19 September 2003

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SPEECH BY MR THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM, ACTING MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, AT FRIEND OF SINGA AWARD CEREMONY ON FRIDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2003, AT 2:00PM AT THE SINGAPORE POWER AUDITORIUM

Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Chief Executive, Singapore Science Centre

Mr Noel Hon, Chairman, Singapore Kindness Movement Council

Principals, teachers, parents, students

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and gentlemen

INTRODUCTION

1 It is my pleasure to join all of you today at this year’s Friend of Singa Award ceremony. Now in its 13th year, the Friend of Singa Award honours students who have displayed outstanding acts of courtesy and kindness. I understand that this year we have a bumper crop of recipients – 13 winners instead of the usual 10 winners each year. The organisers have told me that they found this year’s entries especially deserving and could not limit the Award to only 10 recipients.

BEING WILLING TO BE “KAYPOH”

2 The English word ‘courteous’ derives from old French, and refers to the manners of the royal court. Members of the royal family were to conduct themselves with decorum and politeness in their interactions with others. Thankfully, we no longer live in feudal times, and courtesy is now found and recognised among all people. Courtesy is a universal language that cuts across race, language and religion.

3 Courteous acts need not be grand gestures. A simple smile can do wonders, if it conveys warmth and friendliness. But what matters is not doing the right things or creating the right impressions. Courtesy comes from the heart. We are courteous when we care. We are courteous when we are thoughtful and sensitive to another person’s needs and feelings.

4 We are not doing too badly as a society. The Straits Times did a random test in June this year, to see if people were willing to lend their handphones to strangers. 80 per cent gamely did so.¹ So there is a willingness to help, and we all have read the many heart-warming accounts in letters to the newspapers of Singaporeans who have gone out of their way to help others. The Readers’ Digest did another type of test in 2001 in 25 countries, to see if people would return a lost wallet. It found that 9 out of 10 Singaporeans would do so. We ranked number 3, bettered only by Denmark and Norway.² And Singaporeans also show a spirit of charity, as was seen in the widespread contributions to the Courage Fund.

5 But we can improve. Letters to The Straits Times Forum and other newspapers also give examples of how Singaporeans shy away from helping others or stand by while someone is in difficulty. Part of this may be because of our restrained social culture. We are still shy to go up to a stranger to offer help. And often even more shy if there are others watching. Singaporeans fear being called a “kaypoh”. And we all know stories about someone who offers his seat to others on a crowded train, to be met with cold stares and no word of thanks.

6 In our hearts we all know what is right, and when another person needs help. We are not at all heartless as a people. So we should overcome our fear of embarrassment, and go ahead and do what is right. Show that you care. Take pride in being “kaypoh” for a good reason. And acknowledge someone else who comes up to help you.

7 We are not bound by our cultures to be shy, or to be afraid of embarrassment when performing acts of kindness. Other Asian cities show that it can be quite natural to do so. Some of them may not be as pleasant or safe as Singapore in most respects, but their people are habitually courteous, in simple ways. Just a few days ago, a teacher was recounting to me how courteous people were on the Bangkok subway, always waiting for all passengers to disembark instead of rushing in, and invariably giving up a seat for the elderly, the very young or for pregnant women.

8 We can do more to practice simple habits of civility and consideration for others. We should make simple acts of courtesy the norm, so normal that it passes without comment.

9 We know how important it is to start young, and our schools work hard at this. Our pupils are taught to be gracious towards their schoolmates, and courteous and respectful towards their teachers. We encourage them to be civic-minded and to help those who are less fortunate. When children acquire these qualities at a young age, they retain habits for life.

OUTSTANDING ACTS OF KINDNESS

10 Today's winners were nominated by their principals, teachers or fellow students. They show that the capacity of our children to help others is not restricted by age, race, or even nationality.

11 Today’s youngest recipient is 7-year-old Siti Nasuha binte Azman of Greenwood Primary School. Siti Nasuha goes out of her way to help her disadvantaged classmate, a Chinese boy. She helps him to file his school notes and brings him to the school gate every day to collect food from his maid. Similarly, with Ng Shi Hwee, only 8 years old. A student of Shuqun Primary School, she is a buddy to Nurul Suhailah Bte Samsudin, who is wheel-chair bound. At the start of the school day, she waits at the gate for Nurul and together, they go for breakfast, assembly and class.

12 Another example is U S Vevek, a foreign student in Secondary 1 at Commonwealth Secondary School. Vevek has been helping his disabled buddy since primary school. As an example of his dedication to his friend, he even came to school when he had no classes, just so that he could take care of his buddy.

13 These are inspiring examples of friendship. In addition to helping their disadvantaged buddies cope better with school life, they also encourage others to be more accepting of their differences. 8-year-old Lisa Ong Lixian of Chongfu Primary, for instance, urges her classmates to be more accommodating of a special needs classmate. She even plans a schedule so that the rest of the class have a chance to help him. Humairah Binte Zainal, a student of Mayflower Secondary School, is another such crusader for her disadvantaged buddy. Classmates used to tease her buddy but thanks to her persistent efforts to help bridge the differences, the teasing has stopped. Her special friend is very appreciative of her help.

14 You will find among today’s winners another special recipient, Koh Pee Heng, Jonathan, from MINDS Jurong Gardens School. Jonathan serves as a role model for his peers. One of the school’s outstanding pupils, he is always ever ready to help others. He helps his younger schoolmates get up and down the bus, and runs errands for teachers. His acts are simple but they go to show that whatever your own constraints, there is always a way to help others.

15 Let me say well done, to all our award winners today. You can be proud of yourselves. I am sure, too, that your buddies and their parents are grateful for your friendship. And you remind all us to go the extra mile to help others.

CONCLUSION

16 On a final note, allow me to commend the Singapore Kindness Movement for recognising the positive actions of our students. I am sure the Award will motivate the students to continue to be courteous and kind to those around them.

17 Thank you.

¹ "Bring on the smiles" The Straits Times Life!, 24 June 2003, pp L4-L5.
² "Lost your wallet in S’pore? 90% chance you’ll get it back" The Straits Times, 9 June 2001, p 10.