Thursday, August 16, 2007 @7:47 PM
English Speech
Ladies and gentlemen
Singapore has set a high standard for its education system and is thus well known for our local universities here. As a result, students these days are pressured to do well in their studies, and at the end of school life, attain that piece of paper called a university degree. It is this piece of paper that would guarantee the student a place in the working world, like a title deed for survival. However, it is my belief that students should not be forced to do well in their studies but should instead pursue their interests and strive to do well in developing their niche instead of slogging for twelve years studying something that they are not interested in and would prove to be of no use for them in the future and their careers. Thus, I would like to appeal to all of you not to force the younger generation of today to excel in everything they do, especially for their studies, but to allow them to work towards developing their interests.
Many people will object to my view but look at the scenario this way: What for produce batch after batch of top-class scholars who are unable to think out of the box and only know how to squarely go by the book when these same people can actually turn out to be outstanding, creative and capable people when they are allowed to develop their own interests and eventually carve out a niche for themselves? This will certainly make Singapore a livelier and more interesting place filled with people who are enthusiastic and passionate about their lives, careers and whatever they do.
I am not saying that students should stop studying altogether, just that they should not be pressured to do well in all their subjects. Instead, students should be allowed to further study and focus on their interests in detail. In this way, the students will be able to pursue their dreams and study it, and will thus be more interested in school.
In this way, students are allowed to follow their dreams and study to go towards their ultimate goal, their achievable ambition. Thus, they will be truly be proud of what they have accomplished over the years and be passionate about what they do, instead of having the impression that they have wasted their school life. This will certainly make Singapore a better place to live in where the people truly enjoy and are enthusiastic about what they do. Therefore, I would like to appeal to everyone here to allow your children to pursue and follow their interests and not put pressure on them to excel in their studies. This will make the younger generation a happier and more passionate batch and together, I believe that we can make Singapore a more outstanding and lively country.
Thank you.