Speech by Minister Khaw Boon Wan at the MOT Family Scholarship Ceremony

1.     This is a happy occasion to celebrate with our 54 scholarship recipients and their families. My heartiest congratulations to all of you. You have chosen to join the MOT Family. You will have the opportunity to serve Singapore and Singaporeans in an impactful and meaningful way.

2.     Our transport sector is a significant part of the Singapore economy.  As the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew put it, our location and hence the Port of Singapore was what made modern Singapore possible. With modern aviation, we added Changi Airport to our competitive advantages.  Together, the sea and air sectors create many good jobs for Singaporeans.  Land transport is not as glamorous, but actually it plays a critical part. Many cities are bogged down by traffic jams. Not in Singapore. This does not happen by accident. It is the result of careful planning and sound policies. Singapore is a pioneer in road-pricing. ERP and COE are politically unpopular, but actually they are very important to ensure that Singapore is free-flowing in its traffic. Together with our international connections through air and sea, we make possible a conducive environment for businessmen to meet, make deals and create jobs for Singaporeans. Our excellent connectivity also raises the quality of life for all Singaporeans. By joining the MOT family, you help to make all these possible.

3.     Good policies require regular review and updating. Sometimes, time-tested policies have to be completely overhauled because situations have changed. Sometimes, new policies have to be formulated for the same reason. This requires our MOT colleagues to be alert to changing circumstances and to respond in time.

4.     As we see it, transport will continue to face significant changes. You are probably familiar with some of the disruptive forces: driverless vehicles, digitalisation, climate change, just to name a few. Add to these, rising political uncertainties, trade conflicts, terrorism. All these disruptions will impact us in significant ways. We cannot stand still.

5.     Fortunately, we have educated our children well. Through the scholarship system, we make sure that talented students have maximum opportunity to stretch themselves and achieve their potential. This is the ninth year MOT is awarding the Beacon Scholarship. The Beacon Scholarship offers opportunities for advancement and personal development through inter-agency postings within the MOT Family. In turn, we hope that they will help make Singapore an even better home for all, through effective public policies and initiatives that touch the lives of Singaporeans.

A Meaningful Career to Look Forward to

6.     When selecting scholars, we look not only at academic results, but also for individuals with the character, drive and motivation to lead change, overcome challenges and make improvements.

7.     Take for instance Lin Mei An who will be pursuing a degree in Computer Science at NUS.  Mei An has chosen to join MPA as she was inspired by the industry’s potential for technological growth.  Academics aside, Mei An actively contributes to the community and recently started a service learning project to improve the oral skills of less privileged primary school students.

8.     Shawn Laight, a returned scholar from the 2012 cohort, now serves as an Executive Project Engineer in LTA, where his work involves designing, testing and commissioning new trains for the Thomson-East Coast Line, and designing the depot for the new line. Shawn graduated from ITE initially. His tenacity and hard work landed him an LTA Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship. He went on to attain First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering. Shawn embodies the qualities we look for in our scholars – a strong desire to improve oneself and a passionate commitment to contribute back to society.

9.     Among our 54 scholarship recipients today, 16 are existing officers who have been awarded postgraduate scholarships to learn new skills. They were chosen because of their leadership qualities and dedication to the MOT Family.

10.    Chee Yen Ting is one example. As the Head of the Standardisation and Planning unit in CAAS’ Airworthiness and Flight Operations Division, Yen Ting is responsible for exploring new safety oversight methodologies, standardising safety oversight practices and performing safety analysis. She constantly challenges herself and her team to identify areas for improvements and implement best practices. That is the spirit. That is how we can keep Singapore globally competitive.

Conclusion

11.    In closing, let me thank the parents and teachers for the important role you have played in the scholars’ development. Their achievement is very much your success.

12.    To our scholars: stay humble, and appreciate those who have helped you along the way. I wish you all the very best in your studies and look forward to your contributions to Singapore upon your return.

13.    Thank you.