SPEECH BY MR CHAN SOO SEN, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT THE SINGAPORE PLAIN ENGLISH SPEAKING AWARD (PESA) AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON FRIDAY, 5 AUGUST 2005, AT 6:45PM AT YMCA AUDITORIUM, ORCHARD ROAD

Mr Eric Teng

President, YMCA of Singapore

Distinguished Guests

Principals, Teachers and Students

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening

Introduction

1. I am happy to join you today for the Singapore Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) Presentation Ceremony. This is the eighth consecutive year that PESA has been jointly organised by the YMCA of Singapore and the Ministry of Education (MOE). I am glad to note that with each passing year, the competition grows from strength to strength. From 58 students in 1997, the competition this year now sees about 140 students competing in the primary, secondary, pre-university and open categories.

OBJECTIVES OF PESA

2. This increased participation in PESA is heartening because PESA fulfils several important objectives. First and foremost, PESA provides a significant platform to promote the use of good English among our youth. The competition also gives participants the opportunity to practise public speaking, and in so doing, sharpens their public speaking skills and strengthens their ability to communicate effectively.

3. The winners today have clearly demonstrated that they have achieved these objectives set out by the competition. They have demonstrated their prowess in the English language by displaying their excellent verbal, writing and auditory skills. Not only have they spoken with spontaneity, and articulated their opinions with clarity of thought and conviction, they have also demonstrated their ability to write well and conduct research. The students have shown that they are more than able to process information and think critically. Through their meticulously prepared speeches and strong oratorical skills, they have communicated and convinced us of their ideas and personal opinions. I commend the participants for their efforts.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND SPEAKING GOOD ENGLISH

4. Indeed, this ability to communicate one’s ideas and thoughts effectively and clearly is an invaluable tool both in and out of school. When we communicate with others, we want to not just convey an idea or meaning. More importantly, we want to do it in a way that is clear, unambiguous and understandable.

5. In this respect, having a good grasp of English is even more crucial because it is our working language and main language of instruction in schools. English is used globally and remains the lingua franca for exchanging ideas in business, science and technology. In Singapore, with its mult-iracial, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual makeup, the role English plays as the common, binding language is apparent. We, as Singaporeans, should thus learn and know how to speak a standard variety of good English that is comprehensible to all users of the language.

6. Good language habits are something that cannot be cultivated quickly or easily. It takes time, guidance, practice and effort for our students to speak English well, and to present their ideas and thoughts clearly and convincingly. Raising the standard of English among all Singaporeans is an endeavour which does not just involve our schools and teachers, but which requires the concerted effort of the larger community.

Conclusion

7. Hence, I am glad that the YMCA of Singapore and MOE have continued their collaboration to promote good spoken English. The PESA competition gives our students the avenue to practise, develop and improve their speaking and presentation skills.

8. I would like to thank the organisers, the YMCA of Singapore and MOE, and supporting organisations, the National Library Board and the Speak Good English Secretariat, for their effort in putting together a successful competition. Lastly, congratulations to all participants and deserving winners for taking up the challenge to speak English clearly and effectively.

I wish all of you an enjoyable evening. Thank you.