556 student participants from 30 pre-university institutions1 have come together to kick off Pre-University Seminar 2024 at the National University of Singapore. Co-organised by the Ministry of Education and Dunman High School, the theme for this year's seminar is 'Forging Our Way Forward'. Students will have the opportunity to engage in rich dialogue on Singapore's development, national identity and values, as well as its place in the world amidst global complexities. Through rich discussions and interactions with people of diverse backgrounds, students will glean insights into a range of issues, policies, and perspectives, to enable them to envision and co-create our shared future together.
2. Minister for National Development and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Mr Desmond Lee was the Guest-of-Honour for the Opening Ceremony, where he gave an opening address and engaged students through a dialogue. Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing, will grace the Closing Ceremony on 30 May.
3. The theme for this year's seminar is inspired by the Founders' Memorial's Semangat yang Baru (Forging a New Spirit) exhibition, which captured the values and spirit of our founding generation that continue to provide us with strong anchors as a nation. By understanding our past, the prevailing context and the driving forces that will shape our nation's future, students will examine their shared aspirations and discuss ways in which they can contribute to refreshing Singapore's social compact. Students will work in groups to delve into one of the three sub-themes — Ready, Steady, and Go – and explore possibilities for how Singapore and Singaporeans may be Ready for challenges, Steady in forging ahead with resoluteness, and Go the distance for a better Singapore.
4. The seminar includes dialogue sessions with experts from the people, private, public, and academic sectors, learning journeys, as well as panel discussions to deepen students' understanding about their chosen sub-theme through the rich perspectives and experiences of their fellow Singaporeans. The seminar will culminate in a showcase of the students' Solution Proposals in an exhibition during the Closing Ceremony, where they will present their vision for SG75.
5. For details on the Opening Ceremony and the various highlights of Pre-University Seminar 2024, please refer to the Annex.
Footnotes
- Comprising Junior Colleges, Millennia Institute, Integrated Programme Schools, Independent Schools, Specialised Independent Schools, Polytechnics, and Privately Funded Schools.