SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER,

SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, SENIOR PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER,

AT THE 5^th SCHOOLS’ GREEN AUDIT AWARDS 2004/2005 ON SATURDAY, 16 APRIL 2005, AT 9.45 AM, AT NAN HUA SECONDARY SCHOOL

Mr Heng Chiang Meng, Chairman, Board of Directors, Singapore Environment Council

Mr Howard Shaw, Executive Director, Singapore Environment Council

Mr Foo Suan Fong, Principal, Nan Hua Secondary School

Principals, teachers and students

Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning

INTRODUCTION

1. It is my pleasure to be here this morning at the 5^th Schools’ Green Audit Awards. Since it was launched in year 2000, the Green Audit has seen an increase of 70% in the number of participating schools. It is heartening to know that our schools have put in much effort to instill in our students an awareness of their responsibility to the environment.

THE ENVIRONMENT, OUR RESPONSIBILTY

2. As the world progresses economically and socially, increasing urbanisation has become an irreversible trend. With this come environmental problems that are becoming more acute and pressing. Singapore is not spared from such problems. As our country gains prominence on the world economic stage, Singaporeans must also accept the responsibility of ensuring that the nation ranks high on global environmental standards.

3. As global citizens we have the responsibility to minimize the negative impact of our activities on the planet. Issues such as the conservation of our limited natural resources and waste minimisation have come to the forefront and we have been dealing with these issues. Conservation of the environment will need to be an integral part of our growth and development plans for the present and the future.

EDUCATION, THE KEY

4. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to impress upon our children the importance of environmental protection and conservation. Our schools have been proactive in educating our students through various activities. There are programmes such as the breeding of endangered seahorses in Regent Secondary School and the cultivating of corals in Victoria Junior College. Students from Zhangde Primary School have been serving as nature guides to the public in places like the Labrador Park. These are just a few of the many examples of our schools’ endeavour to nurture our students to be environmentally conscious and to further students’ knowledge in this area.

5. Organisations such as the Singapore Environment Council and the National Environment Agency have collaborated with our schools to implement various school programmes. The 3 R Recycling Programme has helped various schools set up their own recycling programmes. Another example is the Seashore Life Programme in which students are being educated on coastal life. These programmes help to increase awareness of environmental issues amongst our students.

6. I am certain that with such efforts, our students will grow up caring for the natural environment and learning to live environmentally responsible lives.

WINNERS, OUR CONSERVATIONISTS

7. The aim of the Green Audit is to produce participants who, not only have an awareness of the environment, but are also concerned about its problems. They are driven to actively search for feasible solutions and act to prevent new problems from occurring.

8. The Green Audit has succeeded in being adopted by several primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore. It is extremely encouraging that the number of schools being awarded this year has doubled compared to last year. I am also heartened to know that 6 schools have been able to sustain their excellent records of achieving the apex, the Lotus Award, for three consecutive years. My congratulations go out to all 99 schools that will be receiving awards at today’s ceremony.

CONCLUSION

9. Besides the award winners, I understand that with us today are also schools that are just beginning or are interested in knowing more about how to raise the level of environmental consciousness among their students. I am heartened by their interest and encourage them in their pursuit. For all who are present today, there will be much for you to take away with activities such as the National Environment Quiz. These activities, held in observation of Earth Day, will also reiterate the message of environmental conservation.

10. I know that today’s events will be interesting and meaningful and would like to wish you a fruitful day ahead.

Thank you.