Speeches
Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, at the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School’s 110th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, 25 July 2009 at 7.15pm, at the Fairmont Hotel
Mr Cecil Wong, Chairman, SCGS Board of Directors
Dr Serene Toh, President, SCGS Alumni
Ms Euleen Goh and Mrs Elizabeth Sam, Chairpersons of the Organising Committee
Mrs Low Ay Nar, Principal, SCGS
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Introduction
I am happy to join you this evening, to celebrate and offer my personal congratulations on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School.
SCGS has come a long way. Her history was one of fragile beginnings and tentative first steps. Founded in 1899, SCGS survived two world wars. It was kept alive despite the lack of funds and deprivation during these world wars. If time travel were possible, its pioneers would be astonished at SCGS’ rapid progress despite ups and downs, to become one of the premier schools in our educational system today. Through the years, SCGS has nurtured thousands of students and produced women of substance who have made a significant impact in many areas of society.
Why has SCGS succeeded to produce students of distinction — movers and shakers that can achieve, lead and make the difference? Let me offer a few reasons.
Holistic Approach
From conception, SCGS did not just seek to impart knowledge, but instead sought to develop the person. Dr Lim Boon Keng, one of SCGS’ founding fathers, said in 1899, “Cannot we do something better ourselves in educating our children in Chinese, Malay, and English, as well as in the ordinary rudiments of modern culture? I believe we can!”
It is this DNA to provide holistic education that has become a recognisable trait and imbuing spirit of the school. It was natural then in the early 1900s to have Music and Sewing as an integral part of the curriculum to complement academic subjects such as Arithmetic and Geography. This tradition continues but the forms have been refreshed in keeping with the times. Take for example, your Living and Lifestyle Programme, which offers a comprehensive range of modules such as Arts Education, Culinary Art, Emotional and Social Intelligence and Healthy living. Others like the Talent Programme, Internationalisation Programme and Character and Leadership Excellence prepare your students for life as active citizens. These programmes not only teach practical life skills, but also nurture students who are confident, articulate and socially and culturally adept.
Dance is another area of focus in SCGS, with the school garnering multiple awards over the years. It is not just an activity, but also a vehicle through which students can learn the value of hard work, of discipline and of the need for practice and perseverance.
The forms have changed but the essence of SCGS philosophy remains — which is to provide equal educational opportunities for girls as a means of developing their character and abilities, academically and in life skills.
Changing Roles of Women
As a premier school for girls, SCGS must continue this mission and remain true to its founding ethos. But it must do so with a sharp focus on existing challenges and those on the horizon. The role of women in Singapore has rapidly evolved, in tandem with the education profile of girls in schools. In the 1970s, about 31 per cent of our university graduates and about two per cent of our polytechnic graduates were women. In 2007, the figures had increased to about 50 per cent and 49 per cent respectively. We must expect that in the near future this will be followed by more career opportunities and responsibilities for Singaporean women.
These are positive developments but have exacted a cost from traditional social structures and aspirations. Declining marriage rates and fertility is one such casualty. And women who do bear children have to then juggle multiple roles as mother, wife, daughter and CEO — and expected to do all equally well! SCGS can play an important and crucial role in inculcating values that will help her students make sense of the modern world they live in and cope. SCGS’ distinct education can impart values and skills to its girls to choose wisely, paths which life will present. Not all can and want to do everything. SCGS has many successful women in her alumni and I hope that more can come back to this school to be role models for your students to emulate.
Conclusion
Students who enter SCGS must believe that they will leave it with something valuable and lasting. That sense of bearing the SCGS mark will make your students stand out from the crowd. To do this well, SCGS should continue to draw from its rich history and traditions and tap into the vast networks and alumni that have been built over the years. I wish the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School a joyous and memorable 110th anniversary. May you continue to develop generations of students that enliven and enrich Singapore and beyond.
Thank you.