Supporting our youth for a better future

Speech by Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth at Sembcorp Marine’s School Book Assistance Grant Presentation Ceremony 2017

Mr Ong Poh Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Sembcorp Marine Ltd

Principal and staff, CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace,

Distinguished guests

Teachers, parents and students,

1. A very good afternoon to all of you! I am delighted to join all of you here today, at Sembcorp Marine’s School Book Assistance Grant, or SchoolBAG ceremony.
2. Since 2001, Sembcorp Marine has been assisting families in need, with their children’s school requirements. To date, Sembcorp Marine has helped close to 20,000 students with financial aid of over $4 million. Notwithstanding these difficult times for the Oil and Gas industry, Sembcorp Marine has continued to invest in the future of our youths through SchoolBAG. Thank you very much!

   
   Empowering youths to shape their future

3. Our schools do their best to provide students with a comprehensive curriculum and numerous learning opportunities outside the classroom as well. Through the help of SchoolBAG, students are able to focus on their studies without additional financial worries. They also embody values of resilience and perseverance, showing maturity beyond their years; and some of them have gone on to achieve outstanding academic results.
4. Take Xanthia Low for example. Xanthia, a student of Greenwood Primary School, relies on her mother, who is the sole breadwinner of a family of five. In spite of the challenges at home, Xanthia is well-behaved at school, and always willing to put her best foot forward. Xanthia also loves to sing, and has represented her school as a member of the choir at the Singapore Youth Festival.
5. Another example is Sanchay from Millennia Institute. Sanchay comes from a single-parent family, and his mother has been unemployed since 2015. His family is dependent on financial assistance, and it has been tough to support his school expenses. Despite the odds, Sanchay emerged as one of the top performers of his cohort for the mid-year examinations in 2017. He was also identified as a promising leader at a leadership camp. Keep up the good work, Xanthia and Sanchay!

   
   Building a caring and inclusive Singapore

6. At the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, we are working with partners, including corporates, to grow SG Cares – a national movement to encourage the building of a more caring and inclusive society.
7. Sembcorp Marine’s contributions to our community exemplify the values of SG Cares. You inspire others to step forward and look out for one another, and ensure that no one is left behind.

   
   Conclusion

8. Once again, my sincere thanks to Sembcorp Marine for your contributions to the community. I would like to also thank CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace for hosting the ceremony today. To all students, remember to work hard and make full use of the opportunities presented to you. All the best, and carpe diem! Thank you.