Ladies and Gentlemen

We stand at the threshold of the 21st century. In the few remaining years of this millenium, Singapore must prepare herself for the challenges ahead. Competition is already keen and tough and will become more so in an increasingly global economy.

To stay ahead in the new millenium, we must be bold, innovative and decisive as a people. It is not enough just to do more efficiently what we have been doing, or to cling to tried and tested methods. We must accept paradigm shifts because change would be the order of the day. We can continue to succeed only if we have men and women of vision who can inspire us to look beyond the obvious and immediate. We will need men and women of courage who can make difficult decisions to ensure that our fundamentals are correct; men and women of integrity who will jealously guard our core values, so that despite all the turbulence that change will bring, we will remain a just, caring and upright society.

This is the 31st year since the inception of the President’s Scholarships in 1966. So far, 206 men and women have been conferred this most prestigious award in the land. This year, two young men and two young ladies will join their ranks. They are Mr Goh Si Hou, Mr Shang Thong Chie, Miss Gillian Koh Li Ming and Miss Quek Su Ying. Mr Goh has also been awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Scholarship and will read Economics at the University of Cambridge. Mr Shang, Miss Koh and Miss Quek have all been awarded the Overseas Merit Scholarship. Mr Shang will read Economics at Stanford University. Miss Koh and Miss Quek will both pursue their studies at the University of Cambridge to read Law and Mathematics respectively.

Like their predecessors, these four scholars have been consistently outstanding in their studies. They have also distinguished themselves in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. They have demonstrated leadership qualities, strength of character, and the commitment to serve the nation.

It is not easy to win the President’s Scholarship. But, it is even more difficult to live up to the high expectations of being President’s Scholars. They must not only do well in their studies and carve out outstanding careers thereafter, but they must also be the standard bearer for others to emulate. They must be men and women of vision, courage and integrity whom we will need to lead us in the 21st century.

Tonight, our four President’s Scholars join an illustrious alumni that have done us proud. I congratulate them, and their families, principals, teachers and friends who have supported them. I wish them every success in their future endeavours.

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