Speech by Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State, MINISTRY OF Education and Ministry of Trade and Industry, at North Vista Secondary School's Torch Relay cum Alunmni Homecoming Event on Saturday, 11 February 2006, at 8.30am, at North Vista Secondary School, 11 Rivervale Link

1. It gives me great pleasure to be here at North Vista Secondary School ’s Alumni Homecoming cum Torch Relay Ceremony. I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Chinese friends a Happy Lunar New Year. I would also like to congratulate everyone for completing the run, especially those of you who started all the way at Anson Road , where the old Thomson Government Chinese Middle School was originally located. The school was later renamed Thomson Secondary School in Thomson Road .

The importance of the Alumni to the School

2. Often, when one mentions ‘stakeholders in education’, the discussion is only limited to the school, the students, and the parents. However, the alumni of any school has an intractable part to play in the school’s growth. I am happy to note that North Vista Secondary has taken great pains in making sure that this group of stakeholders is warmly welcomed in the 德新 family. In fact, today’s Homecoming event is organised especially for them.

3. The presence of an active alumni is a firm indication of the school’s ability to impart and inculcate the values of loyalty and generosity in her students. Enthusiastic involvement by ex-students in school events, much like today’s Torch Relay and Homecoming, shows how much the former students enjoyed and treasured their time spent in school. It also shows their willingness to give back to their Alma Mater, by providing support where it is needed.

4. Another important function of the Alumni group is their role as keepers of tradition. Even as school leaders and staff come and go, former students act as a repository of knowledge. They are then able to advise the new administrations on the history of the school. The Alumni are the cultural ballast, ensuring that in today’s fast-changing environment and educational landscape, the values of the school are firmly rooted.

The importance of the School to the Alumni

5. Of course, the relationship between school and alumni is a two-way process. Just as former students can help their Alma Mater, schools represent an avenue of support to the alumni. North Vista Secondary School has done likewise, allowing the alumni to come together to celebrate its functions.

6. Furthermore, when a school performs well, the alumni also share in the recognition. If one were to mention that he studied in a top institution, we would know that he hails from a tradition of excellence.

There is a Chinese saying, 后人建国，前人得赏, which means when the successor achieves greatness (后人建国), the forerunner is equally glorified (前人得赏). Likewise, when Vistarians do well, the alumni can take pride in knowing that their tradition of excellence has lived on.

Conclusion

7. As you move around to enjoy the morning of festivities that the school has prepared, do take a moment to think about how you can once again be an active part of the 德新family.

8. I wish the school every success, and may all you have a pleasant day ahead. Thank you.