Speech - Welcome Address by Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO/ITE, at the Opening Ceremony of the ITE Student Leaders Forum 2024, on Wed 18 Sep 2024, at IlluminITE Theatre, ITE Headquarters & ITE College Central

Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth and Ministry of Social & Family Development

Ms Hwang Yu-Ning, Chief Executive Officer, National Parks Board

ITE Colleagues, ITE Student Leaders

Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction

Welcome to the second edition of ITE Student Leaders Forum. This Forum is a key component of the Singapore Young Leaders Programme (SYLP), the nation's largest youth leadership initiative which was launched last year when we marked the 100^th birth anniversary of our founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. SYLP provides avenues and opportunities for 1,000 student leaders from universities, polytechnics and ITE to engage with political, industry and community leaders as well as attend the National Youth Council Leaders Course. The intended outcome is that youth leaders will gain a deeper understanding of Singapore's key success factors, future challenges and emerging opportunities ahead.

Forum Theme

At the National Day Rally, PM Wong announced  several new initiatives as well as committed himself to working with Singaporeans to realise a ‘refreshed Singapore Dream’.  What is the new collective Singapore Dream? The theme of this year’s forum, “Reimagining Singapore” seeks to help us define and clarify  this dream. There are two sub-themes:  

Reimagining Heartware involves fostering values among Singaporeans and promoting actions in the community as we strive together towards a more inclusive society that supports everyone, including the under-privileged children, people with disabilities and special needs and the elderly.

Reimagining Hardware encompasses balancing urban development with environmental preservation. It involves reviewing and re-designing how we live, work, and play so as to co-exist harmoniously with nature and ensuring a sustainable Singapore for future generations.

Over the last five months, the 180 ITE student leaders have explored issues under the two sub-themes and worked on various projects. At this Forum, they will also be offering their take on specific ways to “upgrade” the software of our society and adapt our physical infrastructure for a greener, more liveable city. Our students strongly believe in a more compassionate, united and resilient Singapore.

Community Connect

Let me share a project under Reimagining Hardware that highlights how our students have ingeniously turned a physical space into an interactive learning space. A group of 30 students from ITE College Central sought to foster a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s public transport system, particularly the MRT. Their innovative solution is to bring in a simulated train to campus!

Titled “Community Connect”, this project transformed a space in CC campus into a captivating, interactive learning space. By skilfully repurposing decommissioned train parts donated by SMRT, the students created a life-sized replica of a train cabin with informative displays and interactive games. I have seen children from the childcare centre with their parents in that space. The immersive environment makes learning about public transport fun and engaging.

I urge you to take a moment to visit the "Community Connect" exhibit on Level 1. It will be there until the end of September. Not only is it an engaging learning site, it also offers a unique photo opportunity for all. Feel free to take more “selfies” or “we-fies” there!

Change-Makers in the Making

The ethos of ITE is to go beyond words and thoughts and be action-oriented. All 180 students tackled complex real-world issues head-on and proposed creative solutions. They were motivated by the deep desire to ensure their projects would make a positive impact on specific target groups. In the process, the students have undergone significant personal growth.

Nigiel Ng from ITE College West who is a very active student leader student with many CCAs (Student Council, chess and robotics) said, “Participating in this ITE Student Leaders Forum has pushed me to think beyond my usual interests and evoked in me a deep sense of civic responsibility and empathy.”

Nigel’s project with his team-mates involves developing a mental health toolkit to help in stress management and relief. The team has demonstrated their toolkit to Institute of Mental Health and Rainbow Centre and received positive feedback.

Conclusion

I believe Nigiel’s experience is replicated among the 180 student leaders present here. Each student leader has not only gained a deeper appreciation of Singapore’s unique achievements and challenges but has also  developed strong conviction to lead, act and make a positive difference. I urge you to fully immerse yourselves in the Forum and learning journeys over the next two days. Seize this opportunity to unlock your full potential. Your future self will thank you!

Finally, I wish to express my appreciation to our Keynote Speakers, SPS Eric Chua and Ms Hwang Yu-Ning for joining us this morning. As leading experts in their respective fields, they will enrich this Forum with their knowledge and insights.

Thank you.