Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower, at the 90th Anniversary Dinner of Nan Hua High School, at Raffles City Convention Centre, on Saturday, 14 July 2007, 7.00 pm

SPEECH BY MR GAN KIM YONG, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF NAN HUA HIGH SCHOOL, AT RAFFLES CITY CONVENTION CENTRE, ON SATURDAY, 14 JULY 2007, 7.00PM

Introduction
1. It is my pleasure to join you tonight in celebrating Nan Hua High School’s 90th Anniversary. This occasion commemorates 9 decades of long history, outstanding achievements, and strong school culture spirit.

2. Over the past 90 years, Nan Hua has achieved many significant milestones. From its humble beginning as a small girls’ school, you have attained autonomous status and become an established secondary school of choice. You have produced many students who have become leaders in many fields.

3. Looking at your accomplishments, I believe there are three main pillars that have helped to build Nan Hua High School into what it is today.

Partnership in Education
4. The first pillar is the school’s stakeholders and partners. They help to provide different perspectives and contribute to the diversity in our education approach. Nan Hua has made exemplary efforts in this area by maintaining strong ties with industry partners, government and grassroots organizations, parents and the alumni. I am glad to see that these valuable partners are here tonight, sharing the joy of celebrations. I would like to commend you for giving your time and talent to the education of our children and to the development of Nan Hua.

5. Parental support, in particular, is critical to the success of our education system. Studies have shown that when parents are involved in their children’s education, the children do better. Parents are also the most important role model for their children. Children learn and acquire values from you. So to the parents who are here today, your presence is a significant step and we look forward to your continued support and contribution.

Professional Development of Staff
6. The second pillar is the staff. In order for staff to perform at their best, an organisation would have to invest in their training and development. Nan Hua has done well in this regard. The school was awarded the People Developer Standard Award by SPRING Singapore in 2005.

7. Nan Hua has also developed a culture of professional growth and development, which is captured in the pedagogy book to be launched later tonight. The book, a showcase of pedagogical strategies by Nan Hua’s teachers, is an avenue for them to share their experiences in teaching and education. It is an embodiment of our educators’ tireless pursuit of excellence in teaching.

8. This publication is a precious resource in the creation and validation of new strategies. It can be used by educators to enhance their students’ learning. It can also inspire them to persevere in their pursuit of engaging learning experiences in their classrooms.

9. I would like to commend the teachers of Nan Hua for your commitment and dedication. I always believe that teaching is more than a profession and a career. Teaching is a calling, and you must believe in what you are doing. You must be passionate about your students, and know that you can make a difference in their lives. As a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to inspire each one of your students, to kindle their interests, to nurture their talent and to mould their character. If you see this as your mission, you will find that you are often driven to care for your students beyond the call of duty. If you treat teaching just as a career, you will find it stressful and difficult to cope. But if you treat it as a calling, then you will find great satisfaction and fulfillment in being able to make a difference.

Preparing for the Future
10. In addition to inspiring students and developing their academic abilities and talents, there is another important aspect that needs to be developed. In today’s world, it is vital that our schools produce students with a global outlook, and this is the third pillar that has supported Nan Hua’s growth. Through the years, Nan Hua has kept up with the development of society and the world by preparing its students for the future.

11. Future leaders will have to understand the economic and social landscape of not just Singapore, but its regional and global partners as well. To be success in engaging others, our students need to know and appreciate the similarities and differences among the diverse societies and cultures all over the world. However, even as we inculcate a global outlook in our young, helping them establish deep roots in Singapore is just as vital because we need to cultivate individuals who look to the world but stay anchored to their home.

12. I was told that during Nan Hua’s immersion programmes and overseas trips, the significance of rootedness is reinforced in its students. Through contact with people from other nations, students will be prompted to reflect on their own nation and our place in the world. Through this reflection, greater awareness of their Singaporean identity is created.

13. To help Nan Hua students relate to, appreciate and learn about the cultural, racial and religious differences among different ethnic groups in Singapore, I understand that all students learn Malay Language and Culture through the Conversational Malay Programme, and the Secondary Three students even teach Chinese to non-Chinese students in primary schools. These initiatives contribute to social cohesion, and help students learn to appreciate their home and fellow-Singaporeans.

Conclusion
It is heart-warming to see the Nan Hua family gather together on this occasion, to look back and celebrate all that Nan Hua has accomplished over the past 90 years and to look forward into the future with great confidence. Nan Hua High School has accomplished much and I am sure your successes, will continue from generation to generation. I congratulate Nan Hua High School on your 90th Anniversary and I wish you all a memorable evening.