handing over duties to your juniors. The handing over of duties does not mean an end to your association with the uniformed groups which had occupied a huge part of your secondary school life. Rather, you need to see this "handing over" as one of the milestones of your growth and development. It is an event to mark how far you have come since the first day you joined the uniformed group, and it is also a proud day for both your teachers and officers as they note your achievements. You have indeed made them proud by living up to their expectations and proving your mettle and ability. My hope for you is that you will bring with you all the lessons you have had the benefit of learning to serve the wider community. It has been said that from those who have been blessed with much, much is required.

11. For those of you who are taking on the roles of leadership in your respective groups tonight, this event is no less significant. You will now step into the shoes of your seniors to provide leadership to your younger fellow cadets. You are now entrusted with the responsibility of passing on to the juniors the qualities you have learnt from your years in your uniformed groups. May you continue to grow and contribute to your groups, your school and the community.

12. Today also marks an important day of celebration in the history of SJI. I will be sealing the Jubilee Time Capsule containing souvenirs of the celebrations from 2001 to 2002 after this assembly. Josephians who open this Time Capsule 50 years from today, when St Joseph's Institution will celebrate its bicentenary, will be able to find a precious slice of SJI and Singapore's history. I hope that the Josephians who come after us will also stand tall and say that the record of good performance by the School, and in particular of our uniformed groups is still sustained.