22 October 2002

OPENING ADDRESS BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT THE TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC 6th ANNUAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE (ASDC), AT 9.15 AM, TUE, 22 OCT 2002, TEMASEK CONVENTION CENTRE

1. Good morning. I am pleased to have the opportunity to be here to open your 6th Annual Staff Development Conference.

2. First of all, allow me to extend my heartiest congratulations to the recipients of the various certificates for teaching in higher education for their true grit shown in completing the highly demanding courses. They are indeed exemplary in upholding the value of life-long learning.

3. We are all aware of the challenges facing us in the years ahead owing to changes in the global economic climate - the opening up of the Chinese market, the downturn of the US economy and the ever-evolving technology landscape. As the recent flash estimates of the third-quarter growth show, Singapore's economy is indeed not impervious to the impact of global events. Right now, we are bracing ourselves for the socio-economic and political impact of the terrorist attack in Bali. But we are confident that we are able to take on whatever challenges that may come our way because as a nation, we have on several occasions proven our mettle.

4. The polytechnics play a critical role in preparing young Singaporeans for the challenging future and the knowledge-based economy. We have been successful on that score. I am pleased to note that the employment rate of Temasek Poly graduates soon after graduation has increased from 78% in 2000 to 86 % in 2001. However, in a knowledge-based economy, it is not enough to only keep abreast of changes, we have to also actively seek and carve out niche areas for ourselves.

5. As staff members of an institute of higher learning tasked with preparing our young for the next wave of change and development, you will have to make sure that you constantly upgrade your skills and explore new horizons of learning. Embracing the Singapore 21 spirit, which acknowledges that character, courage, commitment, compassion and creativity are important to our success and survival, you can show your commitment by working hard to be better than our competitors and remaining alert to new developments. To do this, you have come together to share and build on each other's ideas. The opening of this morning's one-and-a-half day conference, and the e-Poster exhibition showcasing research by your fraternity, indeed offer an opportunity for you to tap each other's experiences.

6. The fact that this is your 6th Annual Staff Development Conference testifies to your organisation's commitment towards staff and capability development. Your conference theme of Nature, Nurture, Nourish, indicates that you are valued as a vital part of the organisation.

7. Let us examine the conference theme in a little more detail. Nature refers to the qualities and characteristics that are innate in a person. Aristotle once said, "In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous". Who we are, what we are, and the potential that is innate in each of us, is what Aristotle saw as marvelous. You, as individuals, and your organisation will have to seek ways to unleash this potential by nurturing it.

8. Nurture, thus, refers to the development of one's innate qualities and characteristics. A conducive environment where every one of us has the opportunity and room to grow is a pre-requisite. I understand that Temasek Poly provides such an environment by soliciting regular feedback, giving positive reinforcement, recognising excellence as well as running creatively designed programmes which foster open sharing and collaboration. Indeed, this is in keeping with one of Temasek Poly's corporate goals of engendering a "quality environment through communication, teamwork and people centeredness."

9. This brings us to the third word in the theme, Nourish. Temasek Poly works hard to nourish its staff by providing the necessary knowledge and skills to broaden the expertise of the staff. Through education and development, Temasek Poly is building people of substance, people who make a difference in the workplace and in their families. Running certificate courses in teaching for its teaching staff is indeed an example of marrying the needs of its staff and its corporate goals.

10. As members of Temasek Poly staff, it is important for all of you to contribute towards a culture of Nature, Nurture, Nourish within your organisation. Not only is it vital for you as staff members, but it is also vital for your students. Your students will need to adopt a similar approach to nurturing and nourishing their own development as they prepare for a future of dynamic change. What better way for them to learn than to emulate you as you are their role models. In this connection, I am glad to note that you have made the landmark decision to adopt the Problem-Based Learning approach institution-wide. The benefits of such an approach will surely accrue to both staff and students.

11. The interesting range of conference topics such as e-learning, learning-teaching excellence and organisational awareness reflects the true nature of learning, that is, learning can be attained at all levels, and for all levels. The promotion of wellness by nurturing occupational, social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth can be seen in the wide-ranging topics available at the conference. I am gratified to note that there is something for everyone to contribute and to learn in this conference.

12. The large turnout at today's conference is indicative of the staff subscribing to Temasek Poly's philosophy of encouraging staff to be lifelong learners. Throughout the time you spend together at this conference, I am sure you will be engaging in a meaningful and productive exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences. As you share and learn, you will be able to help your students learn from the knowledge and experience you have gained. I wish you a fruitful time of learning and growing.

13. In closing, I would like to leave you with this saying, "Do not be afraid of going slowly, be afraid of standing still". Progress is slow when one is on a learning curve, especially a steep one. But it is better to progress slowly than not to progress at all. I trust you will continue to be lifelong learners, making every effort to nurture and nourish yourself and others.