Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

INTRODUCTION

A very warm welcome to all at this year’s Lee Kuan Yew Scholarships Award Ceremony.

2          The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship is synonymous with both prestige and a willingness to serve Singapore. It marks the continuing effort of our country to recognize individuals with the aptitude and inclination to contribute to our society. Lee Kuan Yew scholars are Leaders with the know-how and determination to Lay a solid foundation in their chosen fields so that Singapore’s continued growth and progress as a nation wilt be assured.

SELECTION AND CALIBRE

3          The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship has always been highly selective and justifiably so. Candidates must fulfill stringent selection criteria. They must not only be Leaders in their respective fields but must also have a strong sense of duty to serve their fellow Singaporeans.

2004 & 2005 LEE KUAN YEW SCHOLARS

4          Today, I have the honour to present the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship awards to four outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a holistic combination of character and academic excellence. They are Colonel Chan Chun Sing, Dr Syed Fidah Bin Ismail ALsagoff, Mr Tham Kine Thong and Mr Goh Toh Chuan Kenneth.

5          Colonel Chan and Dr Syed Fidah were awarded the scholarship last year. Colonel Chan has since completed his Sloans Fellowship Programme in Global Leadership and Innovation in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr Syed Fidah wiLl be completing his Executive Master of Business Administration at INSEAD by the end of the year.

6          This year’s recipients, Mr Tham and Mr Goh wiLl both be pursuing their postgraduate courses in the United States. Mr Tham will be pursuing a Masters programme for Arts in Curriculum and Teaching while Mr Goh will be pursuing a PhD in Organisational Behaviour.

7          As recipients of one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships in Singapore, you belong to a fraternity of fine individuals with much to offer to society. Past recipients have made valuable contributions to the society, through the course of their work and beyond. I am confident that what you can give back to the society in future will be just as significant as those of your predecessors.

8          As you proceed to pursue your academic passions, bear in mind that the fundamental aim of Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship is to develop leaders who will not only excel in their areas of expertise, but also participate actively as a member of the community. By accepting this Scholarship, you are signaling your commitment to developing and harnessing your talents for the betterment of Singapore and Singaporeans. I believe in your capacity to succeed in the journey that you will be embarking on. Take pride in your achievements but do not forget your responsibility to your family, the community and nation.

9          It leaves me now to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 4 recipients of the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarships. I wish you the very best in your endeavours, and look forward to your continued contributions to society.