1. A very good afternoon to all of you — leaders and members of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, Jamiyah Singapore, the Taoist Federation of Singapore, principals, teachers, parents, and students.
2. This is not the first time that I'm here for this award, but it is with the same feelings that I stand before you today.
3. To all the students who are here, I hope that you will remember these three words as you receive the award: Love, Hope and Duty.
4. Love, because your presence here today is not solely the result of your hard work and abilities. You are here today also because of the love of your families, and a community who have worked together to enable your potential to be fulfilled. So, may you join me in acknowledging the love of your families and the support of our community.
5. Second, I hope you remember the word 'Hope'. There is no shame in receiving a bursary; once upon a time, I too, was in your position. I come from a single parent family, and would not have had the chance to complete my education if not for the support of our community and many kind strangers.
6. Therefore, I hope that you will come to understand that all Singaporeans, regardless of our starting position in life, can be confident that we will have every right opportunity to succeed so long as we work hard and do justice to our blessings.
7. Finally, I hope you remember the word 'Duty'. Once upon a time, some of us sat at your position to benefit from the kindness of others. Today, we are paying it forward to your generation. It is my hope that one day, regardless of your station in life, you too will remember to pay it forward to the next generation.
8. In Singapore, we define success not just by our own achievements, but more importantly, by our contributions to society. When we define success by our contributions, we are in control. Whereas achievements may at times, be constrained by circumstances beyond our control.
9. We believe that those with great abilities and achievements need to undertake greater responsibilities. This is because we define success not by how well we do for ourselves in this generation, but by how well we enable the next generation to do even better.
10. Just as we stood on the shoulders of those who came before us, we promise that you too will stand on our shoulders to stand taller and see further. In return, I hope you will lend your shoulders to the next generation so that they too, can stand taller and see further.
11. As I congratulate all of you for your hard work and your good work, I hope you will remember the words, Love, Hope, and Duty as you receive your awards, and go forth to achieve even greater things for yourself, your families, and our country. I hope you will remember the love that enabled you, the hope to see yourself beyond your current station, and your duty to keep the Singapore Story going. Congratulations, and well done.