Speech by Second Minister for Education Dr Maliki Osman at the Eurasian Community Fund Education Awards Ceremony 2022, at the School of the Arts (SOTA)

Ms Sandra Theseira,

President, Eurasian Association,

Trustees and Management Committee of the Eurasian Association

Award Recipients and Family Members

1. Good afternoon. I am happy to join everyone today at the Eurasian Community Fund Awards.

Eurasians: Important and Integral to the Singapore Story

2. The Eurasians are an important and integral part of the Singapore society and the Singapore story.

1. You have been one of our earliest communities, predating Singapore's independence. Over the decades, you have sunk your roots here, promoted your rich and distinctive heritage, and made important contributions to Singapore.
2. Indeed, outstanding Eurasians can be found in such a wide range of disciplines. There are so many remarkable names spanning the fields of politics and government, medicine, sports, arts and culture – and that's just to name a few areas. In fact, many luminaries are with us today in the audience.

3. The achievements of the Eurasians shine brightly across the pages of the Singapore's story, and I believe this is a reflection of the strength of your community.

1. Yours is a community that looks out for each other. For example, the Eurasian Association, now over a century old, has long been steadfast in its role to support and uplift your community. The Association now runs a wide range of programmes covering family services, community development, and of course, education.
2. Or look at how there are more than 20 categories of awards and bursaries being presented today, which span the primary to tertiary levels. Many are named after and sponsored by Eurasians who want to give back to the next generation. The Association also runs academic and mentorship programmes to inculcate this spirit of service early, by enabling older students to help the younger ones with homework and learning.
3. These efforts are a strong testament to your community's belief and dedication towards uplifting our young.

4. More than 200 students will receive their awards today.

1. They include 19-year-old Rebekah Anne Norris, who graduated from Pathlight School last year. Rebekah has done well in school, and with the support from three bursaries, she will embark on a digital and precision engineering course in ITE College Central this year.
2. 21-year-old Aloysius Tristan Ko Albuquerque will receive the Eurasian Association University Scholarship today. I understand Aloysius is determined to study hard because he wants to provide the best for his mother, and also be a role model for his brother Alistair. Aloysius also gives back to the Eurasian community by teaching enrichment programmes and mentoring primary school students under the Association's Homework Supervision Programme. I hear that Aloysius is also interested to become a criminal profiler in the future. We look forward to your good work, hopefully in the public service!
3. Well done Rebekah, Aloysius and all students with us today. We are very proud of you.

Strengthening Singapore's Multiracial Meritocracy

5. I'm happy to see the leaders of CDAC, SINDA and Yayasan MENDAKI here with us today too.

1. At the self-help groups' joint tuition awards ceremony last month, I spoke about how all of you have brought to life Singapore's multiracial meritocracy. You have embarked on partnerships like the collaborative tuition programme to help all your communities progress as one.
2. These traits of openness and inclusiveness are perhaps deeply ingrained in the Eurasian DNA. After all, to be Eurasian is to be multiracial.
3. Over the years, we have been proud to see the Eurasian community standing shoulder to shoulder with our other ethnic communities, doing their part to strengthen Singapore's social compact. Your good work will help us sustain this virtuous cycle, which has allowed generations of Singaporeans to find success based on hard work and merit, and in turn enable them to pay it forward to the future generations.

6. We must strengthen Singapore's multiracial meritocracy, and continue to instil in our young a shared sense of purpose for ensuring a brighter tomorrow for future generations.

1. I thank the Eurasian Association for your dedication to your community, and for your commitment towards to nation-building. I look forward to growing our strong partnership with the Association on efforts such as the Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce, or UPLIFT, so that we can help the next generation fulfil their fullest potential.

Conclusion

7. Congratulations once again to all award recipients today. We are cheering you on, and will support you as you pursue your dreams.

8. And as you progress in your own journeys, remember those who have helped you along the way, the generous contributions from those who believed in you. And in time to come, remember to do the same for future generations, and for Singapore.

9. Congratulations again! Have a good afternoon. Thank you.