Congratulating Shuqun on their contributions towards community building

My Parliamentary colleague Mr Desmond Lee

Mr Peter Chong, Chairman of Shuqun Primary School SAC

Ms Doreen Lum, Chairman of Shuqun Secondary School SAC

Mr Chia Hai Siang, Principal of Shuqun Secondary School

Mr. Sivarajan, Principal-Designate of Shuqun Secondary School

Ms Geetha Doraisamy, Principal of Shuqun Primary School

Mr Mark Yeo, President of Shuqun Alumni Association

Distinguished Guests,
Principals, Teachers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I am extremely happy to join you this evening to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Shuqun Primary School and Shuqun Secondary School. It is a momentous occasion and your schools and alumni have had many outstanding achievements.
   

90 years of tradition

2. Shuqun has come a long way since it began as Tuan Cheng Public School in 1925 and moved to its present location in 1985. It later changed its name to Seh Chuan High School when it started to offer secondary-level education. When it became a government school in the 80s, the two Primary and Secondary schools were formed and took on the name Shuqun, to reflect its common roots. Since then, it has been unwavering in giving its students a good bilingual education that is grounded in good character development, particularly to care for those around them. It has also nurtured many young Singaporeans, who have grown up to be leaders of industry across many sectors, including in government, education, business, community and media.

3. The tradition of nurturing students with a strong sense of community continues today. Students from Shuqun Secondary School take part in the “Principal Challenge” annually, to give back to those in the Jurong community who may need help. In this Challenge, students are encouraged to donate sacks of rice to the needy families around the Yuhua constituency during Lunar New Year. This year, the students managed to raise more than 180 sacks of 5 kg rice. Over at Shuqun Primary, it has established itself as a choice school in the neighbourhood because of its emphasis on such values too of service to the community. Parents recognise the importance of how an education rooted in good values will guide the growth and development of their children. Through teaching such values, the students in Shuqun Primary and Secondary will see that their effort, big or small, can make a difference in the lives of their friends, family and the wider community.

4. Shuqun's strong tradition in a values-driven education is recognised not just by the community and parents, but nationally as well. Last year, MOE recognised the school's effort in developing leadership and character through adventure, and awarded Shuqun Primary School the Learning for Life Programme status. It's a reflection of the commitment from each Shuqun student to develop an adventurous spirit, to push their limits, and to reach for greater heights in all that they do, including in community work. I would encourage every student to continue giving back to society even as you graduate from Shuqun. Do approach the National Youth Council's Youth Corps Singapore, which has identified many opportunities for young Singaporeans to serve the community.

5. I am also heartened by the Shuqun's close collaboration with the Yuhua community. For many years, Shuqun Secondary has been a key partner for our National Day Observance Ceremony, Charity Walk, Rice Distribution to the needy and elderly, and mural painting projects. We have found the students of Shuqun to be diligent, responsible and adorable. They have left their mark in the hearts our residents and in our spaces which remind us of the close relationship we have as a community. Special thanks goes to the leadership of the school, particularly Mr Chia Hai Siang, whom I have gotten to know well over the years. I have found him to be a compassionate and sincere Principal who truly believes in the real meaning of education and carries out his work with the genuine interests of the students at heart. I would like to wish him the very best in his next posting and hope to see him again soon. Please join me to congratulate Mr Chia. I have been in Yuhua for close to 10 years and met two principals from Shuqun Secondary. I must say that both of them have left me with a good impression about their interests in the students and their genuine intention to serve.

Looking forward to the future

6. Indeed, the progress and achievements of Shuqun would not have been possible without the strong partnership of its stakeholders, including your alumni and Parent Group. Many who have graduated continue to make a difference in the community. One of them is Mr Jeremy Ong who is serving in the SAC and is here today with us. Jeremy graduated from Shuqun Secondary in 2003 and went on to pursue his studies at Shatec. Today, he is the Executive Director of OKH Enterprise. With former students like Jeremy being in the School Advisory Committee, to carry on the good work Shuqun has done so far, I am confident that Shuqun will continue to achieve greater heights in years to come.

7. SG50 is a time to celebrate our past and to look forward to the future. We have achieved much over the years but these achievements were not just by an individual or a single community. Everyone made Shuqun the school many parents would want their kids to go to. Everyone can continue to play a part in raising champions out of each Shuqun student, who in turn, I hope will contribute towards building a caring community, and a giving nation. Happy 90th anniversary Shuqun Secondary and Primary School and have a good evening. Thank you very much.