Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower, at the 1st National Bilingual Speech Contest for Secondary Schools at Republic Polytechnic on Saturday, 9 September, at 8.30 am

SPEECH BY MR GAN KIM YONG, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT THE 1ST NATIONAL BILINGUAL SPEECH CONTEST FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC ON SATURDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER, AT 8.30AM

It gives me great pleasure to be here today at the Finals of the First National Bilingual Speech Contest for Secondary Schools.

2. Bilingual policy has been a key feature of our education system for the last 40 years and it plays an important role in our national building. Singapore is a multi-racial society. I do not think it is possible for us to totally eliminate cultural differences among the different races. In fact, it may not even be desirable to do so, as our multicultural environment is what makes Singapore unique and attractive. However, as a multi-racial society, we need to find a way to create common space and establish common understanding among all races. As a common working language, English allows us to communicate with other races effectively and bond our people together. On the other hand, our mother tongue languages help us retain our ethnic identity, our culture, our heritage and our values. This is the rationale for our bilingual policy.

3. Bilingual ability has also given Singapore a competitive advantage in this increasingly globalised world. China has been the key engine of growth over the last ten years and it will continue to be the driving force for many years to come. The commercial value of the Chinese language is clearly gaining ground. More and more foreigners, including those in the western societies, are learning the language as they all want to ride on the growth of China. India is another engine that is just starting up and the opportunities are plentiful. Malay, on the other hand, has been the language used in our neighbouring countries which continue to be our key economic partners. Therefore, I think our bilingual policy has been on the right track and we have given our younger generation a precious skill that will prepare them well for the challenges of globalisation.

4. 近年来，教育部对华文教学进行了一系列的改革，希望提高同学们对华文的兴趣，并加强教学效益。当然，要学好一种语言并不简单，要学好华语更不容易。华文在语言中可以说是比较难学的一种，但也是最精彩丰富的语言之一。往往用简单的几个字就能把非常深奥的思想表达出来。只要我们用心去学，新加坡其实也不缺少用华文华语的机会。星期五周刊就是特别为帮助学生学习华文的一个工具。书局和图书馆里也不缺乏华文刊物。

5. 教育部也鼓励学校老师们通过有创意的方法教华文，为的是让华文的学习过程更生动有趣。通过比赛的竞争性，也能激发学生的兴趣，更认真的学习，提高他们的华文水平。眼见比赛更能够鼓励他们用华文来表达他们的思想，发表他们的意见，维护他们的论点。

6. A national competition like this one is a good way to promote bilingualism and develop these skills. Speech contests require participants to convey their thoughts confidently, effectively and succinctly. Speech contests are also help to hone public speaking skills. These are skills that will come in handy not only during presentations in schools but also in day-to-day communication with others and in your work later in life.

7. All of you in the contest here today possess a very valuable edge – proficiency in both the English and Chinese languages. This proficiency will stand you in good stead in your future endeavours especially when you go out to work and it will open the door to many exciting opportunities in Singapore and abroad. I hope all of you will continue to excel in both languages and become bi-cultural experts to serve nation and the community.

8. The initiative taken by Kranji Secondary School and Republic Polytechnic with support from Friday Weekly to nurture bilingual and bi-cultural talents in secondary schools through this speech contest is indeed commendable. It is also encouraging that the response to this year’s contest has been very positive. I would like to congratulate the winners for your excellent performance but winning is not the end objective. I hope all of you have had a lot of fun and more importantly, you have learnt something valuable in the process. 希望大家继续努力学华文，百尺竿头，更进一步。