Speeches
Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister Defence at the Serangoon Secondary School 80th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, 12 July 2008 at 1930hrs, at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel
Mr David Tong, Chairman of the School Advisory Committee
Mdm Joyce Tham, President of Serangoon Alumni
Mr Yeo Kuerk Heng, Principal
Teachers and staff of Serangoon Secondary School
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good evening,
Introduction
My congratulations to Serangoon Secondary School on your 80th Anniversary. This occasion marks another milestone in the school’s illustrious history. You have come a long way from your humble beginnings in 1928 as Serangoon English School, which was housed in a double-storey building at Simon Road with only seven classes. It was the only government co-educational school at that time.
Over the years, Serangoon Secondary School has succeeded in providing a conducive learning environment which develops pupils into well-rounded individuals. It has garnered some noteworthy achievements and can count among its alumni many distinguished former students who have made significant contributions to Singapore’s development and economy.
These former students of Serangoon Secondary School include Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, a retired top civil servant. Another notable alumnus is Associate Professor Wong Poh Poh of the NUS Geography Department. He is the only Singaporean on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former United States Vice-President, Al Gore.
Successful alumni members reflect the sound education they have received in your school. I hope that the alumni’s close ties with the school will inspire present and future students to live up to their school’s vision to be ‘The Home of the Achievers’.
Nurturing for the Future
Your school’s mission—to help students maximise their potential and contribute to the nation—is in line with this goal to prepare our young for the future. But to keep pace with the evolving needs of our society and economy, we must continually look at ways to improve the curriculum offered to our students. In addition to academic excellence, schools also need to focus on character-building and develop life-skills.
Holistic Development of Students
The school’s motto—‘Seek, Strive and Serve’—is very apt and reflects these important educational goals—to imbue students with the thirst to seek knowledge, the perseverance to strive for excellence and the compassion to serve the community.
I’m glad that your students have participated in in numerous Community Involvement Programmes (CIP). These include raising funds for various charitable organisations, organising visits to old folks’ homes, and conducting the KidsREAD Programme and Adventure Trail for younger students in primary schools. These are good examples of the school’s commitment to make a difference in the community.
Other than the CIP, Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) also play an important part in character development. Through training, team work and competitions, leadership qualities and resilience are developed. I understand that the students have also attained significant achievements in various CCAs such as the performing arts and the uniformed groups.
Fostering Partnership in Education
Former students who returned to render help and support to these CCA groups have also contributed to the school’s achievements. Their involvement comes in different forms, such as organising activities and helping to train their juniors for competitions.
It is heartening to see the strong links that Serangoon Secondary School has forged with its alumni and other stakeholders. The School Advisory Committee, Serangoon Alumni and Parents Support Group play a key role and are actively involved in a variety of school activities such as the School Mentoring Programme, National Education Programme and the Work Shadowing Programme. Collaborations between Serangoon Secondary School and its neighbouring schools have also enabled students to learn beyond the school. These strong ties between the school and its stakeholders have allowed the school to tap into diverse resources to enhance its programmes.
Conclusion
Tonight, as the school celebrates its 80th anniversary, it can look back on its achievements and rich heritage with pride and joy. None of it could have been attained without the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff. You have much to be proud of and it gives me great pleasure to again congratulate the School Advisory Committee, the Serangoon Alumni, the Principal, staff and students of Serangoon Secondary School on your 80th anniversary.
I wish you all a pleasant evening. Thank you.