Speeches
Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, at the Opening Ceremony of the Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit 2008 on Monday, 14th July 2008, at 8.15am at Hwa Chong Institution
Mr. Choong Buat Ken, Chairman, Board of Directors,
Mr Peter Yeo, Chairman, Board of Governors,
Mr Ang Wee Hiong, Principal, Hwa Chong Institution
Delegates and their teacher chaperons,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning
I am happy to be here at the 2008 Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our friends from Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea and the United States of America.
Converging Divergences: Confluence, Change and Continuity in a Modern World
The theme of this year’s Summit is ‘Converging divergences: Confluence, change, and continuity in a modern world’. At first glance, it seemed to contain many contradictions &emdash; converging divergences, confluence and yet change, change and yet continuity. And yet, this is indeed the challenge that is confronting many societies and people today.
The 21st century is indeed an exciting time to live in. Two main forces are at work &emdash; globalisation and advancement in technology, particularly in communication and internet technologies. Globalisation has brought people from different parts of the world closer together. (Example of international call centres in Philippines). And technology has enabled information to move at lightning speed and barriers between society to be broken down. Traditional borders and geographical space and time no longer seem as relevant since no matter where we are, we are no more than a text message or an email away. (Example of Bhutan participants at recent conference) In many ways, globalisation has brought about new opportunities to many people. Technology has enabled these opportunities to be shared by people regardless of countries. It is becoming a borderless world.
Yet, paradoxically, as we proclaim that the traditional borders are disappearing and a more homogenous world is emerging, difference between and within societies has not gone away. In fact, some have argued that it has become more acute. The factors that I have mentioned earlier - globalisation and technology - have brought differences that were deeply embedded within and between societies to the surface, with the same characteristics that have brought us together - more intense, and at a faster speed. [Riots in Tibet followed by protests and rioting at Olympic flame possession as an example]. So are we converging or diverging? Are we becoming more the same or different?
As globalisation takes place, how much should we retain our individual uniqueness - our culture, our language, our values, our beliefs, our heritage? How can we seize the opportunity that comes with globalisation, yet retain our local character and national identities? In this globalising world, who are you?
This summit is an excellent opportunity for young leaders like you to find answers to these questions. You should not only find the answers for yourself as an individual, but also you as part of the group from your country, and you as part of the global community.
Singapore: A Meeting Place for People, Culture and Ideas
The global community has been seeking cooperation along political, economical and social lines. Regional unions such as the European Union and ASEAN actively seek to cultivate strong bonds within their respective regions to allow for greater cooperation, understanding and progress. Across regions and nations, the United Nations and other international organisations continue their good work in addressing our world’s humanitarian needs. International aid and relief efforts in recent natural disasters in this region continue to pour in from around the world.
On the part of Singapore, over 200 of our schools have links with our neighbours within ASEAN. Many schools, like Hwa Chong Institution, have strong partnerships and networks that span the globe. This Summit is a reflection of the bonds that Hwa Chong has forged with schools around the world. I commend the Hwa Chong student leaders for their enthusiasm, diligence and creativity in planning this Summit, and for bringing the Summit to a higher standard with more participants, more countries and more activities.
Within 2 years, the number of participant countries has doubled with some schools from India, China, and Malaysia represented for the third time! The Summit has clearly broadened its reach and deepened its impact on young people across the globe.
Concluding Remarks
Through this Summit, I hope the participants will come to know and understand the challenges and opportunities that are facing your generation. More importantly, this is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know student leaders from different countries so seize the moment. I hope you will find new friendships that will last well beyond the 2 weeks that you are together. Leverage on technology to keep in touch. I understand that there is a special online forum for all of you to meet up before and after the Summit. The participants of the first summit in 2006 are still in contact with each other!
Finally, I wish all delegates a fruitful and enriching summit, and our overseas friends an enjoyable stay in Singapore. I’m sure you all look forward to the exciting programme that has been planned for you, including having tea with the President, Mr S R Nathan!
It now gives me great pleasure to declare the 2008 Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit open.
Thank you.