Speech by RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, at the Inauguration Ceremony, Welcome Dinner and Cultural Show of the 33rd Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) on Tuesday, 31 October 2006, 1900 hrs at the Pan Pacific Hotel

SPEECH BY RADM (NS) LUI TUCK YEW, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY, WELCOME DINNER AND CULTURAL SHOW OF THE 33RD SHIP FOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN YOUTH PROGRAMME (SSEAYP) ON TUESDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2006, 1900HRS AT THE PAN PACIFIC HOTEL

1. On behalf of the people of Singapore, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the young ambassadors from ASEAN and Japan here today. The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme or “SSEAYP” brings together over 300 youths from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the opportunity to interact on board the Nippon Maru. Over the years, this programme has brought together 8000 young people from across ASEAN and Japan to experience communal living and learn about the cultures of their neighbours.

2. Sailing into its 33rd year, this unique programme continues to foster deeper understanding and forge friendships among youths around the region and Japan. It is an excellent platform for our youths to broaden their international viewpoint and cultivate the spirit of international cooperation. This spirit of cooperation between youths of different nationalities is key to unlocking the promises and opportunities that come with globalisation, advancements in science and technology, and the rapid economic growth of the region today. This same spirit will also brace us for the threats our region faces, such as terrorism, outbreak of diseases and natural disasters. We can nurture and strengthen this spirit by fostering greater understanding and interaction between our nations and our people.

3. Friendships formed through this programme go beyond borders and I am pleased to note that there are many former foreign participating youths (PYs) who have come to help in the Singapore programme. Mr Haru Yokoyama (a Japanese PY) and Ms Leni Inking (a Philippines PY) gave talks during the orientation programme to new PYs on Japanese and Filipino culture respectively Some former foreign PYs, namely Cheryl from Brunei and Namiko from Japan, are also helping out as Liaison Officers for the local programme here.

4. The cooperation that you have all shown in putting together this event is a good start, and a step in the right direction. It encourages me deeply to know that our youths are able to work closely with each other. This can only augur well for our countries, and the Asian region as a whole.

5. Your journey on SSEAYP will begin in Singapore with a first hand experience of this year’s theme, “Youth Participation in Social Activities”. The SSEAYP 2006 theme resonates well with our latest youth research findings which show that the participation of young people in social groups benefits both the young people themselves and society as a whole. Over the next four days, I hope that you will find your experience of volunteering at the various welfare organisations and exposure to the different types of community activities both meaningful and memorable.

6. For the local programme, many people have come together and given their time, energy and even money, because they believe in it. There are at least 250 dedicated volunteers who have shown their passion and commitment for this programme, and it is my hope that other youth in Singapore and around the region would be inspired by this commitment and dedication to take up the torch and carry it on for future generations. This will ensure that the spirit of cooperation will continue to live on among the youths in our countries, and that they will continue to remember it when they take on leadership roles in their respective countries.

7. As you embark on this journey with your new found friends, you will come to appreciate the rich diversity of your cultures and discover the many common grounds that you share in values, aspirations and ideals. As young leaders and future decision-makers, you play an important role in shaping the future of ASEAN and Japan.

8. You can help to safeguard and strengthen the harmony and cooperation in our region and demonstrate how young people can lead the way. You can inspire your peers and spread the goodwill you have cultivated during this programme.

9. I thank the Japanese Government for giving the young people of our region such a wonderful opportunity with its generous sponsorship and support for SSEAYP since its inception in 1974. I would also like to thank the SSEAYP International Singapore Board, the SSEAYP alumni and the Reception Committee for your commitment and dedication in organising the reception together with the National Youth Council.

10. I wish all participants and officials of SSEAYP 2006 a rewarding experience in the journey ahead, and a pleasant and enjoyable evening to all of you.