Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the National Junior College 49th College Day, 5 May 2018

Mr Lim Chin Hong, Chairman, National Junior College (NJC) School Advisory Committee, President, NJC Alumni

Ms Soh Lay Bee, President, NJC Parents-in-ACTion Support Group

Mrs Low Chew Lian, Cluster Superintendent, School South 3, Ministry of Education

Mr Ang Pow Chew, Principal, NJC

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Students of NJC, both past and present

A very good morning to all.

1.      I am honoured to join you today as a fellow NJCian to commemorate National Junior College’s (NJC) 49th College Day and to take this opportunity to also launch its golden jubilee celebration. 

2.      As the first junior college in Singapore, NJC has grown from strength to strength. Its motto “Service with Honour” has inspired many generations of NJCians. Today, NJC continues in its aspiration to be the College of the Nation, by admitting a diverse range of students from all over the island and providing them with numerous opportunities for interaction through its activities and programmes. 

3.      I am pleased to see that many NJCians continue to contribute to their alma mater after leaving school. One such individual is Mr Lim Chin Hong, who is recognised today with the Service to Education Award for his contributions to the development of education in Singapore. As Chairman of NJC’s School Advisory Committee and President of the NJC Alumni Association, Mr Lim has been instrumental in supporting the school’s various initiatives, such as raising funds for needy students, and creating opportunities for NJCians to connect with alumni for mentorship and career guidance. 

Nurturing Healthy Habits Early

4.      For our students at NJC today. This is an exciting journey of your life, as you make important decisions to chart your future and the areas you wish to impact. 

5.      As you pursue your dreams, remember that to have success and happiness in life, first you must have good health. Singaporeans born today can expect to live an average of 83 years, eight years longer than someone born in 1990. However, even as we continue to live longer, we also want to live well, so that we can fully embrace all the possibilities and opportunities that longevity brings. It is critical that we form good habits for healthy and active living from young, to lower our risk of getting chronic diseases in the future.  

6.      The Health Promotion Board (HPB) is working with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) on many initiatives to provide a conducive environment in schools to nurture healthy habits from young, to give them a strong foundation for their overall development through to adulthood. 

7.      Since 2017, all mainstream schools have implemented the Healthy Meals in Schools Programme where school canteens provide healthier food and drink options for students. Schools also provide many opportunities for students to be active beyond curriculum hours, such as the many co-curricular activities. 

8.      Apart from physical health, it is important to look after our mental and emotional health as well. Good mental health strengthens our ability to establish healthy relationships, to problem-solve, and enables us to lead a productive and fulfilling life. We are working with MOE to help school teachers and students to look out for signs of mental stress among students, and refer them to professional help when needed. I would like to commend NJC’s Youth Health Ambassadors for commemorating World Mental Health Day last October, by promoting positive mental health messages and a culture of care at the school. These ground-up initiatives reflect the importance and relevance of these issues to our students, and the willingness of our students to contribute to their society and support their peers. 

9.      At the end of the day, we must realise that our health is influenced by our choices. Health is ultimately a personal responsibility. We must take ownership of our health, and make the right choices so that we can live better and longer lives. Continue to look out for one another and be a role model for healthy living, not just to your peers, but to the rest of your family members and other community networks as well. In this way, we can collectively improve the health of our population. 

Recognising Students’ Achievements in Diverse Areas

10.    I would like to acknowledge today’s prize winners who embody our college values. Huang Meiyan, the recipient of the Lim Kim Woon award, has displayed outstanding commitment to selfless servant leadership and community service through her volunteer work with the Dyslexia Association of Singapore and the Nee Soon East Community Club Youth Executive Committee. Our Student of the Year, Lau Jia En, Ashley, is an all-rounded NJCian. She is a well-respected student leader, excellent team player and contributes actively to the community by volunteering at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and tutoring students under the Woodlands Mentoring Programme. She truly exemplifies the true spirit of “Service with Honour”. Chiang Shi En, who received the Junior High All Round Excellence Award, has similarly displayed outstanding results in her academic and athletic pursuits, and supports her peers by organising group study sessions. 

11.    Let us give all of them a round of applause, for having done well and making their parents, teachers and school proud. 

12.    While we acknowledge the achievements of today’s prize winners, I would also like to mention a notable alumnus and former staff member. We are privileged and honoured to have the father of the late Mr Stephen Loh, Mr Victor Loh, with us today. Stephen was a committed PE teacher and canoeing teacher with NJC who unfortunately passed away while representing Singapore in a dragon boating competition in Cambodia in 2007. Mr Victor Loh then sponsored the Stephen Loh Sports Excellence Award in memory of his son to recognise NJC students who have attained sporting excellence at the National Level or higher. This year’s recipient of the award, Thiruben s/o Thana Rajan, has received numerous accolades in Track and Field. His pursuit of excellence makes him a deserving recipient of the Stephen Loh Sports Excellence Award.  

Conclusion 

13.    Let me conclude by congratulating NJC as we celebrate its 49th anniversary in nurturing the minds of our younger generation, and begin its year-long celebrations of its 50th anniversary. We have certainly come a long way since our humble beginnings. I thank the school leaders and teachers, students, the SAC members, alumni, parents’ associations and all of NJC’s stakeholders for participating actively in the school to make NJC such a lively community. The achievements of the school would not have been possible without your dedication and support.

14.    I am confident that we will all continue to uphold the NJC spirit and values, and serve Singapore with honour. Thank you.