SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER AT THE SCHOOL BOOK ASSISTANCE GRANT (SchoolBAG) PRESENTATION CEREMONY, ON FRIDAY, 3 DEC 04, AT 4PM AT JIEMIN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Mr Wong Weng Sun,
Deputy President of SembCorp Marine

Principals and teachers

Parents

Ladies and Gentlemen

Boys and Girls

Good Afternoon
1      I am pleased to be here today to present the School Book Assistance Grant, in short, SchoolBAG, to student representatives from 50 schools including primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges which are located in the vicinity of the Sembawang Shipyard and Jurong Shipyard. The students receiving the grants today represent the 709 students who will be benefiting from the scheme.

SchoolBAG
2      SchoolBAG was first launched last year as a financial grant to assist low-income households with schooling children to purchase school textbooks, uniforms and stationery for the new school year.  This year SembCorp Marine has decided to again offer the same financial assistance to students from needy families.  Under the scheme this year, SembCorp Marine has generously donated more than $140,000 to our financially needy students from fifty-one schools.

3      The award will allow students to purchase textbooks, school uniforms and other stationery for next year and also alleviate their families’ worries about providing for their children’s school needs.   SembCorp Marine’s continued support to our needy students through this generous scheme is very much appreciated.

SembCorp Marine
4      Being a leading global marine engineering group, SembCorp Marine has played an important role in contributing to our nation’s prosperity.  Their care and concern for the well-being of the less privileged in the community through this special grant reflects their commitment to their core value of Community Responsibility.  I would like to commend SembCorp Marine for the role they play as a corporate citizen in making a difference in the lives of the students who are receiving the grant.  With some of their needs taken care of by the grant, the students can better focus on their schooling and be a step nearer to achieving their fullest potential.  Equally important, our students have much to learn from SembCorp Marine’s commitment to helping those who are in need.  

Conclusion
5      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 that you can be and do not shy away from helping others.  Remember to show care and concern for the community which SembCorp Marine has role modeled for you,  and when you can, do your part by helping others who are in need.

Thank you.