Speech by Minister of State for Education Ms Jasmin Lau at the Singapore Chess Federation National Age Group Chess Championships at Our Tampines Hub

Dr Hsu Li Yang, Singapore Chess Federation President

Ladies and Gentlemen

Boys and Girls,

1. Good afternoon everyone. It is heartening to see so many of you gathered here today, drawn together by the love for chess.

2. Over the years, chess has become a very popular sport in our schools.

1. I am told that more than 1,700 students took part in this year's National Schools Individual Chess Championships in March.
2. Earlier this month, the Singapore Chess Federation launched their "From Pawns to Queens" programme at Greenwood Primary School to teach the game to nearly 450 Primary 1 and 2 students.
3. I want to thank the Singapore Chess Federation for partnering our schools to provide opportunities for our students to develop their thinking skills and character.

3. To our children here – you may not realise it yet, but chess is teaching you something about life.

4. To our parents here – I'm happy for you that your children are learning life lessons at such a young age.

5. Chess mirrors life in many ways.

6. First, chess teaches us that the basics do matter. To do well, you need to put in effort to learn the techniques and tactics. You need to anticipate your opponents' moves and think ahead many steps to figure out your map to a win. And you have to practise many times to be able to spot patterns quickly.

7. Second, chess teaches us that success rarely comes without setbacks. Every strong player here, every winner, would have made mistakes previously. You will remember the close losses way more than the easy wins. And that's the best way to learn, because the mistakes are the experiences that will help you become better.

8. Third, chess teaches us that life is unpredictable. Sometimes, despite preparing well, your opponent surprises you with something completely unexpected. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice something valuable for a better long-term outcome.

9. Through our chess tournaments, my hope is for our young competitors to take up these life lessons, and to compete fiercely, but also graciously.

1. Fight hard without being hostile.
2. Know that you can want to win without needing someone else to lose with humiliation.
3. Be graceful if you're winning, and hold your head high with dignity if you have lost.
4. Competition and respect can, and must, coexist.

10. To all our parents, teachers and coaches – do help us remind our children that character matters more than trophies, and that how you behave at the board says a lot more about you than whether you win or lose.

11. And, to all our young competitors today – this tournament is just one step in your chess journey. Keep playing, keep learning, and remember that every game – win or lose – makes you stronger and smarter. Carry with you not only the lessons from the chessboard, but the confidence that comes from playing, challenging yourself, and growing through the games.

12. Thank you and congratulations to all the winners.