Guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

1          I extend a warm welcome to all present at the annual PSC Scholarships Award Ceremony. The Public Service Commission began awarding scholarships in 1961. Over the past four decades, various scholarships have come under the PSC umbrella. These include the Colombo Plan Scholarship, and the Yang di-Pertuan Negara Scholarship. However, you are probably more familiar with the Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore Police Force Overseas Scholarships, the Overseas Merit Scholarship, and the Local-Overseas Merit Scholarship.

2          Regardless of scholarship scheme, our scholars have carried on the tradition of serving Singaporeans and Singapore, of giving back more than they have received.

HONING YOUR SKILLS

3          In the four decades since we began awarding scholarships, Singapore has changed tremendously. Singaporeans have also changed in terms of their outlook and aspirations. We are now poised to remake our nation and ourselves for the future. PSC too has not stood still in time.

4          Today, the PSC does not regard scholarships as merely a means for outstanding students to pursue a tertiary education. The PSC has taken the scholarships business a step further and consciously develops our scholars during their university years, to maximise their potential and to prepare them for future roles and responsibilities.

5          The introduction of the Management Associates Programme, or MAP, last year, is an example of how PSC is doing this. The Pre-Departure Course that you have completed a few days ago is another. The Course is the first in a series of important milestone programmes for PSC scholars, and forms the foundation of your grooming and development.

BUILDING A FIRM FOUNDATION — KEY ITEMS OF THE PRE-DEPARTURE COURSE

6          The PSC scholars have learnt during the Course that, while it is necessary for a country’s policies and processes to change constantly with the times, the fundamental values by which you govern a country should not. Values such as meritocracy and impartiality brought Singapore to where it is today, and led the Singapore public service to being one of the most well-regarded in the world. As PSC scholars and future public officers, you must have a firm grasp of our principles of governance, and understand why they are what they are.

7          While these principles of governance must be upheld, you must also be prepared for new fundamentals as Singapore moves forward. As our citizens become more sophisticated and demanding, the Government has to become more consultative and responsive. It is these increasingly sophisticated Singaporeans that you will have to engage when you enter the public service at the end of your studies. Public consultation and communication will therefore be important aspects of your work, as it already is for officers today.

8          During the Pre-Departure Course, you would also have had a flavour of the economic, security and social issues currently faced by Singapore. I am told that the Economic Review Committee briefed you in detail on its proposals, and what was in place to help Singaporeans understand and adapt to the painful but necessary measures to strengthen Singapore economically. Committees like the ERC consulted widely in their deliberations. If you have opinions and suggestions, seek out avenues for them to be heard. Take the initiative to get involved now.

9          Building a country and uniting a nation however go beyond economics. As public officers, you must have compassion for the people. You must be able to empathise with your fellow Singaporeans if you want to foster a stronger bond between the public and the government. Community involvement is therefore a regular feature of the Pre-Departure Course.

10         This year, besides attachments at grassroots organisations and schools, you have participated in activities with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, or MINDS. I hope that this experience has given you a better understanding of the aspirations and needs of Singaporeans, and will remind you of your obligation to improve the lives of our people, and to help others succeed as you have done.

11         I also hope that your community involvement does not end at the Course, but that you have been inspired to continue to make a positive difference to others, be it at home or overseas. Some of your seniors have built housing for the poor, juggled to raise funds, or put their athletic inclinations to good use and ran or cycled for charity. PSC scholars should continue with this commitment to put others before themselves.

CONCLUSION

12         This is the second year that we have held this event at the Istana. Home to the Head of State, the Istana gives a greater sense of history with the nation, and is a symbol of your commitment to the public service. This is also the second time that the Scholars’ Pledge, penned last year to articulate your obligations as a PSC scholar, will be recited.

13         While you may not be the first in these respects, remember that there cannot be history without continuity. You are playing a key role in strengthening the identity, roles and responsibilities of PSC scholars. In time to come, I have no doubt that you will carry on the proud tradition of PSC scholars making a difference to Singapore and Singaporeans. You will be adding to a heritage of more than 40 years.

14         On this note, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to you. I share in the joy and pride of your family, principals, teachers and friends. I wish you the very best in your studies and success in the years ahead.