Mr Phillip Tan, Chairman of the Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd (ISCOS) Board of Trustees,
Mr Joshua Tay, Chairman of the NeuGen Management Board,
Award recipients, parents, children,
Everyone,
A very good afternoon to all of you.
Introduction
1. It is a pleasure for me to be here to recognise and celebrate the academic achievements of all the awardees today.
2. To our students, the awards that you will be receiving are the result of your efforts, as well as the help, support, and encouragement that you have received from your family, friends, mentors, and most of all, your teachers. I hope you will take some time to appreciate those who have supported you throughout your learning journey.
My NeuEducation
3. I am heartened to know that one of the key pillars under the Neu Empowerment Model introduced by NeuGen Fund last year, 'My NeuEducation', ensures that children are given equal opportunities in their academic pursuits.
4. In addition to bursary awards, beneficiaries are also supported through a variety of initiatives, such as a weekly junior enrichment programme for primary and secondary school students, a reading programme for preschoolers, and an education sponsorship for aspiring youths to pursue their tertiary education without having to worry about their financial means.
Community Support
5. I am also very encouraged that these various programmes have been supported by many sponsors such as Lee Foundation, Sheng Siong Group, Singapore Teochew Foundation, Tan Ean Kiam Foundation, CapitaLand Hope Foundation, and Caelum Junior over the years. All of these have helped over a thousand children to stretch their potential and excel since 2017.
6. Now, for Singapore to continue to be a thriving and inclusive society, we must ensure that opportunities are always there for all, regardless of their starting point, and allow our young children to be able to forge their own paths.
7. To do this, we require the support of community partners and individuals who play a significant role in building a caring and inclusive society. This is a key component of our social compact in Singapore, and you must know that every contribution counts towards uplifting those who require help.
8. I would like to thank NeuGen's community partners and Catholic High School Class of 69/71, for their continued support in making this event possible. Thank you for believing in the gift of education. Your generosity has enabled the continuation of the bursary awards to benefit the recipients and their families.
9. This year, close to $110,000 will be awarded to over 400 primary, secondary, and tertiary student beneficiaries. I believe this will make a positive difference in the lives of our student beneficiaries, whom I hope will be inspired to pay it forward in the future and contribute back to society in any way possible.
10. I come from a very humble background, and I remember when I was a student, I received a bursary every year. That amount went a long way in helping my parents and my family to support me through education. So today, to be able to come here to support this event and help students from different backgrounds, I feel very privileged, and I hope that students here do believe in paying it forward. Do well for yourself, your family and friends, and I hope that one day, you will too be able to contribute more to society.
NeuGen Education Sponsorship and Bursary Awards
11. I would like to commend each and every one of our student awardees for their perseverance and resilience in the face of obstacles. The road here may not have been easy, and you have every right to feel incredibly proud of yourselves. Remember, sometimes in life, we cannot control the things that happen to us. But, we can certainly control how we respond to challenges in life. And, I think you have proven that you can do it.
12. I would like to specially mention Vivian, one of the Bursary Award recipients today.
- Despite the various challenges that she encountered, Vivian continued to work hard and was determined to do her best in her studies. Her fighting spirit led her to be awarded the NeuGen Education Sponsorship during her diploma course at a local polytechnic, as well as the NeuGen Bursary Awards. These helped to cover Vivian's tuition fees and other expenses, which was a great help in reducing the financial strain experienced by Vivian and her family.
- Being assigned a NeuGen mentor who shared the same interests also provided Vivian with a role model who was able to positively influence and encourage her in different aspects of her life.
13. We really have come a long way in supporting children of different needs, and at this point, I really want everybody to join me in a round of applause for Vivian and many of the student awardees here today!
Conclusion
14. May the recognition of your achievements inspire you to do better for yourselves and for your community. We will continue to stand behind you and support you through your learning journey.
15. Thank you.