Speeches
Speech by Mr Masagos Zulkifli BMM, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs, at the 10th NCC Affirmation Ceremony on Saturday, 10th April 2010, at the Singapore Expo Hall 2 at 3.00pm
Dr Arthur Beng,
Chairman NCC Council
NCC Council Members,
Principals and Senior SAF Officers,
NCC Teacher Officers,
Parents,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It gives me great pleasure to be present with you here today at the 10th NCC Affirmation Ceremony.
Introduction
The ceremony today is a significant event for all the cadets present here as you join five thousand of your fellow cadets to be inducted into the NCC family. As you begin your journey with the NCC, you can look forward to the range of exciting activities that lie ahead.
UG’s Role in Values and Character Development
Co-Curricular Activities are an integral part of the holistic education that the Ministry of Education seeks to provide for all our students. An all rounded student is one who is balanced in both the academic and non-academic pursuits. The Uniformed Groups, with the inherent emphasis on outdoor and rugged activities, offer ample opportunities for the students to develop qualities like resiliency, tenacity, confidence and perseverance. Essentially, these are the very qualities necessary for one to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Through the CCAs, we hope to impact every student positively.
I am told that almost one-third of the senior SAF Officers were former NCC cadets. The Chief of Defence Force, Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong, was a former NCC Cadet from Victoria School. This speaks volume of the positive role that NCC has played.
Nicholas Tay, awarded the President’s Scholarship last year, was a former NCC cadet while he was studying at Catholic High School. Nicholas acknowledges the edge that NCC has provided him in preparing him for National Service. The skills which he picked up during his time in the NCC provided him with a head start over his contemporaries who were not in the Uniformed Groups.
Through the years, the NCC has played an instrumental role in enlarging our common experience as Singaporeans and forging stronger ties that bind us together as one people. For all the students here today, you are the young Singaporeans. With you lies the future of our country. All of you have an important part to play in safeguarding the harmonious society that we have built up. The four to five years you spend together in NCC will open up ample opportunities for you to interact with schoolmates of different background, race and religion. During this time, you will be able to learn and appreciate one another’s cultures, establish strong friendships, and get a glimpse of what it takes to defend our nation.
Remaining Relevant
With a wide array of CCAs available in schools today, I am happy to note that the UGs continue to be a draw among our students. This will remain so provided the nine UGs continue to leverage on their strong foundation in developing soft skills and to be at the forefront of content innovation, constantly exploring new ways to make their programmes interesting by incorporating novel ideas into their respective training curriculum. Continue to explore the use of creative strategies to help our students acquire knowledge, social skills and build a sound character.
To the new Cadets, I congratulate you for making the decision to be part of the UG Movement. To the Cadet Officers who have planned this ceremony, you have demonstrated in deed how the training you have undergone moulded you to who you are today. Continue in your spirit to serve and show care for the junior cadets under your charge. Remember the important roles you play as exemplary role models of leadership and dedication.
To the parents gathered here, your presence here today affirms your support of your child’s education. The inculcation of sound values and good character in our students require the partnership of the schools and the parents.
Finally, I would like to wish one and all the very best as you embark on this meaningful and enjoyable journey in the NCC.
Thank you.