5 December 2003

SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER AT THE SCHOOL BOOK ASSISTANCE GRANT (SchoolBAG) PRESENTATION CEREMONY, ON FRIDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2003, AT 10.30AM AT JIEMIN PRIMARY SCHOOL

I am pleased to be here today to present the School Book Assistance Grant or in short, SchoolBAG, to more than 100 students from Jiemin and Xishan Primary Schools. The students receiving the grants today represent the more than 1,000 students from primary and secondary schools and junior colleges who will be benefiting from the scheme.

2 SchoolBAG is a one-off financial grant to assist low-income households with schooling children to purchase school textbooks, uniforms and stationery for the new school year in 2004. SembCorp Marine has generously donated more than $190,000 to our financially needy students under the scheme this year. On behalf of the students, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to SembCorp Marine.

3 The 1006 students benefiting from this scheme come from our schools located in the vicinity of the Sembawang and Jurong Shipyards. The award will allow students to purchase textbooks, school uniforms and other stationery for next year. The grant is timely as it would help to alleviate some of the financial burden of the families affected by the current economic situation. Although this is a one-off financial grant, I encourage SembCorp Marine to consider continuing with this generous scheme to benefit our needy children.

4 It is interesting to note that the two shipyards under SembCorp Marine - Jurong Shipyard and Sembawang Shipyard - have a significant place in the history and economic success of our country. Many of you may recall that Sembawang Shipyard was once the British Naval Base. When the British military pulled out, the Singapore government at that time decided to take over and commercialise the naval base to continue to provide employment to the workers in the shipyard. At the same time, Jurong Shipyard Private Limited was established in 1963 to cope with the huge increase in demands for ship repair and building services. Both shipyards have contributed much to the economic success of our country and now SembCorp is sharing the fruits of their success with the community.

5 SembCorp Marine's commitment to the community, their care and concern for the well-being of the less advantaged is an echo of their core value of Community Responsibility. I would like to commend SembCorp for its commitment as a corporate citizen in making a difference in the lives of the students who are receiving the grant. With their needs taken care of by the grant, the students can focus on their schooling and achieve their fullest potential.

6 To every recipient of the SchoolBAG, I urge you to work hard and excel in your studies. Make full use of the opportunities in your school to become the best you can be and do not shy away from helping others. Remember the care and concern of the community and when you can, do your part by helping others who are in need.