Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Excellencies,
Dignitaries,
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon.
Let me first take this opportunity to warmly welcome all delegates who have traveled to Singapore for the 14th Women Leaders’ Network Meeting. I hope that you have found the meeting discussions useful and interesting. I also hope you have had the opportunity to see Singapore and savour the warm hospitality of Singapore.
Theme: Women Can Choose What They Want To Be
2 We have heard over the last 2 days the remarkable progress made by women in all fields – business, political, commercial, professionals, social, sports and so on.
3 Indeed, women should be proud to note that we have played a key role in APEC’s economic success in our various capacities as employees, employers, entrepreneurs and professionals. Whether as homemakers or as a breadwinner, we contribute to the well-being of our economy and region in our various capacities. This is made possible when governments, employers, communities, families and individuals provide us with the opportunity, recognize women’s contributions and affirm us as integral members in our socio-economic milieu.
4 In our education system in Singapore, we believe in meritocracy regardless of gender, race or religion. As we have heard from our PM, Lee Hsien Loong, women amounted to 55% of students in our university. Our participation ratios in traditionally male-dominated courses such as engineering and hard sciences are also increasing over the years. Not only do we provide equal opportunities to our female students in academic area, we spare no effort in developing their full potential in leadership, sports, music and arts. This is evident in the proportion of female students being awarded the President’s Scholarship – the most prestigious scholarship in Singapore for our 18 year olds. Each year, the top 3 to 5 students who have demonstrated excellent ability in academic and leadership in youth and community activities are awarded this prestigious scholarship by the President of Singapore and I shall just say that are well represented, in some years, we get more than our share!
Like many of the women leaders here, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity for a good education and a shot at the corporate leadership position. My last job before I took up office in the Government was the position of CEO, PSA Singapore which manages the world’s largest container port, a long considered male-dominated industry. For every one of us who have made some headway in the society, there were many who have paved the way for us by pushing the boundary for women. I am grateful to the pioneers who have laid the foundation for us. I am also thankful to the far-sighted and broad-minded men who have given us the opportunities in the society. They could see that we are called the better-half for a reason. For the same reasons that are grateful for, we should continue to work hard for the well-being of women in every field. With our collective strengths, determination and charm, we can make the world a better place for the women of the future.
6 I would like to end this speech with this memorable quote from Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
7 I wish you success in your endeavour and great happiness in your lives.
Thank you, and have a pleasant lunch!