Nurturing students with an appreciation for diversity

Parliamentary Colleague,

Dr Lim Wee Kiak

Mr Robson Lee

Chairman, Board of Directors, Hwa Chong Institution

Mr Desmond Ong

Chairman, Board of Governors, Hwa Chong Institution

Mr Pang Choon How

Principal, Hwa Chong Institution

Distinguished Guests,

Teachers, students, ladies and gentlemen,

1. Good evening! It is indeed my pleasure to join you on Founders' Day, at the official opening of the Hwa Chong Holistic Education Centre and Indoor Sports Complex.

2. Throughout the decades, Hwa Chong has been known as a school that has soul and humility; it is also rooted to our Chinese heritage and values. In particular, Hwa Chong's school value of Win-Win or “己立立人，己达达人”, reminds her students that they have the responsibility of contributing to society with compassion.

3. This is ever more important in the context of our multicultural society. Our nation's diversity is growing, whether in terms of nationality, affiliation or belief. This growing diversity can be a strength for Singapore, as it is a source of creativity, vibrancy and innovation. But we must stay united as one people, and share a common purpose that is bigger than our differences. As one of the top schools in Singapore, and a SAP school, it is imperative that Hwa Chong continues to nurture students with an understanding and appreciation of different cultures. This requires Hwa Chong to be open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those from humble family backgrounds. The school should also ensure that her students have ample opportunities to interact with peers from different races.

4. As a former student of Hwa Chong, I can attest to the school's emphasis on holistic education. It does so by providing opportunities for students to pursue their interests in both academic and non-academic fronts, including the arts and sports. Such experiences enable students to discover their strengths and develop their potential holistically, as well as experience a truly well-rounded education.

5. I understand that the new Holistic Education Centre will provide diversity in learning experiences. The Centre houses flexible learning spaces, which can be configured into large group seminars, small group tutorials or personalised consultation sessions. It has a redesigned Education and Career Guidance Centre, that serves as a one-stop hub for students to seek guidance on their school work, personal interest and future career options.

6. An important aspect of a student's education is about building character and values beyond the classroom. Sport is a good way to impart values such as resilience, perseverance and teamwork. I am glad to learn that the new Indoor Sports Complex will house a variety of sports facilities, including a Shooting Range, two Dance studios and two multi-purpose halls. This will be a place where sporting aptitude is discovered and developed, providing talent for our national teams.  As an IP school, Hwa Chong should make full use of the long runway of six years to allow her students to pursue their aspirations.

7. Disruptive technology is changing the workplace dramatically and so our education system needs to evolve. As Hwa Chong reaches the centenary milestone, I am confident that these two additions will place the school in a good stead for the future of education. Congratulations to the Hwa Chong family on the official opening of the Holistic Education Centre and Indoor Sports Complex.  I would now like to say a few words in Mandarin.

8. 对在座的每一位来说，今天是特别的一天。九十九年前，先辈们以一股对教育的热忱与回馈社会的精神，开创了华中。他们的无私奉献，绝对值得我们后人敬仰。作为一所历史悠久，文化底蕴丰富的学府，华中在发展的过程中由始至终充满活力和冲劲。如今的华中，是多年来许多人辛勤耕耘的成果。这包括教育部、董事部、学校管理委员会、校友会以及许多善心人士。随着立人楼和综合体育中心的启用，整体学习环境又有了更进一步的提升。

9. 孔子曾说过： “知之者，不如好之者，好之者，不如乐之者。” 这就是说， 学习知识不只是喜欢学习， 最好的还是乐于学习。华中在积极打造的正是这种充满正能量、乐学的氛围。我想信每一位华中子弟都能在这里寻找自己的一片天地，发挥潜能，勇敢地去创造和自我突破。在我们迎来崭新设施、迈向百年校庆的当儿，希望母校不忘初心，继续为培养“家事、国事、天下事，事事关心”的国家栋梁！

10. 在我们庆祝九十九年校庆的当儿，我愿母校 “自强不息” 长长久久！谢谢！