Speech by President S R Nathan at the 2006 President's Scholarship Awards Ceremony

Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Defence and Minister in charge of the Civil Service
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Education
Excellencies
Chairman and Members of the Public Service Commission
Ladies and Gentlemen

1.     As Singapore celebrates her 41 years of independence, we can take pride in what we have achieved thus far.  As a young nation, we have made significant progress economically, socially and politically.  While overcoming numerous difficult challenges on the journey of nation-building, many Singaporeans from all walks of life have made tremendous contributions as well as personal sacrifices, guided by leaders who had great foresight and fortitude, and driven by an unflagging determination.  The qualities of ingenuity and dedication were also demonstrated by our public officers of the past and present, who together with our political leaders brought the nation to her current stage of development.  Our nation needs more of such outstanding and dedicated leaders at all levels of society, in order to bring our nation to the next stage of development.

2.     In the future we will be confronted by constant flux in the global landscape in the economic, political and technological areas, as well as domestic challenges, as our country matures into a developed nation.  To be well-prepared for such trying times ahead, we have to continuously identify and groom our best talents to assume leadership positions in both the private and public sectors.  In this vital task of nurturing our future leaders, the Public Service Commission had played an important role, through the awarding of scholarships to deserving candidates.  The Public Service Commission has done well in this mission thus far, and it must continue to do so in the future.

President’s Scholarships
3.     There is a long and eminent history behind the President’s Scholarship, dating back to the days when Singapore was still a British colony.  The President’s Scholarship is the nation’s highest and most prestigious award, conferred only on the best and brightest young men and women in each year’s cohort.  The stringent and meritocratic selection criteria ensure that only the best candidates, possessing outstanding performance in both academic and co-curricular activities are selected.  A President’s Scholar is also expected to be of impeccable character, and earns the respect of his or her peers by displaying exemplary and inspiring leadership qualities.  The President’s Scholar must also be deeply committed to the betterment of the future of our nation and possess a deep passion to serve fellow Singaporeans.

2006 President’s Scholars
4.     This year, the President’s Scholarship is conferred on four exceptional young individuals.  They are Miss Chai Jishan, Miss Tan Li Feng, Mr Bertram Ang Chun Hou and Mr Hong Wenxian.  Miss Chai, who is a concurrent Overseas Merit Scholarship holder, will be studying Biochemistry at Oxford University.  Miss Tan, who has been awarded a Local Merit Scholarship, will be pursuing Medicine at the National University of Singapore.  Mr Ang and Mr Hong, both of whom are Singapore Armed Forces Scholarship holders, will be proceeding to the United States for their studies.  Mr Ang will be studying Political Science at Stanford University while Mr Hong will be reading Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Role and Responsibilities of a President’s Scholar
5.     To our new scholars, I must remind them that as they accept this award, they must also remember the obligations that come along with it.  The notion of duty and obligation may be considered old-fashioned by some, but it is precisely this strong sense of duty, service and commitment to nation that has impelled your predecessors to serve Singapore wholeheartedly and made possible the progress we have made as a nation.  This responsibility to serve your nation comes along with the privilege of being awarded the President’s Scholarship.

6.     As President’s Scholars, each of you will be given many opportunities to prove your worth.  I urge you to retain a humility of attitude and openness of mind, to learn from others around you, including those different from you and even less endowed than you.  Be mindful of who you are ultimately serving, and always take care of those who are less able and less fortunate.  Strive to enhance the lives of your fellow Singaporeans, by building a more compassionate and cohesive society for a better future.  As a President’s Scholar, your performance and achievements will be followed closely and you will be looked upon as role models.  I urge you to set the standard for others to emulate, and be a good ambassador for Singapore while you are abroad.

7.     I am confident that Miss Chai, Miss Tan, Mr Ang and Mr Hong will live up to the highest standards expected of them, and do Singapore proud.  It leaves me now to congratulate each of you, your families, principals and teachers.  It is only with their guidance, care and concern that you have become the stellar young people you are today.  I wish you every success in your studies and in your career in the public service.