Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the 2017 President’s Scholarships Award Ceremony

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean and Mrs Teo 

Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng

Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung and Mrs Ong

Chairman and Members of the Public Service Commission

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening.

Every year, the President’s Scholarship is awarded to outstanding young men and women who have the passion to serve our nation through a career in the Public Service.

Talent for the Public Service

Awarding scholarships is one important avenue for the Singapore government to build up a talent pool of future leaders to ensure our nation’s continued survival and success. Recipients of the President’s Scholarship represent the best in their cohort, distinguished by their leadership qualities and strong commitment to serving the nation and the people.  

In my term as President, I have presented 24 President’s Scholarship awards. Some of the Scholars are still pursuing their studies and others are currently serving in different capacities across the Public Service. All of them share the same commitment to contribute meaningfully to Singapore.

2017 President’s Scholars

This year, I am pleased to award the President’s Scholarship to five outstanding individuals selected by the Public Service Commission.  These five young men and women possess not just intellectual capabilities and leadership qualities, but also the passion and values needed to serve Singapore and Singaporeans.

The recipients are:

1. Miss Agatha Sacha Lim Lee;

2. Mr Jasdeep Singh Hundal;

3. Mr Lee Tat Wei;

4. Officer Cadet Lionel Oh Wei Hao; and

5. Miss Wee Jin Ting Cheri

Agatha will pursue her studies in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Jasdeep will read Social Sciences and History, and Tat Wei will study Liberal Arts. Both of them will join the Foreign Service upon graduation. Lionel will study International Relations and serve in the Singapore Armed Forces after graduation. Cheri will read Psychology and Philosophy. 

My heartfelt congratulations to the five of you. I would also like to acknowledge your families, Principals, teachers, and friends for their unwavering support, and their roles in developing your potential and shaping your character and values.

Challenges Ahead

Our world is changing rapidly. Balancing bilateral relationships in a more volatile global environment, sustaining economic growth amid disruptive change, igniting the innovative spirit of our young Singaporeans and safeguarding Singapore’s social fabric are just some of the challenges which we can already see on the horizon.

Singapore’s Place in the World

Our global environment is constantly changing. As a small nation, Singapore has to constantly find our place in a world that does not owe us a living. Our forefathers, through their relentless hard work and determination, have laid a strong foundation for us – a foundation based on meritocracy, integrity and impartiality. Building on this foundation, Singapore has enjoyed remarkable success as an independent nation, going from Third World to First in a single generation.

But we must not become complacent.  Instead, we should strive for continuous progress in order to earn our place on the global stage. Singapore’s strength lies in being a trusted partner to our neighbours and other countries, and establishing relationships which are mutually beneficial.

Technological Innovations

Today we are leveraging technology and innovative practices to improve the living standards of our citizens, to create new businesses, and to safeguard our nation’s interests. We are taking steps towards realising our Smart Nation vision, trialling self-driving vehicles, increasing automation of manual processes and boosting our artificial intelligence capabilities.

These technological advancements have to be matched by a skilled workforce that is prepared to improve itself constantly. The deep skills must be complemented by a desire to do more for Singapore and the skills to translate ideas into reality. Singapore’s progress is dependent on both Government and citizens playing their roles and taking ownership of the nation’s success.

Remaining Cohesive and Resilient

A week ago, we celebrated Singapore’s 52nd year of independence as “One Nation Together”. It was a wonderful display of the solidarity of our people. In a globalised world where cross-border mobility allows many Singaporeans to live and work overseas, and as our population continues to grow in numbers and diversity, we must continuously safeguard our social cohesion. We should continue to celebrate the unity among Singaporeans from different backgrounds.

At the same time, we must be mindful of the global realities.  The recent spate of attacks reminded us of what harm the scourge of terrorism can cause.  We cannot allow external forces or extremist ideologies to jeopardise the harmony in our society, and endanger the peace which we have so carefully built and nurtured over the past 52 years. Against all challenges, it is paramount that we remain rooted to our principles and stand together as one united people.

Conclusion

Agatha, Jasdeep, Tat Wei, Lionel and Cheri – The challenges I have mentioned are just some that you can expect to tackle in the public service ahead of you. To do so, you must lead your peers and make every effort to understand the needs of Singaporeans.

As recipients of the President’s Scholarship, you must inspire others by being role models.  As the future generation of the Public Service, Singaporeans trust in your abilities to improve their lives and steer the nation to greater heights. In all that you do, always bear in mind the ethos of the Public Service: Integrity, Service and Excellence.  

I am confident that you will do us proud. I wish you all the best in your journey ahead as you start to pursue your studies. I look forward to you serving the nation and all Singaporeans with pride and passion.

Thank you.