MOE Speech - SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND 2nd MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW BUILDING OF NAN HUA PRIMARY SCHOOL

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SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND 2nd MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW BUILDING OF NAN HUA PRIMARY SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, 25 JULY 2003 at 6.35 PM

Dr Wang Kai Yuen, MP for Bukit Timah Constituency,

Dr Ow Chin Hock, Ambassador-at-Large

Mr. Ho Nai Chuen, Chairman, Nan Hua Primary SMC,

Mrs Choo Lee See, Director, Finance, Ministry of Education

Mdm Fong Yuet Kwai, Principal, Nan Hua Primary School,

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls

           I am very happy to be here to celebrate the school's 86th anniversary and the official opening of your new school building.

School history and achievement

2          Nan Hua Primary School has come a long way since it first began providing classes for girls in 1917. The school was started by a group of overseas Chinese businessmen who believed steadfastly in the value of education. The pioneering spirit of these founders and the rich tradition of the school have contributed greatly to the progress and development of the school. The emphasis given to the preservation of traditions and cultural practices at Nan Hua Primary School made it one of the natural choices to be selected as a Special Assistance Plan (SAP) School in 1989. Today, as you celebrate your 86th anniversary, I would urge the school and your stakeholders to continue to give of your best to prepare the pupils for the challenges and demands of the future.

3          As an SAP school, Nan Hua Primary School has made a valuable contribution by promoting the learning of the Chinese Language and the appreciation of Chinese cultural values and traditions. I am glad that you have used creative ways to do so, for example by establishing a video-conferencing link with the Wong Wha San Secondary School in Hong Kong so that pupils can communicate with their fellow pupils in Hong Kong in the Chinese Language to exchange cultural and traditional practices in Hong Kong and Singapore, further enriching the pupils' experiences.

4          However the promotion of language, values and culture of any race or religion in Singapore must take place in the context of our multi-racial and multi-lingual Singapore. Nan Hua must therefore be keenly aware that they need to provide opportunities for their pupils to interact with their peers from other communities and races.

5          I am glad to note that Nan Hua Primary School has provided its pupils with many opportunities for social integration. The school has introduced traditional games and dances of the various races, held cultural exhibitions of the various races in Singapore, and involved pupils of other races from the schools in the cluster to participate in cultural festivals like the Lantern Festival.

6          Such interactions provide a good platform for inter-racial mixing and mutual understanding that enable our pupils to develop bonds with one another. Through these activities, pupils gain a better understanding of each other's cultures and traditions. This will help our young recognise, understand and appreciate the diverse cultural practices and learn to live with one another in harmony. They learn to appreciate and value differences, but at the same time learn to understand that we all have to make a commitment to strengthen what is common in order to become one nation and one people.

Closing

7          The official opening of Nan Hua Primary School's new building marks a new phase in the school's history. With the new facilities, the school is better equipped to prepare its pupils for future challenges. I urge the staff and stakeholders of the school to continually search for better ways to help our pupils soar while retaining their roots, both in their cultural heritage and in our country.

8          I congratulate the School Management Committee, Principal and staff of Nan Hua Primary School on the official opening of your new school building and on your 86th anniversary celebrations. I wish you every success in the years ahead.