204 recipients get teaching scholarships, awards

SINGAPORE – Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said in the next chapter of Singapore’s education story, it is important for teachers to help students build their character.

The next 50 years “will continue to be” volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous”, he said today (Aug 1), speaking at the teaching scholarship presentation ceremony. As such, it is more important for teachers to “help students develop the values and strength of character that will form their personal anchors in a world of flux.”

Addressing the scholarship recipients, the Education Minister said: “Our pioneer teachers taught your parents and those of my generation to stand on their feet and to stand tall. You will do the same, keeping the can-do spirit alive and strong. You will also need to teach your students to reach for the stars with one hand and extend a caring helping hand with other.”

Over 200 scholarship and award recipients will pursue their studies either at the local universities or overseas. One recipient is Jeremy Yong, who is now studying physics at the National University of Singapore.

“I had a very good education in my secondary school and junior college years,” he said. “The teachers were an inspiration to me and I would like to mimic them and to improve in becoming a better teacher and to nurture the young better.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA