Creative expressions of Singapore's history and future aspirations

Mr Nicholas Lee, CEO of EZ-Link Pte. Ltd.

Mr Eric Lee, Vice-President of Dyslexia Association of Singapore,

Ladies and Gentlemen 

Boys and girls 

1. A very good afternoon to all of you. I am happy to be here this afternoon to join you for the EZ-Link Card Design Art Competition Awards Ceremony. I think many people would agree that the EZ-Link card is very familiar and an iconic item in Singapore. We use it for our trips on buses, trains and even to pay for our food. So, it actually has become part of our Singapore daily lives. 

2. So it is therefore a wonderful initiative to transform the EZ-Link card into a mini canvas for our young and budding artists. It also adds a touch of art to the card, and also add colour into our daily routines. It is therefore all the more meaningful that the theme is “My Journey, My Home”, in celebration of SG50.   

3. It has been very encouraging to see individuals, groups and companies stepping forward, to come up with celebration ideas to mark our nation's grand birthday together. This latest effort by EZ-Link, together with its partners, the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) and the National Arts Council (NAC), certainly adds to the celebratory events we have been seeing across the island so far. I understand that for this competition, NAC received about 1,250 artworks and entries from our young people. Their works show the rich and diverse cultures we have here, as well as iconic landmarks in Singapore such as the Esplanade and the Singapore River. It is truly heartening to see young Singaporeans are there to support and express strong feelings for both Singapore's history and their aspirations for our country's future. It tells us that young people are proud to call Singapore home and they want to contribute to our future. This is important because truly, our young people are our country's future and they will be the ones charting the way for Singapore, to celebrate SG100 and beyond.

4. I am also happy to note that many submissions for the competition came from a group of special young talent. EZ-Link created a category for children with dyslexia, so that they too can be involved in sharing their reflections, sentiments and aspirations about Singapore. This is a very meaningful effort to ensure our Jubilee celebrations are inclusive, and to celebrate how everyone is a part of the Singapore Story. It also reminds us that every Singaporean matters. Such an appreciation of our differences and diversity will ensure that Singapore will continue to thrive. I'm very happy to note that EZ-Link will be donating part of the sales proceeds of this commemorative card series to DAS to drive awareness and support for children with dyslexia. On behalf of the children, I thank EZ-Link for the very generous gesture.  These wonderful gestures will help children with dyslexia as they strive to overcome their learning and even speaking difficulties.

5. Dyslexia is not a condition that was widely-known in the past. So, it was not easy to find help at the time. Today, there is greater awareness about this condition, and more importantly, help is more readily available to those who need it. I must commend the DAS for making this difference. Over the last many years, DAS has been expanding their scope of services and number of learning centres for children with dyslexic conditions and also individuals as well.

6. Campaigns like “Embrace Dyslexia” also help to drive greater societal support for dyslexic children and their families. I am encouraged, and hope that more organisations like DAS can step forward to help this group of individuals so that they can continue to be part of the society. I want to thank DSA for all the good work you have been doing. I also want to thank EZ-Link for partnering with them, to provide this opportunity for our children with dyslexia to express themselves through art.

7. On this note, I just want to thank all of you for taking the time, making yourself available to attend this very meaningful event. Your presence really makes this event meaningful. I look forward to more community and charitable projects, not just by EZ-Link alone but also by many other like-minded corporate citizens to step forward, to do something meaningful for society. Government institutions like NAC and MCCY will do our part and our best to support you wherever we can. Thank you very much.