5.         We have an education system that seeks to provide, for each new generation of Singaporeans, equal opportunities for all students regardless of race, language, and socio-economic status.   Equal opportunities to realise their aspirations.

6.         Education is how we have achieved tremendous social mobility in Singapore.   It is how many individuals who have achieved far more than their parents were able to in life.   I urge all the students present today to strive for excellence in all that you do.   Your background does not matter.   With determination and hard work, you can develop your talents in school and go far in life.

7.         No child is denied the opportunity to excel.   Children from poorer families are assisted by the government, MOE, schools, grassroots and other community organisations, as well as companies like SembCorp Marine.   The help comes in many forms  -  grants, subsidies, bursaries which are based on the parents’ economic situation, and scholarships which are based on merit.

8.         This giving of help to poor students is part of the Singapore way, part of how we ensure we continue to have social mobility.   It has to be entrenched in our community and corporate culture.   As Singaporeans, we must work together to help the less fortunate so that together, Singaporecan be a nation of achievers.

9.         Our schools themselves are doing their part to work with students and parents to help those in need.   There are many ways in which schools are doing this.   Let me cite you an example of what one school has done.   Shuqun Secondary School  collects used textbooks and uniforms from the graduating students and distributes those which are in good condition to younger students who face difficulty in paying for textbooks and uniforms for the new school year.    In addition, Shuqun Secondary also issues meal coupons to needy students so that they could have a proper breakfast and lunch during the day.   These are sponsored by grateful and better-off parents.

10.        These are not grand schemes, but each gift and each gesture helps a student from a needy family know that there are no obstacles to doing well in education.   They are all part of a culture that keeps social mobility going in every new generation.   A culture where, apart from the efforts of government, those who are doing well want to help others to climb higher and achieve their own aspirations.

11.        The corporate sector and schools can also work together to help the needy.   As a leading global marine engineering group, SembCorp Marine is a key player in our nation’s economy.   Guided by its core value of Community Responsibility, the company has shown that it also cares for the less privileged and is committed to community improvement.  The SchoolBAG scheme is a fine example of how corporations can further supplement the efforts of schools to help needy families and students.   We hope to see more of such civic-minded acts from our corporations.

12.        Another possible way in which industries can contribute towards education is to provide work attachment opportunities for our students.   Student work attachments to industries can help our children learn more about various jobs and careers.   When it comes to knowing the attractions of an industry, seeing makes for believing.

13.        SembCorp Marine, for example, is well positioned to play a role in exposing our students to opportunities in the rapidly growing shipyard and marine industry.   Such work attachments could provide the impetus for some of these students to plan for a career that supports the demands of the industry.   Some students can also be offered scholarships or bursaries after their attachments.

14.        To every SchoolBAG beneficiary, work hard to develop all your talents.   Remember that just as you have benefited from the generosity of organisations such as SembCorp Marine, you should also give back to society yourselves at some point in your life.   In this way, we will remain a nation of people who look out for one another.