陈振声：让长者安心少年好学有壮志 财政预算案将照顾弱势群体
Lianhe Zaobao, 17 Feb 2019, Chan Chun Sing: Let the elderly feel at ease, young people to have aspirations; The Budget will take care of vulnerable groups (translation)
Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing emphasised the importance of cultivating the spirit of learning for the next generation. In this way, “Wherever they go to work or make a living, they can be self-reliant and overcome everything...even as technology continues to evolve, they will have the curiosity to overcome and master new technologies.”
The government has three definitions of success: peace of mind for the elderly, ambition for the young and to instill a spirit of learning in the younger generation, and these will be reflected in the upcoming Budget announcement.
Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing, who attended the annual Spring Reception organised by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan (SHHK) last evening (16 Feb), said that since its inception, SHHK has been persistent in its mission to take care of disadvantaged groups and investing much time and energy into education. This is in line with the government’s philosophy of governance.
“Be it the government or civil society, we have to work together to create a better tomorrow. After next week’s Budget announcement, we will see how the government tries to give the elderly peace of mind.”
Many people often ask whether the government can provide more subsidies for young people. However, Mr Chan believes that it is not subsidies that are important, but to let them be more self-reliant so that they can take good care of themselves and their families. “Only in this way can we transfer limited resources to those who need it most. In the Budget, you can learn how the government will improve the economic and employment opportunities for the middle class and the younger generation.”
In addition, he also emphasised the importance of cultivating the next generation’s eagerness to learn. In this way, “Wherever they go to work or make a living, they can be self-reliant and overcome everything... even as technology continues to evolve, they will have the curiosity to overcome and master new technologies.”
SHHK leverages SUTD to promote STEM education in six schools
Local business leader, Mr Tan Cheng Gay, hosted yesterday’s Spring Reception party for the first time as the president of SHHK. In his speech, he announced that SHHK would sign a collaboration agreement with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Going forward, students from SHHK’s six affiliated schools and the Cultural Academy, guided by SUTD students, will be exposed to future technology, design-thinking and innovation from young.
Mr Tan said that SHHK has always placed importance on education and the teaching of advanced concepts and knowledge. Its affiliated schools have been equipped with scientific laboratories and various advanced instruments since its early days. This shows that the SHHK’s founding leaders have long recognised and worked hard to promote science education.
In 2012, SHHK, through the Hokkien Foundation, donated $3 million to the then newly-established SUTD. Since 2013, it has collaborated with SUTD to issue the “Hokkien Foundation – SUTD Scholarship”. To date, 41 students have benefited from this scholarship. Mr Tan believes that this new collaboration symbolises both parties’ commitment to future education, and the determination of SHHK to keep pace with the times and to forge ahead for the sake of the next generation.
Professor Chong Tow Chong, president of SUTD, said: “This will be a new milestone in the partnership between the two parties, where we can jointly develop meaningful programmes to inspire students to pursue a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, especially in technology, design and innovation.”
Mr Chan hopes to see more collaborations between universities, schools and the community in future to inspire younger generations’ knowledge in new technologies.
Last evening's party also incorporated some elements of new technology. SUTD’s Dr Foong Shaohui used drones to take photographs of the more than 500 guests on site.