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Synopsis :

At the presentation of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's Book Prize to winners at the SEAMEO RELC Auditorium, the Director of Education notes that 155 pupils have won this prestigious award between 1974 and 1980. The award aims to promote effective bilingualism in schools. Pupils are given the award on the basis of performance in their first and second languages as well as good overall performance in the examination. In his speech, Minister of State for Education Dr. Tay Eng Soon says that a total of 31 students will get awards for their bilingual achievements. Four of them studied Malay, five took up Tamil and 22 studied Mandarin in addition to English. He notes that the literacy rate in Singapore rose from 72 to 84% between 1970 and 1980. Those who read and understand two or more languages doubled during this period. The majority are literate in English and the mother tongue. Dr. Tay says that English is the major international language for commerce, science and technology and important for economic development. Computer language is based on English. However, being monolingual in English will cut students off from their ancestral cultural roots emotionally and intellectually. Future generations must not lose touch with their cultural foundations. As such, we cannot afford to forsake the teaching of the mother tongue in addition to English. He is aware of the anxiety felt by parents and students about the second language D7 grade requirement for pre-university and university admission. So far, students had no difficulty attaining this grade. He also suggests ways to  improve the teaching of the second language, congratulates the winners and presents their prizes to them.