Good morning Dr Anthony Fok, Chairman of APSN Education Services,
Principals of the two APSN Schools, Mrs Angela Lee and Mr Phua,
Board Members of APSN,
Teachers and Students of APSN Schools,
Ladies & Gentlemen
1. It truly is a pleasure and my distinct privilege, to join you today for this meaningful Symbolic Walk and ceremony. As what was mentioned in the video, as well as what Dr Fok was saying, it really speaks to the camaraderie of the community here with APSN – the desire to be able to collectively work together over the two schools, so that there is continual benefit for the students that we serve, as this marks the relocation of APSN Chaoyang, as well as Tanglin schools in their co-located campus.
2. The new co-located campus is an exciting milestone for the special education landscape in Singapore. Not just for the two schools here, but it marks a very important milestone in terms of the emphasis that we want to be able to give towards special education in Singapore.
3. In this new campus, which I toured earlier, the modern facilities and resources are thoughtfully designed to enhance students' learning, as well as their experiences, and also more importantly, better prepare them for the future. The campus is able to accommodate a wider range of activities now, and specialised learning experiences, and you see the converging of resources which are essential to nurturing students' skills, interests, as well as discover their talents.
4. We all know that a conducive learning experience and environment play a very important role in shaping a child's growth, especially in their formative years, as their physical well-being, their mental well-being, are closely linked to their cognitive and emotional development. The inclusion of sports facilities and outdoor spaces in the campus will encourage physical activity, and help children build resilience, confidence, esteem, as well as, more importantly, be able to nurture relationships among themselves, with their teachers, their parents and the wider community. As we were walking, I was told that there is good support from the local grassroots advisor, and also the other community partners. To be able to foster engagement between the students and the community here is important as part of the educational journey of our students and the wider community.
5. Another significant benefit is the seamless transition it provides, as it allows the primary-level students to continue their secondary-level education within the same campus.
6. Currently, nearly 95% of APSN Chaoyang's Primary 6 students move on to APSN Tanglin for their secondary education. Having both schools at a single location would ease this transition during what could be a challenging period of adjustment. I was reflecting as I was hearing the school song for the first time, that "you have Chaoyang in me". But I noticed that when singing the Chaoyang school song, it was a bit louder than the Tanglin one. I wondered whether it is because the Tanglin students also recognised the song, and started singing along. There is a bit of that community in you from Chaoyang coming into Tanglin, and it speaks to the bonds that you have across the two schools. The co-location also supports curriculum continuity, helping to ensure a consistent educational experience from primary through secondary school years, and certainly beyond that, as you go on to other schools, as well as prepare for employment, and whatever journey awaits you beyond the school doors.
7. To all the students here today, I hope that your time here will be, and will continue to be enjoyable and fulfilling. Make good use of the facilities and environment to maximise your learning and your growth. Step forward into a world of possibilities and encourage one another to be bold in your dreams and your aspirations.
8. To the teachers and staff, and as well as the parents— thank you for supporting our students and your children. The move may not have been the easiest, but with the new facilities and surroundings and the continued partnership between the school as well as the staff and the parents, I am confident you will continue to nurture and inspire every student under your care. Without the support that you give as parents, without the support that you give as teachers, as staff, it would certainly not be possible for your students, for your children, to flourish and to give their best and to realise their full potential. The opening of this new campus marks not just a milestone, but a new chapter — one that elevates inclusion and growth for every student.
9. Today, as we take this first symbolic step together, from parents to the school to my colleagues here in the Ministry of Education, it reminds us that we are all journeying towards a future where every student can live, learn, and work to their fullest potential.
10. Thank you once again and congratulations to the APSN community for this significant milestone. I wish you all the best.