Introduction

I am very pleased to be here today to officiate at the opening ceremony of Jurong Gardens’ Summer Festival 2004.
Jurong Gardens

2. I note that this is the second time Jurong Gardens has organised the Summer Festival to reach out to the student population and the general public. An event like this is an excellent opportunity for family and friends to spend time together on recreational and leisure activities. I understand that this year’s Summer Festival features Singapore’s first windmill exhibition called “World of Windmills” and a fun-filled programme entitled “Games People Play.” With such exciting programmes lined up, and opportunities for visitors to admire and appreciate the flora and fauna of the Chinese Garden, I am sure our students and the public will have an enjoyable experience at this year’s Summer Festival.

History of Windmills – The Spirit of Innovation and Enterprise

3. Exactly where and when the windmill originated remains a mystery today. However, we know that mills, which were originally driven by human or animal power, were gradually substituted with windmills after man realized the amount of energy that could be generated when the power of the wind was harnessed. This discovery led to windmills gradually becoming the principal source of power for pumping water, sawing, drilling, and grinding grain and tobacco in the early days.

4. The origins of the windmill and the impact it had on the lives of our forefathers may seem insignificant if we compare it with the vast and fast-paced technology advancements that we witness today. However, the invention of the windmill is essentially based on a spirit of innovation and enterprise. An innovative, enterprising, and endeavouring spirit is the key trait that propelled inventions to fruition, and this is the trait that we want to inculcate in our students today. While our students glean the necessary core knowledge from textbooks and in the classroom, they are also encouraged to explore beyond the boundaries of tried and tested formula and seek alternative pathways so as to disentangle themselves from norms and known results to emerge with new breakthroughs.

5. One way our schools help support our students’ quest is to provide our students with a conducive and stimulating environment that promotes an innovation and enterprising spirit within them. I am pleased to note that Lakeside Primary School is one such example. I understand that the school will be conducting some outdoor classes today, and that they have been doing this every Friday at the Chinese Garden. When subjects such as Science are taught in an environment like this, our students are given opportunities to innovate and create. Furthermore, their learning will be reinforced because their senses are stimulated, and, their minds are open to new possibilities.

6. Besides reminding us of the innovative and enterprising human spirit, the “World of Windmills” exhibition is an excellent platform for the public to gain insights into how people of different countries utilized these machines to facilitate their daily lives. Through this, the public will also be exposed to the lifestyles of different countries, thus promoting greater awareness and understanding across national boundaries.

Games People Play – A Healthy Lifestyle

7. I am also pleased to learn that Jurong Gardens has looked into promoting a healthy lifestyle through various games and activities lined up under “Games People Play”. I understand that competitions and tournaments such as an archery competition, triathlon race and telematches, and even traditional “kampung” games like tops, marbles and “chapteh” have been planned. Such fun-filled games keep a person active, alert, and healthy.

8. Besides these games, I am also told that Jurong Gardens and the Public Utilities Board have embarked on a collaborative project to introduce water sports and activities at Jurong Lake. This is a brilliant initiative as it broadens the range of recreational activities that are available in Singapore.

9. I am also pleased that Jurong Gardens has invited schools in the West zone to use these water sports and activities as a stepping stone for conducting water-based Co-Curricular Activities at the Chinese Garden. Besides widening the scope of Co-Curricular Activities that our students can participate in, such activities provide our students with more opportunities to nurture lifeskills and habits required for success in the world of the future. Participation in sports and games also enhances the development of social, emotional and intellectual skills, and help to cultivate traits such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, perseverance, honesty and fair play. They also provide opportunities for participants to interact with one another, which, in turn will promote cohesion among the various races. My commendation goes to the Jurong Gardens and the Public Utilities Board for coming up with an initiative that will benefit both our students and the general public.

Conclusion

10. Given the string of exciting activities that you can participate in, I am sure that the Summer Festival 2004 will appeal to both young and old. May I congratulate the management and staff of Jurong Gardens for organising yet another exciting and informative event this year.

11. Thank you.