Speeches
Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, at the National Junior Robotics Competition Award Presentation Ceremony on Saturday, 6 September 2008 at 4.30pm at the Singapore Science Centre, Annex Building
Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Chief Executive of Science Centre Singapore,
Distinguished Guests,
Teachers and Students.
Good afternoon.
I am delighted to be here at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the National Junior Robotics Competition 2008.
This is a very special year for the National Junior Robotics Competition. The competition was first launched, exactly ten years ago. I understand that 167 teams from 70 schools participated in the inaugural competition then.
Over the years, the number of teams has grown phenomenally and the National Junior Robotics Competition has become a highlight of the educational calendar. I am happy to hear that this year, over 600 teams from 139 schools in Singapore have competed in this event.
The popularity of NJRC shows a growing desire of students to take learning out of the classroom. Since project work was introduced into the school curriculum in 2000, students have begun to discover the joy of learning and problem-solving beyond textbooks. Science and technology clubs are gaining in numbers across our schools, and many of them are related to robotics. NJRC requires participants to apply knowledge in a practical and tangible way. Through a fun and challenging setting, theories of mathematics and physics are learnt and tested first-hand. Students will see science and technology in a different light - not as subjects that are merely carried in textbooks but handy tools that are important in everyday life.
The robots that we see today show us the quantum leap that technology has taken. Automation plays a vital role in the modern world, as we increasingly rely on machines and robots to carry out tasks for us. Technology has also transformed our learning environment. It allows us to multiply our efforts and achieve learning outcomes in ways previously unthinkable. I am sure that the competitors today feel a sense of satisfaction and pride when they showcase the capabilities of their robots.
These brilliant young minds are much needed in the knowledge-based economy. In this economy, we need people who will think out of the box, are constantly seeking better solutions and innovating, and are both resilient and resourceful. Students have been challenged through this competition to think independently, to seek mentorship and sponsorship on their own, and to expect the unknown through the Surprise Mission aspect of this contest. Students have learnt to expect the unexpected, to think on their feet, work as a team and through it all, gain confidence in themselves.
I am truly impressed by what I have seen today. Your work in building your competition robots shows that each of you here dares to dream and work towards making it a reality. Just like the mission of this year’s competition is Saving the Earth, I look forward to seeing many of you become successful scientists in the future and contribute to making the world a better place to live in.
Thank you.