SPEECH BY PRESIDENT S R NATHAN AT THE 2006 PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDS CEREMONY ON FRIDAY 11 AUGUST 2006 AT 7.30 PM AT THE ISTANA STATE ROOM
Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence and Minister in charge of the Civil Service
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education
Excellencies
Chairman and Members of the Public Service Commission
Ladies and Gentlemen
1 As we celebrate 41 years of independence, we can take pride in what we have achieved thus far. As a relatively young nation, we have made significant progress economically, socially and politically. But we must not rest on our laurels. The world is changing ceaselessly and we must constantly reinvent ourselves to move ahead. To do this, we need strong and capable leaders at the national level and in the public service. The ingenuity and dedication demonstrated by our leaders and public officers in the past have enabled us to overcome major obstacles and impediments and progress to our current stage of development. We need more of such outstanding and dedicated leaders to bring the nation to the next stage of our development.
2 It is thus important to ensure that Singapore continues to identify and groom our best talent to assume leadership positions in the public service. The Public Service Commission scholarship has been a key tool in achieving this.
President’s Scholarships
3 The President’s Scholarships has a long and eminent history which dates back to the days when Singapore was still a British colony. Central to the very purpose of the President’s Scholarship is its role as the nation’s highest and most prestigious award for the best and brightest young men and women in each year’s cohort. The President’s Scholarship aims to select only the best, on the strict basis of merit. Besides academic excellence and outstanding participation in co-curricular activities, a President’s Scholar must possess leadership qualities, an impeccable character and be able to command the respect of his or her peers. The President Scholar must also be deeply committed to the future of the nation and have a passion to serve fellow Singaporeans.
2006 President’s Scholars
4 This year, the President’s Scholarship is conferred on four outstanding individuals. They are Miss Chai Jishan, Miss Tan Li Feng, Mr Bertram Ang Chun Hou and Mr Hong Wenxian. Miss Chai who is a concurrent Overseas Merit Scholarship holder will be studying Biochemistry at Oxford University. Miss Tan who has been awarded a Local Merit Scholarship will be pursuing Medicine at the National University of Singapore. Mr Ang and Mr Hong, both of whom are Singapore Armed Forces Scholarship holders, will be proceeding to the United States for their studies. Mr Ang will be studying Political Science at Stanford University while Mr Hong will be reading Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Role and Responsibilities of a President’s Scholar
5 To our new scholars, I have this to say: I am sure that as you accept this award, you are also aware of the obligations that come with it. The notion of duty and obligation may be considered old-fashioned today. It is precisely the strong sense of duty, service and commitment to nation that has impelled your predecessors to serve Singapore wholeheartedly. Along with the honour of being awarded the President’s Scholarship comes this responsibility.
6 As President’s Scholars, you will be given many opportunities to prove your worth. I urge you to retain the humility of attitude and openness of mind, to learn from others around you, including those different from you. Be mindful of those you serve, particularly those who are less able and less fortunate. Strive to enhance the lives of fellow Singaporeans, by building a more compassionate and cohesive society for a better future. As a President’s Scholar, your perfomance and your achievements will be followed closely and you will be looked upon as role models. I urge you to set the standard for others to emulate, and be a good ambassador for Singapore.
7 I am confident that Miss Chai, Miss Tan, Mr Ang and Mr Hong will live up to the highest standards expected of them, and do Singapore proud. It leaves me now to congratulate you, your families, principals and teachers. It is only with their guidance, care and concern that you have become the stellar young people you are today. I wish you every success in your studies and in your career in the public service.