Speeches
Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education, at the Networking Session cum Tea Reception for Sikh Graduates on Saturday, 19 September 2009, at 2.55pm at The Pod, National Library Board
Mr Hernaikh Singh,
President, Young Sikh Association (Singapore)
Mr Karpal Singh Mehli,
President, Central Sikh Gurdwara Board
Mr Harbans Singh,
President of the Central Sikh Temple
Distinguished guests
Graduates
Parents
Ladies and gentlemen
Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to join you at this networking-cum-tea session.
I would like to congratulate the graduates here today for your hard work and accomplishments. I would also like to extend felicitations to your parents and family, who, with their support, have played an important role in your success. Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet”. Although you may have faced many challenges while studying, you will now reap the benefits of your hard work. Although the economic situation is volatile, there are many opportunities available in the different fields such as academia, media and public service. You should aim for success and strive for excellence in whatever you do.
While you reap the benefits of your education, it is important that you keep growing as an individual. I would encourage you to, adopt a positive attitude and learn from all your experiences. Be adaptable to changes and unanticipated circumstances. Some of you may encounter difficulties in securing a job of your preference. Be flexible and take on a job that will allow you to gather valuable experience. With a positive mindset, you will bring joy and purpose to the work you do and achieve success.
The world we live in is continuously changing. Technology is constantly advancing and the world is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan. In order to stay relevant in the workforce, there is a need to continuously upgrade our knowledge and skills. Many of you may choose to further your education or upgrade your skills. It is also important to develop an understanding of the world and learn to work in different cultures and countries, yet stay rooted to your own culture.
It is also important that you participate as an active member of society. As Singapore continues to grow, we need our young people to be more aware of their role in society. As a member of the community you have grown up in, you need to stay connected to society, understand its needs and know how to respond to these needs. As more opportunities are created for you to experience the issues and needs of society, you would be able to appreciate what is happening in society and how you can make a difference. You will also learn how to utilize your skills, talents and knowledge to contribute to your community and Singapore.
There are many ways you can achieve this. You could join youth or community organisations either outside or within the Sikh community and volunteer your services. Where possible, you could occupy key leadership positions to ensure that the organisation and hence the community and country progresses. You could participate in community service projects or volunteer your services to the needy. And I hope that the young people here today will spread the message to their peers and other young people. It’s a way of giving back to society the benefits that you have received and as you engage your community, you, in turn, will develop a sense of shared purpose, and rootedness, and commitment to Singapore and fellow Singaporeans.
While the Sikh community has done well in many parts of the world, I believe it is amongst the most prosperous and well-integrated in Singapore society. The Sikh community in Singapore is a small and vibrant community which has played a pivotal role in building the Singapore milieu. The community has done well in various fields, such as medicine, law, business and the uniformed services. This, I understand, is due to the fact that the Sikh way of life lays emphasis on three important principles—tolerance, egalitarianism and strong work ethic. These principles are the hallmark of any successful community and society.
I urge all of you to continue with the good work of your community. All of you will play a part in shaping the future course of the Sikh community and Singapore. While you may choose different professions, by excelling in what you do, you will contribute, directly and indirectly, to the progress of our society. Continually strive for excellence and be good ambassadors for your community and country, and ensure that your community remains vibrant, relevant and progressive within a strong, cohesive and united society.
Once again, congratulations to all the graduates and your families. I leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and well-known political activist, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and your role as agents of change.
Thank you.