Professor Liu Woon Chia, NIE Director
Distinguished guests,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. A very good afternoon to all of you. It is remarkable standing here, looking at each and every one of you, and thinking back to our own experiences as students. Our teachers were once young graduands, not knowing that they would inspire someone like me to learn, grow and take on a leadership position. So trust that you have so much to give, so many students to groom, and so many lives to touch.
2. First of all, I want to say congratulations to our graduands! Today, as you gather here to celebrate this significant milestone, I want to acknowledge your hard work, dedication, and passion that has brought you to this point.
3. You are about to embark on a very noble, meaningful career that you believe in and trained hard for. As you walked into the hall this afternoon, you probably felt a mix of emotions – optimism, excitement and some nervousness. I was told that many of you have already started your teaching careers, and gotten a taste of what it is like in the real classroom. You are ready and equipped with all the skills and competencies you need to mould the future of our nation!
Starting your Teaching Journey
4. Like anyone starting a new job, you would imagine the impact you will have. You may think of yourselves as dynamic facilitators of learning, creating classrooms where curiosity thrives, and students eagerly explore and learn about the world. You picture engaging discussions, moments of discovery, and the excitement of seeing your students explore and make connections between ideas.
5. Many of you also want to be the teacher who makes a difference beyond imparting academic knowledge. You dream of shaping your students' beliefs, attitudes and actions, and instilling values like care, respect, and resilience. You picture moments where students learn to show empathy, appreciate diversity, and understand the importance of integrity. You want to help them distinguish right from wrong in an increasingly complex world, to understand the weight of their choices, and to develop strong moral foundations.
6. You also want to teach them that setbacks are opportunities for growth, that persistence matters more than perfection, and that seeking help is often a sign of strength. You imagine guiding them through difficulties and watching them emerge stronger, more confident, and better prepared for life.
7. This was what you signed up for!
Meeting Today's Challenges
8. And these are indeed noble and important aspirations. But as you step into your classrooms, you may discover that the path to achieving these goals will not be straight or clear. Reality does hit at some point, and the dreams and aspirations that you have had may seem to dim over time. The gap between your aspirations and daily realities will also feel discouraging at times.
9. Our students today have access to more information than in our own time, from the internet, AI chatbots, and tuition. Sometimes, many of your carefully crafted lessons might seem to be competing with these alternatives, these instant and potentially more convenient sources of information. You might have spent hours preparing for what you felt was an engaging lesson, only to have students ask why they cannot just get the answers from ChatGPT.
10. Your efforts to instill values and ethics might also feel like you are swimming against strong currents. Social media influences, peer pressure, and societal trends can seem to undermine the progress and principles you are trying to teach. Messages on social media that our young students see today are often about instant gratification and superficial success. Many of these drown out deeper values that you want to build in your students. When you teach about integrity, you may feel like you are competing with viral videos celebrating shortcuts to success. When you promote kindness, you may have to contend with online cultures that sometimes reward cynicism and mockery.
11. When it comes to building resilience, you will also face complex dilemmas that may not be covered in your training or preparation. You may encounter students struggling with anxiety, facing family difficulties, or dealing with peer pressure. The line between supporting and enabling your students may not always seem clear. Push too hard, and parents may express concerns, or in another words, complain. Be too gentle, and you might worry that your students will not be adequately prepared for life's real challenges.
12. What then, do you do?
The Way Forward, Together
13. You will come to face many of these questions as you spend more time in the classroom. But I want to encourage all of you – do not despair. You are here not just with knowledge, but with passion and heart to teach the future of our nation. The key lies in understanding how your role is evolving and adapting your approach, not just now, but for the rest of your teaching career.
14. First, rather than competing with technology, guide your students to make sense of the information overload. When students ask why they cannot simply use AI for everything, show them that the uniquely human skills are indeed what they need for the future. Find your own life experiences to share with them, and show them how learning is different from knowing.
15. Consider David Lee Boon Hiang, graduating today from the PGDE (Primary) programme. Born deaf, David transforms his personal challenges into powerful teaching moments. His work as the co-leader for the youth expedition project in Dalat, Central Vietnam where he worked with both hearing and deaf students to construct a village school demonstrates how authentic connections bridge differences and inspire growth. His own journey reminds us that our personal experiences, even our challenges, can become our greatest teaching tools.
16. Second, make sure that as teachers, you stay relevant. Your students will learn as much from who you are as from what you teach. Stay updated about the latest pedagogies and educational technologies in your field. I know you will feel like time is short, and 24 hours is not enough, but try your best to stay updated. Your own enthusiasm for learning will inspire your students to learn, unlearn and relearn throughout their lives. By fostering a love for learning, you are preparing your students not just for academic success but for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
17. Encourage your students to be creators of knowledge and not just receivers of knowledge. Help them become innovators and problem solvers. Provide them with opportunities to engage in projects, and collaborate to develop real-world solutions to real-world problems.
18. Third, and perhaps the most important one, remember that the human touch matters.
19. My favourite or best teacher was someone who had faith in me before I had faith in myself. I remember her not just for what she told or taught me, but for the belief that she had in me from young. All of us will have these memories, of one or two teachers, hopefully more, that shaped us during our own school days and helped us through our teenage, difficult times. Remember the teachers who made you feel safe, heard, and valued. These kinds of personal connections cannot ever be replicated by technology.
20. Small actions often carry the greatest impact. A moment of patience during a difficult lesson, an encouraging word to a struggling student, or simply listening when someone needs to be heard - these actions will create ripples that extend far beyond the classroom.
21. For Mendiola Diana Jeane Bautista from the PGDE (Secondary) programme, the care she received from her own teachers during personal challenges became the foundation of her teaching philosophy. Diana's subsequent work as an Educational Therapist, supporting students who struggled in mainstream classrooms, shows how values cascade through generations. The care she received became the care that she now gives. This creates a chain of positive impact throughout generations of education.
22. As educators, you have the privilege of creating safe spaces where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and sharing their struggles, just as your own teachers did for you. When students know that you genuinely care for their well-being, they are more likely to engage with learning, even during their most difficult times. Make your classroom a place where questions are welcomed, mistakes are learning opportunities, and every student feels heard and valued - the kind of environment where you and I once felt supported and understood.
Embracing your purpose
23. So yes, from today onwards, it will be a challenging path ahead.
24. There will be days when your ideals seem distant and your efforts feel inadequate. This is normal, and it is part of the journey. Every experienced teacher has faced similar moments of doubt and emerged stronger.
25. But remember, you are here today because you do have what it takes to succeed. Your heart, your commitment to your students and your belief in the power of education, will sustain you through the challenges ahead. Your passion for education and your dedication to your students' growth will guide you through the most difficult times.
26. Always remember that you are not alone. You do have classmates graduating with you. Build and continue the strong relationships with them. They will become your support system. They will also become the people you vent to, recover with, and push on with your education efforts. Share your challenges and successes, learn from each other, and support each other.
27. Remember that you do not have to be perfect; you just have to be present, be authentic, and keep growing alongside your students. Your own willingness to learn and adapt will inspire your students more than any perfect performance ever could.
28. As you step into your classrooms, carry with you both your initial optimism and newfound wisdom. Keep the candle inside each of you burning. The future of our students is brighter because of your commitment to education.
29. Thank you, and congratulations to all of you once again.