Speech by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Finance, at the SIET Achievement Awards and Launch of Connexus on Saturday, 19 August 2006, at 2 pm at NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House

SPEECH BY MR THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION & SECOND MINISTER FOR FINANCE, AT THE SIET ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AND LAUNCH OF CONNEXUS ON SATURDAY, 19 AUGUST 2006, AT 2PM AT NUSS KENT RIDGE GUILD HOUSE

1. It is my privilege and pleasure to be here this afternoon at the Singapore Indian Education Trust’s (SIET) Achievement Awards presentation ceremony. This is a meaningful event, bringing benefit to a group of very deserving young Singaporeans.

2. The Indian community has made good progress in education, from the primary level up to the post-secondary level. We all know that this has only been possible because we have worked together as a community. The school, the family, and our community organizations have worked together to level up the educational performance of every group of students in Singapore.

3. Parents are of course the key players. They play a crucial role in giving their children love, and imbuing in them the importance of aspiring and working hard to achieve their goals. Families help themselves. But many families need some support from others in the community so that they can help themselves, and so that their children are to achieve their aspirations.

4. This is why our community organisations like SIET come in - to help families to help themselves. Working in partnership, we can help every child, and especially those who come from modest social backgrounds. We can give them the confidence that they can achieve their dreams.

5. SIET has been at the forefront of organisations that are giving young Indian Singaporeans the confidence to achieve their dreams. From its humble beginnings 39 years ago, SIET through the efforts and inspiration of the many individuals behind it, has grown tremendously. Today the Trust’s primary objective is to offer awards, bursaries and study loans to bright, needy students. The SIET Achievement Awards which started in 2005 is itself a case of how good intentions and good organization has led to the growth of a community self-help scheme. The value of the awards presented has more than tripled from $19,000 awarded to 15 students in 2005 to $64,000 presented to 46 students this year. It reflects the effort and commitment of SIET’s management, staff and dedicated volunteers. At this juncture, we must also thank the generous philanthropy of the organisations and individuals who have supported the SIET and made its good work possible.

6. I was happy to hear that SIET also provides financial assistance for youths who excel in non-academic areas such as the arts, music and sports. Academic success does not assure anyone of success in life, and is not the only path to success. It is the resilience of our young, their willingness to do something different, and their ability to lead and inspire others that will take them far in life. So we must do what we can to encourage our children to try new things, including things they may not seem very good at initially, and allow them to follow their passions.

7. Many of today’s Achievement Award recipients from ITE, junior colleges, polytechnics and varsities have shown impressive determination in furthering their education. One such example is Arun Mozhi Selvam. Arun is a recipient of the Polytechnic Achievement Awards. After his secondary education, he progressed to Assumption Vocational Institute. Subsequently, he went on to do his vocational training at ITE Yishun. He did very well at ITE. Today, Arun is excelling at Ngee Ann Polytechnic in the field of Electrical Engineering.

8. Another example is Harwant Singh Gill, a recipient of the ITE Achievement Award. Harwant consistently excelled in his studies in Electronics at ITE Yishun. He also coached weaker students. He spearheaded two Lee Kuan Yew Technology Award projects. And as the head of the Community Service Club, Harwant also found time to lead about 100 volunteers to help senior citizens. Harwant is currently studying at the Singapore Polytechnic.

9. Harwant and Arun are fine examples of students who have taken the technical route to success. Regardless of the route taken, there is nothing to stop a student from progressing. I commend SIET for supporting students who succeed along the traditional academic path as well as those who excel by taking the practice-oriented path.

10. I understand from Mr Ponnampalam, chairman of SIET, that the Trust has added another dimension of support to the community. SIET is forging ahead to serve Indian youths beyond the provision of financial assistance. A networking forum for youths and young professionals called Connexus is being officially inaugurated today.

11. The Connexus website which is also being launched today is an e-platform for networking. I am told that the Connexus logo was developed with ideas from individuals from as far away as Canada. The platform will allows local youth to leverage on a network of individuals who have achieved global prominence in several industries. I am also happy to note that Connexus intends to bring together young professionals from various fields to mentor tertiary students. I look forward to see Connexus grow in the coming months. To the Connexus team, I wish you all the very best and encourage you to think big.

12. Connexus was in fact an idea suggested by youth themselves, several of whom were former recipients of SIET’s financial assistance. It is heartening to see these individuals coming forward to contribute to the community.

13. The spirit of giving back to the community augurs well for community organisations like SIET. I commend the SIET management committee for being far-sighted and ensuring continuity in the development of the Trust through the induction of new council members.

14. Finally, let me congratulate all the award recipients and their parents. Being the recipient of such an award places a responsibility on each and every one of you. Just as the Indian community is today recognising your efforts, the onus is on you to strive to excel so that you in turn can serve the community. This is how we will remain a community of Singaporeans who care for one another, and who want to help every individual do the best they can.