Speech by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Finance, at the 1st Graduation Ceremony of the Singapore Senior Citizen Calligraphy University Centre on Saturday, 24 November 2007 at 5.30 pm at Singapore Calligaphy Centre

SPEECH BY MR THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR FINANCE, AT THE 1ST GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE SINGAPORE SENIOR CITIZEN CALLIGRAPHY UNIVERSITY CENTRE ON SATURDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2007 AT 5.30 PM AT SINGAPORE CALLIGRAPHY CENTRE

Lifelong learning is a key pillar of our Singapore’s strategy to enhance the employability of its citizens. It is also part and parcel of an active and gracious society, where people of all ages gain satisfaction from learning and gaining a better appreciation of the world. It helps us all stay relevant, and get the most out of life.

2 When compared with previous generations, we are now living longer and are healthier than ever before. We enjoy better education opportunities while young, and an improved quality of life throughout our lives. This means that we have more days ahead of us than the norm even two decades ago. The days ahead may be sunny or rainy. Therefore, we need to prepare ourselves ahead of whatever comes, so that we can live to the fullest at each and every stage of our life.

3 The Singapore Senior Citizen Calligraphy University Centre managed by the Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore has been among the pioneers in supporting life long learning. I understand the programme is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. 13 spirited individuals embarked on this untrodden path 3 years ago have now graduated from the course. They spent countless hours attending the course, doing their “homework” and refining their skills in calligraphy. Given their other commitments, they would not have done this so successfully had it not been for their perseverance, dedication, and concentration of mind.

4 They have now equipped themselves with a deeper and richer understanding of the Chinese culture. More importantly, they have set a good example to others like them and to younger Singaporeans that the quest for knowledge is never limited by age and time. We do not graduate or complete our learning when we leave school or university.

5 Let me offer my warmest congratulations to all those graduating from the first programme! Their achievements give us all pride.