Speech by Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education, for LASALLE College of the Arts 36th Convocation Ceremony 2022

Mr Peter Seah, Chairman of LASALLE,

Professor Steve Dixon, President of LASALLE,

LASALLE's Board Members

Parents and family members, graduands,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. A very good afternoon to all. Although I am unable to be with you in-person today, it is my great pleasure and honour to join you virtually for this very special occasion.

1. Many of you would have started your education in LASALLE during the pandemic. COVID disrupted the way we lived and learnt in unprecedented ways. I am sure you felt it during your education – through virtual classes, caps on group sizes, performing with a mask on.
2. But it also allowed us to cherish the small things. I am sure many of you remember the first time you were able to meet your classmates face to face instead of through a screen, or to perform together on stage for a live audience again.
3. The experience of the pandemic certainly makes this moment where you are gathered in this hall, with friends, lecturers, family and loved ones, more meaningful.
4. You have persevered and shown incredible spirit to complete your studies. It is a huge accomplishment, one that should be celebrated with the people who have supported you along the way.

The Evolution of the Local Arts Scene

2. The local arts scene has grown and matured over time.

1. We are seeing greater participation in the arts. Based on NAC's 'Population Survey of the Arts', the number of arts events attended per person on average has increased over time, and more people are also enjoying the arts via digital and online means.
2. We are also seeing more diverse art forms of very high quality. I recently watched a remarkable production, "Don't Call Him Mr. Mari Kita" about the late Mr Zubir Said, who composed Singapore's national anthem. It was a touching tribute to Mr Zubir's life, but also explored Singapore's history through his songs, many of which were beautifully performed. Two of LASALLE's current students, musician Leonard Mikhail and performer Rohaniah Sa'id were part of the production.

3. The value of the arts is far-reaching.

1. The arts serves as a reflection of society, and binds people together. It plays a critical role in promoting discourse and mutual understanding.
2. On top of that, job opportunities are also growing. Increasingly, different segments of society and the economy see the value in bringing in professionals with creative training and backgrounds. This is in light of the increased emphasis on presentation, user experience, design, and innovation. Arts and creative professionals play a crucial role in the innovation-based economy.
3. Indeed, LASALLE graduates have gone on to excel in their various art forms. Many more have entered fields as diverse as banking, healthcare and transport, where their arts education has served them well, to create thoughtfully designed products, curate user experiences, and much more.

Importance of Arts Education

4. Today, you have completed your arts education at LASALLE. Like many before you, your education will serve you well. You are well placed for the journey ahead.

1. As an artist, the perspective you bring is invaluable because it has both breadth and depth. At LASALLE, many of you have taken part in interdisciplinary projects. You have been trained to apply what you have learned in one field to another, to innovate, and think out of the box.
   1. Take for example Ms Jodie Monteiro, who graduated last year with a Bachelor of Arts in Product Design. When Jodie found that there was a lack of sustainable alternatives for clay in her craft, she developed her own product called Ferticlay, despite not having a manufacturing or commodities background. Ferticlay uses waste materials such as eggshells and coffee grounds, and has won a number of startup competitions. It is now incorporated as a social enterprise in Singapore.
2. You have also been trained in the art of collaboration. Whether you are an arts manager, performer or film director, you are used to working in teams, with people from different fields and walks of life, to make things happen.
   1. Our National Day Parade is an example of teamwork on a large scale. I understand that the chief choreographer for this year's parade, Andy Benjamin Cai, is a dance alumnus of LASALLE.
   2. The arts community also banded together to bring collaborative projects to life during the pandemic. Many students, including some of you from LASALLE, used technology to communicate across time zones and borders with peers from partner universities around the world.
   3. This ability to work with people, and across disciplines will put you in good stead wherever you go.

UAS Builds on the Strengths of Founding Member Colleges

5.The arts, and arts education, are thus integral for Singapore's continued growth and success. This is why the Government has supported the establishment of the University of the Arts Singapore, or UAS. This is a major step forward in strengthening tertiary arts education and pathways in Singapore and the region.

1. UAS builds on the strengths of its founding member colleges – including LASALLE. LASALLE's achievements are evident through its alumni who have made their marks in the world.
   1. For example, Fine Arts alumna Shubigi Rao was Singapore's representative at the Venice Biennale this year, where her widely acclaimed Pulp III exhibition found its way into several critics' lists of Biennale must-sees.
   2. Closer to home, Acting alumna Natalie Hennedige (pronounced "Hen-nuh-dig-gay") has taken over the reins as the Festival Director of the Singapore International Festival of the Arts.
2. Some of you here today have also distinguished yourselves in your fields.
   1. Jazlyn Tan, who graduates with a Diploma in Dance today, recently finished as a top 25 finalist in the Seoul International Dance Competition under the highly competitive Senior category, and her duet performance also finished in the top 10 of the Choreography category. Meanwhile, her fellow Diploma in Dance graduand Dinaeish (pronounced "Dinesh") Rajendran came in an impressive second in the Junior category.
   2. Nur Sabrina Binte Abdul Razak, who also graduates with a Diploma in Fine Arts today, won Gold in the Emerging Artist Category at the UOB Painting of the Year 2021. Her fellow Diploma graduand Jean Hong Ting and MA Fine Arts graduand Shen Jiaqi won Highly Commended in the same category.
   3. Nikita Yusman, a BA(Hons) Fashion Media and Industries graduand, will be part of the PhotoVogue Festival in Milan this November, which brings together the most talented fashion photographers and image makers. She is one of just 40 young artists selected from a field of over 3000, hailing from 121 different countries.
3. These are just a few of the success stories from the class of 2022. All of you will certainly make your mark in your own way.

The Learning Journey Beyond LASALLE

6. Your graduation today marks the start of the next phase of your life journey. This is an exciting moment full of possibilities, but one thing is for sure: although you leave LASALLE, your learning journey does not end here.

7. Life is surprising and unpredictable, especially in a rapidly evolving world. The ability to adapt and pick up new skills will allow you to seize opportunities and keep ahead. Learning can continue in many forms – informally, through on the job training, collaborations and projects. Or formally, through bite-size modules and micro-credentials as and when you need it.

8. My advice to you is to always look ahead for possibilities, keep an open mind, and never lose your curiosity, and love for learning.

9. In closing, I also want to acknowledge the efforts of your lecturers, loved ones, and all who have supported you through your journey at LASALLE, including those who are watching on the live stream. This is such a proud moment for you as well.

10. Congratulations again to the class of 2022! May you take what you have learnt during your time at LASALLE, and soar to greater heights.

11. I wish you all the very best. Thank you.