SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT THE ‘OUTSTANDING ALL-ROUNDER STUDENTS’ (OARS) AWARDS CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT FUCHUN COMMUNITY CLUB ON THURSDAY, 29 JULY 2004 AT 7.30 PM

Good evening

North West CDC Councillors

School Principals and representatives

Parents

Ladies and Gentlemen

Boys and Girls

1      I am indeed very pleased to be here this evening to present North West Community Development Council’s Outstanding All-Rounder Students’ or OARS Awards. First of all, let me extend my warmest congratulations to the 267 award recipients from 58 schools and institutions in the North West district.  We are all proud of your exemplary leadership, school spirit, and contribution to the community. You are indeed “Community Icons”.

2      The OARS Awards were inaugurated four years ago with the objective of inspiring students in our schools to pursue total education and to maximise their potential to the fullest. Over the past four years, 580 students have attained the status of “All-Rounders”. Sixty-three of these youths stood head and shoulders above their peers to receive the prestigious “CDC Level” awards. They possessed the mantle to be young leaders because they not only excelled in their studies but also distinguished themselves in conduct, CCA activities, community service and the arts.

3      We must inspire our youths to emulate these all-rounded young leaders. In attaining knowledge, our youths must also develop a positive mindset and resourcefulness in whatever they do.   These are attributes which the OARS Awards aim to nurture and promote. Most importantly, the OARS Awards recognise students who have a strong conviction to do good for others. Let me share the selfless acts of the three award recipients this year.

4      Abigail Sin Si Ern is a Primary 6 student from Methodist Girls’ Primary School who is accomplished in music. She is the school pianist and has performed at the school’s gala dinner, family fiesta and other school concerts. Nationally, she has performed her share of community service with solo performances at the “Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund” cheque presentation ceremony and at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s Casual Concert Series which was part of SSO’s effort to introduce classical music to the community.   Proceeds from the sale of her CD have also gone to charity. As an all-rounder, Abigail also participated in Maths and Science competitions and has been involved in her school’s buddy system.

5      We also have Caleb Charles Lim Shan Yeow, another Primary 6 student from Admiralty Primary School. Caleb is Head Prefect and has served in the prefectorial board for the past three years.   He is the epitome of an all-round student. Among his achievements, he is a scout leader and WITS Leader for his school’s Innovation Club which participated in WITS at the cluster level. He has also received the Kindness Pupil Award, Singa’s Most Courteous Pupil Award and the Eagles Award. He was also active in his school’s Parent’s Symposium and presented the school’s Heritage Trail Project at the Sembawang’s Residents’ Day. Caleb is regarded by his teachers and fellow students as a popular, confident and humble leader who is creative and talented. He is respectful towards his teachers and is concerned for his schoolmates. He is an exemplary role model in his school.

6      I would also like to highlight from St Margaret’s Secondary School, Jean Kwek Li Hui, who is a Secondary 4 student. She is Head Prefect and exemplifies maturity, initiative, humility and a strong sense of responsibility as a student leader. She is a Company Leader in the Girls’ Brigade and has won various awards at the National Drill Competition. Her other achievements include participation as a Team Leader in the National Robotics Competition, organising and facilitating the Secondary 1 Orientation Camp and Youth Day celebrations, winning an Eagles award, and, the Model Behavior award. She participated in her school’s recycling programmes, the school’s debating competition as well as the Lions Befrienders activities. Indeed, Jean’s willingness to serve the school and others around her has made her popular among her peers.

7      The three students I have highlighted are among the many students here today, who have done their families, their school and their community proud. We hope these award winners will inspire their fellow students to emulate them and become all-round students.

8      Not only will North West district benefit from these young people’s contributions but also the whole nation will gain from their more caring, dynamic and cohesive spirit.

9      Thank you.