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Synopsis :

Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye, who is Chairman, Singapore Polytechnic's Board of Governors, receives the scholarship trust deed and a $100,000 cheque presented by the SSCRA. He says it is 'an irony of fate' that Singapore is the first country in the region to introduce the rubber tree, but today 'rubber trees are hardly seen in Singapore', while its neighbours have 'enormous plantations of rubber trees which originated from seedlings planted in Singapore'. He adds Singapore has 'flourished for many years' in the 'fole of seller of raw rubber', but points out that it is time to expand its role to be 'a user of rubber'. So it is towards achieving this aim, that a new course in rubber and plastics technology  is started in the polytechnic so that 'Singaporeans are better equipped with the technical know-how and rubber technology'.

He hopes that graduates from this course would help improve the quality of rubber and plastics products manufactured in Singapore to compete in overseas markets. He also hopes that they would come out with 'new ideas on utilisation' of raw rubber to help push forward Singapore's industrialisation programme. On another aspect, DPM Dr Toh points out that the 'Polytechnic has a close relationship with industry and commerce' since its establishment and that more than 50 per cent of its graduates are employed in the industrial sector. He hopes this relationship would continue to grow. Ending his speech, he believes the SCCRA's scholarship 'marks the re-orientation of thinking of those in commerce and industry' that agency houses' are in Singapore to 'buy and sell' but also to help promote Singapore's industrialisation, which would have 'a profound bearing on the future' of Singapore'.

Following his speech, DPM Dr Toh announces the first winner of the scholarship is Han Hai Kwang, a 16-year old student from Pulau Bukom Kechil.

Speaking before DPM Dr Toh are:

1) Dr F. H. Cotton, Principal Lecturer, Singapore Polytechnic.

2) Captain A. M. Milne, Acting Principal, Singapore Polytechnic and Head, Natural School. He says the donation opens a first chapter in Polytechnic's story. He hopes Poly graduates help manufacturers build 'equally good reputation' for products stamped 'made in Singapore'.

3) Richard Cox, Deputy Chairman, SSCRA. He says the scholarship is the association's 'contribution to training in Singapore of qualified technicians in rubber technology'. He adds starting a new course in rubber and plastics technology in the Polytechnic is 'evidence the government is paying more attention to the end use of rubber'. He also talks about the scholarship and the SSCRA established in 1912. He also announces the winner of the first scholarship.