SPEECH BY MR CHAN SOO SEN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS, AT THE THIRD INTER-JUNIOR COLLEGE AND CENTRALISED INSTITUTE NATIONAL EDUCATION QUIZ, ON SATURDAY, 27 MARCH 2004, 10AM AT SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning

1.  It is my pleasure to be here this morning at the Third Inter-Junior College and Centralised Institutes National Education Quiz organised by the Singapore Discovery Centre and the Department of Political Science at NUS.

2. It is indeed heartening to see our pre-university students continue to maintain a keen interest in National Education issues.

In a complex and challenging world, characterised by globalisation and interdependence, students should not only have the content knowledge and the skills to be adept, nimble and resilient when competing and contributing in the knowledge-based economy, but should also be well grounded in what it means to be confident, active and responsible citizens and members of the community, with a deep sense of belonging to both community and nation.

3. This is because with increasing globalisation and mobility, a person’s sense of identity is less tied to the place where he was born. The sense of belonging to Singapore could weaken. Hence, National Education is necessary to reinforce national instincts and citizenship values so that our students remain rooted to the country even as they spread their economic wings overseas. 

4. To inculcate in our students the desired values and instincts for nation-building, we need to start at an early age. Through subjects like Civics and Moral Education, Social Studies and History, the formal school curriculum emphasises appreciation and respect for the cultures, customs and traditions of the various ethnic communities in Singapore. In 1997, MOE developed and implemented the National Education programme which aims to develop national cohesion and foster in our students a sense of identity, pride and self-respect as Singaporeans, and help them understand Singapore's unique challenges, constraints and vulnerability.

5. I am pleased that schools have taken the initiative to conduct a wide range of programmes to allow students to internalise National Education values.

For example, schools organise Heritage Trails for students to understand our nation’s history in an interesting and insightful manner, and they also celebrate the different ethnic festivals to raise students' awareness, consciousness and understanding of multi-racialism and its role in nation building. Through such activities, students gain knowledge about the environment and the community in which they live as well as learn to appreciate and respect a different culture and another community's customs.

6. I am also happy to note that our community partners have also been playing an active role in supporting our National Education programme. Today’s National Education Quiz for our pre-university students is a fine example. I commend the Singapore Discovery Centre and the Department of Political Science at NUS for organizing this National Education Quiz.
This Quiz provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about our heritage and origins and gives them the opportunity to foster friendships and cultivate close ties with their fellow participants of different races and cultures.

Conclusion

7. I wish all participants a fruitful and enriching Quiz session.