20 November 2003

SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT MARSILING PRIMARY SCHOOL'S ANNUAL PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON THURSDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2003 AT 2.30 PM AT MARSILING PRIMARY SCHOOL

I am delighted to be here today to join you at your annual prize presentation ceremony.

2. Special occasions like these demonstrate your school's appreciation and recognition of your pupils' achievements. They also highlight the active and enthusiastic contributions made by both teachers and parents towards our pupils' education experience. Allow me to congratulate all prize recipients on your accomplishments. I also wish to commend the teachers and parents for the help, support and encouragement that made these achievements possible.

3. Marsiling Primary may have started off with humble beginnings in 1958 but it has adapted well to the changing times. The evolvement of our economy from an industrialising economy to a knowledge-based one has made it imperative for us to adapt and rethink our education strategies and approaches in order to remain relevant in today's context. Rather than merely imparting knowledge to our pupils, our schools must now equip them with the requisite skills to cope in this challenging and exciting world.

4. Marsiling Primary has risen well to these challenges. Today, your school strives for the wholesome development of every individual pupil. I understand that your school encourages the school community to think out-of-the-box, as the ability to innovate and create and to intertwine knowledge from various disciplines will give them the right foundation to thrive in this dynamic era. I am also aware that your school's programmes have creativity, innovation and enterprise as the underlying principle, and that relevant opportunities and recognition are given to pupils and staff to break new ground. These are worthy initiatives, as they promote a culture crucial to an innovation-driven economy.

5. You have also been steadfast in meeting the needs of children in the Marsiling and Woodlands estates by providing them with a conducive learning environment and programmes that nurture and develop them to their full potential. You have built on your strengths and identified niche programmes to draw out and hone the latent talents and abilities of your pupils. A case in point is the good results in PSLE (Primary Schools Leaving Examinations) that your school has been producing over the years, and the 'A' Division Boys Championships and 'A' Division Girls' Runner-up awards that you have clinched for athletics. Your relentless endeavour to develop your pupils holistically will bring out the best in every child in both the academic and non-academic areas.

6. Today's occasion is a timely one for us to witness the fruit of your labour. I understand that 378 pupils will receive prizes today, and that of these, 200 pupils will receive vouchers for their academic achievements, while the remaining 178 pupils will be awarded for doing the school proud in co-curricular activities and student leadership. To pupils who have put in effort but have not won any awards, do not be discouraged. You are a winner in your own right if you have worked hard and tried your best in all that you have done.

7. Often, such ceremonies see our prize recipients receive the greatest recognition. However, at this juncture, I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our teachers and parents. To our parents, you play an important role in the nurturing of your children. Your presence today means a lot to your child as it shows your support and encouragement. May I urge you to continue to collaborate with our teachers and our other stakeholders to provide a holistic education for your children. Such a collaborative network will have a profound impact on our young and their future.

8. Teachers, you, too, are crucial in seeing that our children optimise their potential. Your tireless nurturing and guidance have played a significant part in realising the achievements that we are celebrating today. Continue to exude that enthusiasm that you have unfailingly displayed, and work as a team with our stakeholders. By doing so, our pupils will be provided with the best environment possible for learning.

9. To the prize recipients, the prize or award that you will get later is an affirmation of your capabilities. It acknowledges the hard work that you have invested, the sacrifices you have made, and the discipline you have exhibited. Do not rest on your laurels, but press on and aim high. Strive in your pursuit for excellence and you will realise the real rewards that await you in the years to come. You have certainly made the school and the community proud of your accomplishments, and this is one joy that both your parents and your teachers will relish. My hope for you is that you will also look beyond yourselves, and use your talent and abilities to reach out to others who are less privileged.

10. My congratulations once again to Marsiling Primary for the good work you have done. I wish you all a pleasant day ahead.