Home > Media Centre > Speeches Printer-friendly page

EMBARGOED UNTIL AFTER DELIVERY
PLEASE CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER AT PASIR RIS CREST SECONDARY’S NATIONAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, 17 MAY 2003, AT 10.00 AM

Miss Aileen Yap, Deputy Executive Director, NYAA Council

Mrs Teo Khin Hiang, Principal of Pasir Ris Crest Secondary

Distinguished guests

Teachers and students

Good morning.

INTRODUCTION

1          I am happy to join you today for the school's National Youth Achievement Award Ceremony. You have good reason to celebrate. I am told that 382 of your secondary three students achieved the Bronze Award and 43 of your secondary four students achieved the Silver Award. I am confident the school will keep up the good record.

PRC STUDENTS PURSUE AND REALISE CHALLENGES

2          The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) Scheme aims to encourage our young people to develop personal qualities of self-reliance, perseverance and a sense of responsibility to themselves, to society and to the nation. I understand that in their quest for the Award, our youths are judged on personal achievement measured against original circumstances and potential capabilities. It is, thus, not surprising that the NYAA Scheme is one of the key programmes in the school.

3          As articulated in the school motto, students in Pasir Ris Crest are urged to pursue challenges so that they can realise their potential. The school's purpose is clear - it sets out to nurture young minds and inculcate strong moral values in the students. At the same time, it strives to promote excellence in character and encourages a high standard of achievement in academic and co-curricular activities. Hence, by allowing students to participate in the NYAA Scheme, the school is providing the students with further opportunities to acquire life skills and good values. As I look at the awardees gathered here today, I am certain that the Principal and teachers are gratified that you, the students of Pasir Ris Crest, have come this far in your pursuit of the NYAA. I am confident that you are on your way to bigger things. And I am sure your Principal and teachers feel the same way, too.

4          These deserving students have put in tremendous effort and a lot of time to win the respective awards. I understand that achieving the NYAA Award is not a small task; it entails much discipline and a high level of perseverance to go through the various pre-requisites before the award can be achieved. I am pleased to know that so many students in this school have succeeded in their quest.

5          From the impressive Powerpoint presentation shown earlier, I am sure that you will agree with me that strong determination and courage were evident among the awardees. To these awardees, I say, 'Well done!' You have certainly made the school and your teachers proud. Your achievement will also contribute to the school's standing in the community. You, the students, are the best ambassadors for your school. You have shown that whatever the challenges, whether physical or mental, you are prepared to meet them.

6          We must not forget the teachers in today's celebration for they, too, have put in much work to prepare their charges for the rigors of the NYAA. Along the way, your students will have picked up valuable skills that will stand them in good stead when they join the world of the future as adults. Well done, Teachers!

THE FIGHT AGAINST SARS

7          I now turn our attention to our battle against SARS. For us as a nation, the SARS outbreak is an unprecedented challenge. We must remain vigilant and not let our guard down. From teachers to parents, to our students and to every community leader, each of us have a role to play in ensuring that the measures put in place are effective in protecting our schools against SARS. Let us rally together to fight the menace.

8          I urge you, therefore, to monitor your own well-being by checking your temperature every day. If you are unwell, see a doctor. Return to school only when you are well. Take sensible precautions as you carry on with life. Avoid travel to SARS-affected countries. We will only beat SARS if every Singaporean does his part. So look after yourself well, look after your family, and look out for your classmates and fellow Singaporeans.

CONCLUSION

9          I congratulate again today's NYAA awardees. Take pride in your achievements but do not be complacent about them. There are always greater heights to aspire to. When you put your heart and soul into your pursuits and endeavours, and with your teachers by your side, the journey to your goal will be marked by success. And as you proceed on this journey, do not forget your responsibility to your family, the community and the nation.

10        Thank you.