Dr Michael Chee, Founding person of Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore)

Mrs Julie Hoo

Vice-Principal, Temasek Junior College

Ladies and gentleman

Good evening

1.               It is my pleasure to join you this evening for Passion Nite 2004, an event which is part of the Citibank Youth for Causes 2004 organised by Citibank and YMCA of Singapore. I am told the aim of Citibank Youth for Causes 2004 is to provide a platform for social entrepreneurship. I understand that several groups of young people have signed up  for  this  programme.  An  example  of  these  groups  is  S T A R.

Efforts made by S T A R for ECG

2.               S T A R has chosen to reach out to those suffering from epilepsy through the Epilepsy Care Group (Singapore) (ECG). ECG is a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation that seeks to raise awareness about epilepsy and provide educational, social, and emotional help to persons with epilepsy and their caregivers.

3.               I am heartened by the commitment of this group of four young people to raise funds for ECG. They have spent no small amount of time and effort in organising the concert tonight. S T A R began preparations in early June and have brought together various youth groups for a charitable cause.

4.               The example set by STAR is a commendable one. Other young people should emulate them.

It is when our young people are imbued with a keen sense of social responsibility and who carry out their commitment with passion and drive that we can be sure that the future of our nation is in good hands.

Importance of Community Service

5.               We have always encouraged our young people to be actively involved in community service because we want our youths to inculcate the spirit of giving and caring. Hence, our schools have put in place several programmes to provide our young people with opportunities to give back to the community what they have had the fortune to have received. Education is not just about academic excellence. It is also about learning to care for and look out for those who are less fortunate.  

6.               I am therefore pleased that CCA groups such as the East View Secondary School Girl Guides and the Temasek Junior College Guitar Club will be performing in the concert. Community service is a continual effort. I hope the participants will continue to give of their time and effort to serve the community.

Conclusion

7.               In conclusion, I would like to commend those youths who have put in their time and energy towards the organisation of Passion Nite 2004. Thanks to your efforts, the funds raised from this concert will help ECG to run better programmes for persons with epilepsy.

8.               Thank you.