Dato’ Sri Chia Chor Meng, President of the Ngee Ann Kongsi,
My Parliamentary Colleague, Goh Pei Ming,
Members of the Ngee Ann Kongsi,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen
1.Good evening. It is my pleasure to join you for Ngee Ann Kongsi Members’ Gala Night, and to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ngee Ann Kongsi and School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA).
2.The Ngee Ann Kongsi’s support for SOTA dates back to the school’s inception. Over the years, you have contributed more than $10 million towards campus development, educational programmes and scholarships. Tonight’s $2.5 million donation will support scholarships and cultural leadership programmes such as overseas learning journeys and community projects. These opportunities will help our students develop leadership, creative thinking, and artistic excellence, while engaging with different communities and exploring how the arts can bring people together.
3.This MOU reflects a constant throughout the Ngee Ann Kongsi’s more than 180-year history – a strong belief in the importance of education, and in giving young people opportunities to develop their talents and fulfil their potential.
- Your contributions to education have grown alongside Singapore and the changing needs of our people. From establishing schools to providing scholarships and bursaries, you have widened educational opportunities for generations of Singaporeans and enabled young people to pursue their aspirations regardless of their financial circumstances.
- For example, you established the Ngee Ann College at the Teochew Building on Tank Road in the year 1963 with just 116 students. It became a public institution in 1968, was renamed Ngee Ann Technical College, and later became Ngee Ann Polytechnic in 1982.
4.Your commitment to developing our young people extends to the arts. As technology transforms how we live, learn and work, a good arts education remains important and relevant. It helps young people think creatively, approach challenges in new ways, and express themselves confidently. These qualities will serve them well, whether they pursue the arts professionally or bring their creative abilities to other fields. You have seen how people with arts education break new boundaries when you go into different industries.
- For example, at SOTA, students can pursue their passion for the arts in an environment that integrates artistic and academic excellence. Through this, they develop not only as artists, but also as curious learners who are willing to explore new ideas, connect with other people and contribute to the wider community.
5.The Ngee Ann Kongsi has also been a valued patron of the arts and Teochew culture. By preserving and promoting our heritage, you create opportunities for young people to engage with the arts and culture, deepen their appreciation of their cultural roots, and play a part in shaping Singapore’s cultural landscape.
6.Nurturing the next generation is a shared endeavour. Our schools and educators provide strong foundations for learning and growth, while community partners like the Ngee Ann Kongsi bring traditions, experiences and networks that enrich how young people learn and develop. Together, we can broaden opportunities for our young people to discover their interests, reach their potential, and contribute to Singapore.
7.I wish the Ngee Ann Kongsi continued success. I thank you for your contribution all these years to education, and I look forward to seeing future generations of young Singaporeans benefit from your meaningful contributions. Thank you.