RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Acting Minister for Education and Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry

Excellencies

Ladies and Gentlemen

We have just celebrated our 38 National Day. As we look back, we are reminded of the difficult year in our nation’s history that we have just left behind, and the challenges that we continue to face as a nation. We have indeed been through some of the most testing times since independence. But as we, as a nation, rise up to meet these challenges — be it the economic challenges and the rise in unemployment, SARS, the terrorist threat, or the challenges to racial and religious harmony — we can take heart in how we have weathered these storms.

2          We could not have addressed and overcome such challenges without outstanding leaders at the national level and in public service — men and women of honour and distinction, selfless in the service of Singapore. As we face the future, we will continue to need outstanding leadership in the government and the public sector. The prestigious President’s Scholarship awards that wilt be presented tonight, together with other Government Scholarships awarded each year, is intended to identify and develop our talented young for key leadership positions in the future. This is the hope and the expectation that we have for our scholars — and more so for the winners of the President’s Scholarship, who represent the pinnacle of our cohort of outstanding students.

3          As is well known, the President’s Scholarship has its roots in the Queen’s Scholarship that was promulgated in 1885 when Singapore was a British colony. Over the past century, it has seen and undergone many changes to its terms, conditions and even its name.

4          However, the fundamental purpose of the President’s Scholarship remains the same. It is to be the nation’s most prestigious scholarship award for our very best and brightest young men and women in each year’s cohort. In these changing and challenging times, the key tenets of the President’s Scholarship remain unchanged — to select, on the strict basis of merit, only the very best in ability and character, and imbued with a deep commitment to serve this nation. Our expectations for those who carry the title of President’s Scholars are that they will make the best use of the educational opportunities given them, and return to make their contribution to the nation.

5          The selection criteria for a President’s Scholar are indeed stringent. Besides consistent academic excellence and outstanding participation in co-curricular activities, a President’s Scholar has to possess leadership qualities and an impeccable character that is able to command the respect of his or her peers. Such stringent criteria, apart from scholastic achievements, ensure that individuals selected match up to the prestige and honour of the Scholarship.

6          This year, the President’s Scholarship is conferred on Mr Chin Chee Wel Winston, Miss Pao Jia Yu, Mr Tong Zibang Ronald, Mr Wong Shi Ming, and Mr Yeo Chin Fu Ervin. Mr Chin, who has also been awarded the Local Merit Scholarship, is studying Medicine at the National University of Singapore, while the others will be proceeding to the United States for their studies. Miss Pao will be reading Political Science at Georgetown University and Mr Yeo, Ethics. Politics and Economics at Yale University, with both of them concurrently awarded the Overseas Merit Scholarship. Mr Tong will read Economics and Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, while Mr Wong will be pursuing Government at Harvard University, with both also Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship holders.

7          I hardly need to remind the five recipients of this year’s President’s Scholarship that honour and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. In accepting this award, you are also signaling your acceptance of the obligations that come along with it.

8          As you pursue your studies, make the most of the opportunities that will come your way. Be guided by a strong sense of humility and a spirit of learning from others who may be from very diverse backgrounds. Seek to engage the larger community beyond just the sheltered University environment, and be willing to stretch and challenge yourselves in those areas where your passion leads. Always remember that you embody the values and hopes of the future of Singapore.

9          When you proceed for your studies overseas, you will be representing the nation. This Scholarship is a symbol of the faith entrusted in you by the nation in the belief that you will contribute to the betterment of our society and people. Live up to that role as a student ambassador of Singapore, wherever you choose to study.

10         Last but not least, be ever mindful of the prestige and honour that this award bestows on you and the obligations that come with it. You should conduct yourself in a manner that would do justice to the award, and to the rich history and tradition set by the many President’s Scholars before you. I hope that you will develop a similar resilience of character and demonstrate the qualities of determination, commitment and dedication to Singapore and to Singaporeans that your predecessors in the past decades have shown, even during the most trying of times.

11         It is not an easy challenge to rise up to. There are high expectations to meet, and a long legacy to follow. But be of strong heart and stout character, to be men and women who would bring honor to yourselves and your families and country.

12         It leaves me now to congratulate the families, principals, teachers and friends of Miss Pao, Mr Chin, Mr Tong, Mr Wong and Mr Yeo. There is no doubt in my mind that it was your support, guidance and encouragement that have contributed significantly to the achievements of these five President’s Scholars today.

13         To the five President’s Scholars, I offer you my heartiest congratulations. I wish you every success in your studies and I look forward to your future contributions to Singapore.