Mr Wee Heng Tin, Chairman, Board of Governors, NUS High School,

Professor Lai Yee Hing, Principal of NUS High School,

Vice-Principals, Teachers, Parents, Guests and Students.

            Thank you for inviting me to join you in appointing the new student councillors and launching the book on leadership today.

2          I have been asked to share my thoughts on youth leadership development and the importance of serving the larger community beyond your school.

Youth leadership development in schools

3          The best time to develop leadership is when you are still in school. There are several reasons for this. First, at this stage in your life, you are surrounded by peers. Everybody is your equal. You have to earn respect from your peers. You cannot demand it, and your teachers cannot hand to you on a platter.

4          The second reason is that you will spend many years together. This gives you many opportunities to learn from each other, learn from your mistakes, and time for people to judge your true worth. You cannot pretend for long. Your true character will eventually show through.

5          Schools are therefore important platforms for leadership development and character building. The lessons and experiences of student leaders will lay the foundation for their future civic participation and involvement.

Attributes of leadership

6          I have been asked many times to share my views on the necessary attributes for leaders. I don’t think there is any magic formula, so all I can do is share from my experience as a student leader, doctor and now political leader.

7          The first pre-requisite is honesty. If you don’t possess integrity, people will not trust you.

8          The second attribute is competence. If you cannot deliver, and achieve results for the team, there is no point following your lead, even if you are honest.

9          The third attribute is a combination of empathy and compassion. People want the assurance that the leader truly cares about them as human beings. People do not want to be led by a honest competent robot. They want human leadership. This leader is keenly aware that as a leader, he bears personal responsibilities towards those he leads. In striving towards his goals, he also supports his team-mates, gives credit where credit is due, motivates and develops his peers so that they can give their best, and he actively nurtures those around him to grow into leaders in their own right.

10        Many of you are already in positions of leadership; many more will take on leadership roles in time to come. Regardless of the situations and roles, I encourage you to consider your own formula for leadership based on your own strengths and qualities. Leadership is not about completing tasks, meeting deadlines or exercising authority. In contrast, it is about working together for the greater good of the team and the people you serve. I am confident that you will find the collective leadership experience a humbling, enriching and rewarding one, as I have personally found.

Conclusion: Serving the Community

11        Finally, I would like to ask you to consider the purpose of leadership. It must never be for the sake of your own ego or personal advantage. The real purpose of leadership is to make a difference to the lives of people around you, and ultimately to leave a legacy after your time is up. It must be about other people, not just you. I urged you to use your experiences to serve the larger community. You are in a more privileged position compared to the less fortunate segments of our population. I encourage you to step forward, exercise leadership in the community and serve those in need. Do it because you want to help others as your efforts will positively impact others, not because it will improve your curriculum vitae.

12        My broader message to all the students today is that you do not have to be in position of authority to serve the community and make a difference in society. We want our youths to be resilient, independent and have the strength to face the challenges and help others in need.  Some will play leadership roles, others will contribute in quiet, unheralded ways, but all of you will touch the lives of the people you’ve helped and served. In the long run, this will make our bonds stronger and our society more cohesive. This is how all of you can make a concrete and lasting difference.

13        I am also encouraged by NUS High School’s focused approach in training student leaders. I congratulate you on the launch of the book "50 MATH & SCIENCE GAMES FOR LEADERSHIP" demonstrates a creative and practical approach in youth leadership development. Thank you.

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