Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts

36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Tel: 3757794/5

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SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF KONG HWA SCHOOL�S NEW BUILDING ON MONDAY 4 MAY 98 @ 7.30 PM AT KONG HWA SCHOOL, 350 GUILLEMARD ROAD

Mr Wee Cho Yaw, President of the Hokkien Huay Kuan,

Principal, staff and students of Kong Hwa School,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.

Thank you for the kind invitation to join you this evening on this happy occasion, the official opening of the new premises of Kong Hwa School.

Through the hard work of staff and students of the school, Kong Hwa School has produced many generations of students that Singapore can be proud of. I am sure the tradition of academic excellence and development of good moral values in students will continue to enjoy a high profile at Kong Hwa School.

Education seeks to develop five aspects in a child: the moral, cognitive, physical, social, and aesthetic aspects. What each child can achieve depends to a large extent on the interaction of three factors: character development, motivation and ability.

Of these three attributes, character development comes first. Good character development means that a child is able to distinguish right from wrong, has the moral fibre to do right at all times and the integrity to stand by what is right. It determines whether he is able to use his knowledge and ability to serve only himself or also for the good of others.

Motivation is also important. It determines how a child will use and maximise his time, talent, and ability.

Every child has some innate talent or ability. The challenge for our schools is to bring out the best from each child.

Character development is the most important of the three because without a firm moral stand, motivation and ability can be put to the wrong use. This is followed by motivation. Motivation is required in order to realise potential - the ability that is waiting to be developed in each child.

By paying attention to all three - character development, motivation and ability - then we can be confident that when our children leave school they will have integrity, be self-motivated and have the capacity for hard work, and posses the ability to produce the best possible results. But schools alone cannot achieve this.

The home environment plays an important role. This is especially so for character formation. Long before children enrol in school, the home environment would have moulded a child�s character. And both the home and the community will continue to have a major influence in shaping a child�s beliefs and value system. Our schools teach good behaviour and lifelong habits of learning and commitment. But teachers need the support of parents and the community in order to succeed in inculcating desirable values and attitudes.

Education is a partnership between schools, parents and the community. Besides schools, parents, the media, the community, all can and should help reinforce good habits and desirable qualities amongst our young. If we all play our part and the lessons and messages are consistent, then our children have the best chance to develop good character and positive lifelong habits.

Kong Hwa School is fortunate to enjoy the support of the Hokkien Huay Kuan and its alumni. I hope that these community groups and others like them will continue to contribute actively to schools� programmes and efforts at developing our young. I would like to congratulate Kong Hwa School on the opening of its new premises, and I wish the school continuing success.

Thank you.

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