Speeches
Speech by Mr Masagos Zulkifli BMM, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs, at the Eurasian Association Education Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 5 September 2009, at 3.15pm at St Patrick’s School
Mr Edward D’Silva, President, Eurasian Association
Parents and award winners,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon
Introduction
Good afternoon and thank you for your very warm welcome. I am delighted to be here this afternoon to present the Eurasian Community Fund Education Awards. Let me first congratulate all 195 award recipients for your achievements. I am sure that your good results did not occur by chance. Surely, they are a result of your diligence and a determination to excel, undergirded by your teachers’ guidance and a large dose of encouragement and support from your parents and families.
I also note that 37 of the awards being presented today are excellence awards, recognising students who are selected from the top graduating cohorts of the national examinations.
Importance of Education
The Eurasian Association has a long history in Singapore, with traditions rooted in the pre-independence era. An integral part of our nation building efforts, the Association is dedicated to the educational and social upliftment of all Singaporean Eurasians.
The Eurasian community rightly regards a good education as the key to mobility and better life chances. The Association has put in place various programmes to provide tuition and co-curricular classes for pupils at the primary and secondary levels. Besides promoting the academic advancement of Eurasian students, these programmes also offer the opportunity to bring the community together for an important cause.
Your efforts in and dedication to education have shown results, with Eurasian students maintaining a high level of achievement in their studies over the years. Compared to 1998, the percentage of Eurasian students admitted to post-secondary institutions has increased from 78% of a cohort to about 90% in 2008.
New Merit Bursary Awards
I am also heartened to note that today we will be presenting the inaugural Merit Bursary awards to four deserving and outstanding students who will be pursuing further studies via the ITE and Polytechnic routes. The Association will fully fund the cost of tuition, books and expenses for these four Merit Bursary Awardees.
The introduction of the Merit Bursary Awards shows the commitment of the Eurasian Association to recognise excellence at all levels. Its effort is aligned with that of MOE which has expanded opportunities in the last few years through new types of schools, new programmes, as well as new pathways to cater to the different aptitudes, interests and learning styles of our students. Our education system strives to be responsive to changes, in order to prepare our young for the challenges of the future.
Surpassing the Ordinary
Each generation produces outstanding young men and women, who forge new paths and inspire the rest. The Eurasian community has its share of youth with the passion to excel at what they do, standing out from the rest of the crowd. In particular, I would like to highlight some exceptional examples amongst you. Ahmad Ashraf, the top Eurasian student in the 2008 PSLE examinations, has managed to balance his time well. Elected the Head Prefect at Chongfu Primary School, Ahmad Ashraf was also Vice Captain of the school hockey team. Despite being occupied with his responsibilities as Head Prefect and representing his school in hockey competitions at the national level, he has time still to contribute to the community. He often visits the Sunshine Welfare Action Mission and old folks’ homes, leading mini performances and bringing food for the old folks.
Another shining example is David Christopher Pang, who is the Outstanding Eurasian ITE Student 2008. David is currently pursuing Business Studies, specialising in Sports Management at ITE. He has competed extensively in track and field events at the School Sports Day, as well as representing ITE at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Championships in triple jump and long jump. Recently, David went on a two-week overseas attachment in Brisbane, Australia, at the Southbank Institute of Technology to observe how students from other countries organised sporting events and studied sports. This was a rich opportunity to interact with Australian youths, both in studies and sports. In addition, as Chairman for the School of Business in the Bridge Leader Club Committee, David is instrumental in organising Orientation activities for his peers and juniors.
Christopher Andrew Andrade, the top Eurasian Polytechnic Student 2008, graduated recently with a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering from the Singapore Polytechnic. Christopher’s active contributions and participation in various projects have garnered him accolades from the polytechnic like the Certificate in Engineering Mathematics and a Gold Award for high standards of innovation and functionality in his final year project. Other than these academic achievements, Christopher was also active in Archery, Basketball and Soccer. During his 3rd year in polytechnic, Christopher received a Certificate of Commendation for being in the Director’s Honour Roll for both Semesters.
Crystal Tan Yan Wen, the top Eurasian University Student 2008, is keenly aware of the importance of giving back to society. Now a 3rd year undergraduate at NTU, Crystal is an active member in Chakra, a society which arranges Overseas Community Service Trips. Recently, Crystal co-organised a Community Service Trip to Bangalore, India, for an inter-varsity team of 14 undergraduates. Based at a school in the Kadabahalli Village, this team of young adults worked hard at converting one of the classrooms into a library; building bookshelves and tables, painting the room, buying books, educational games and sports equipment for the students there. I am sure they had an enriching and memorable experience.
These four young individuals have distinguished themselves beyond their academic studies, giving their best in sports, community work or leadership roles in school. We want to see more young men and women like them—with the confidence and willingness to do something different and go beyond the ordinary, in order to contribute to society. I am sure that many of you here have drawn inspiration from them and aspire to do the same, defining your own areas of personal excellence. I urge you to give of your best, not because you will win awards but because you believe in helping others. I am certain that in the process you will pick up traits that will enable you to thrive in an increasingly globalised, complex and dynamic world.
Conclusion
I began by congratulating the award winners and reminding you of the support that you have received, and will continue to receive, from your parents and teachers. It is fitting that I should end by thanking your families and teachers for tirelessly guiding and supporting you. And for believing in you. I am confident your parents and teachers will continue to support you as you take on new challenges in the years ahead. My best wishes for your future endeavours. Thank you.