Scholarship recipients, proud parents and family members,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to be here for the inaugural MND Family Joint Scholarship Presentation Ceremony.

Singapore’s Dramatic Transformation

2. In a few days’ time, we will be celebrating National Day. In the 42 years since independence in 1965, this place we call home has undergone a dramatic transformation. Some among us will recall a post-independence Singapore laden with daunting challenges ranging from economic uncertainties to poor living conditions.

3. Today, Singapore is a thriving and vibrant hub-city serving the Asia Pacific Region and beyond. Our people live in affordable homes with modern amenities amidst a beautiful Garden City. Our new downtown at Marina Bay will soon be an exciting place to work, live and play in. In the next few years, we will see the completion of major projects like the Integrated Resorts, the Business Financial Centre and the Gardens-by-the-Bay.

4. Singapore’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. We have received many accolades in the international media, and ranked highly in various surveys of world cities. Many cities are also seeking to learn from and replicate Singapore’s experience. Recently, a visiting Chinese Mayor whom I hosted had described Singapore’s transformation as “miraculous”. He was astounded by the success that we have achieved in the short span of time since independence.

5. Good fortune may have played a part in our success. But miracle, it is not. Singapore’s success can be attributed to 3 key reasons. Firstly, the Government’s bold vision and strong political will to take tough measures to achieve economic growth so as to give Singaporeans jobs, housing and a good life. Secondly, our people’s willingness to work hard, make sacrifices and stand united with the government to build a strong and cohesive society. Thirdly, our passionate, competent and diligent public officials and professionals who have implemented our plans and strategies faithfully and meticulously.

Significant contributions of MND staff

6. As agencies involved in planning and infrastructural development, MND statutory boards have played significant roles in Singapore’s physical transformation. We have been fortunate to have many Government scholars deployed to MND and its Statutory Boards in the 1970s and 80s, when Singapore was undergoing a rapid physical transformation. Many talented professionals who were not on scholarships also joined us, attracted by the opportunity to contribute to the physical development of Singapore. It was through years of hard work as well as the creativity, enterprise and dedication of this generation of officers that our plans come to fruition. They worked together as closely knit teams, literally laying strong foundations and breaking new grounds, whether in urban renewal, public housing, construction, park development or food safety. Many of us will recall the sterling leadership provided by public sector professionals like the late Mr Tan Swan Beng (the former PWD), Mr Liu Thai Ker (HDB and URA), Dr Ngiam Tong Tau (AVA), and Dr Tan Wee Kiat (NParks).

Challenges Ahead

7. Looking ahead, the future is equally challenging and exciting for Singapore and for MND. Whilst the economic outlook for Singapore is good, the international race and competition for global talent and investments will only get more intense. We face strong challenges from other cities like Shanghai and Dubai, which are also vying to be hub cities. Situations that can threaten our survival like an avian flu pandemic can erupt overnight. A better-educated but aging population will present new social and infrastructural demands that will change our social compact. To address these challenges, we need to ensure that we create a Singapore that not only continues to be attractive to investors and international talents but one that our people can endear themselves to and feel proud of.

Attracting and Retaining Talent

8. MND thus needs people with the right capabilities and interest to take on the challenges and successfully implement our strategies and programmes. We will need to sustain the professionalism of the MND Family that has been built up over the years. We need to ensure that succession for all key jobs are in place, and that our staff are well-trained and kept relevant in terms of expertise and skills. We must have a continual inflow and retention of a fair share of good officers.

Undergraduate Scholarships

9. One of our key strategies to recruit high calibre officers is the offering of scholarships and study awards. This year, we have selected 23 of out of 800 applications for our undergraduate scholarships. Each of the recipients will be pursuing a discipline relevant to the diverse work of MND, ranging from veterinary medicine, horticulture, landscape architecture, and engineering to urban planning.

Post Graduate Scholarships

10. In the MND Family today, we have many bright, dedicated and passionate officers whom we must continue to nurture. Hence, I am also happy to present 7 postgraduate scholarships to our outstanding officers to pursue further training in specialised fields, as part of their career and professional development.

Overseas Merit Award

11. I am especially pleased that there are 6 diploma holders amongst you who will be presented the Overseas Merit Award to pursue bridging degrees in horticulture. The Award allows good diploma holders from both within and outside NParks to obtain a degree after spending a year at the University of Queensland in Australia. This Award, in particular, has attracted very good response. One of the recipients was top student in the Ngee Ann Polytechnic horticulture and landscape management diploma cohort in 2006. Another two were horticulturists with good track records from the private sector.

What Lies Ahead

12. Our scholarship and study award recipients, you will be glad to know that in the MND family, our officers enjoy good career development opportunities. Through postings to the Ministry and other statutory boards, our officers can experience different areas of work and take on a greater range of challenges. Our officers also get to participate in cross-agency project teams or represent their agencies at international conferences. Parents, I want to assure you that your sons and daughters will have a challenging and fulfilling career awaiting them in MND.

Conclusion

13. I have said this elsewhere, that “A city is not a collection of concrete buildings. It is the people that give the city its character and identity¹.” Likewise, the MND Family is not just a collection of statutory boards. It is a family of dedicated officers who collectively contribute passion and purpose to MND’s vision to make Singapore “An Endearing Home, A Distinctive Global City.” To our new scholars, you may come from different backgrounds, but you must share the commitment to serve and bring our vision to reality. You must believe that your work makes a difference, and that you have a hand in contributing to the future and growth of Singapore.

14. My advice to you is that during your studies, expose yourselves to new knowledge and experiences with an open and inquisitive mind. Take time off from your studies to network and build friendships. In our work and personal lives, we can only do well if we have genuine and enduring relationships with others. For those who are going overseas, make it a point to stay in touch with what’s happening back in Singapore.

15. I congratulate all of you, our scholarship and study award recipients, and your families members. Thank you.

>>back to top