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SPEECH BY SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION MR S ISWARAN AT UPAGE BURSARY AWARDS, NTUC CENTRE, ONE MARINA BOULEVARD, AUDITORIUM, THURSDAY, 13 AUGUST 2009 AT 3.15 PM

Mr Sin Boon Ann, Advisor to UPAGE;

Mr Tay Seng Chye President UPAGE;

Mr R K S Nachiappan, General Secretary;

Mr S Thiagarajan, Executive Secretary;

Executive Council Members, UPAGE;

Management leaders from UPAGE unionised Companies;

Distinguished guests;

Recipients and friends;

A very good afternoon to all of you.

Thank you for inviting me to join you today for this presentation of bursary awards organised by the Union of Power and Gas Employees.

The idea of having unions to help workers beyond the workplace was first mooted at the NTUC 1969 Modernisation Seminar.It is a philosophy that is deeply embedded in the work of the NTUC, its affiliated unions and its social enterprises.

I am glad that this spirit of compassion continues to thrive in UPAGE though it is a relatively small union with limited financial resources. Since its inception 14 years ago, UPAGE has developed a strong tradition of giving and going beyond the workplace to look after union members.

Last year the union gave out close to $40,000 (exact amount is $38,160) in bursaries to 188 students. The year before that, 175 students benefited from the awards. It should therefore be no surprise that today, given the economic slowdown, UPAGE is giving even more awards than before as mentioned by the Chairman earlier.

I understand that this is possible because of substantial support from NTUC’s U Care Fund, together with assistance from the management partners of UPAGE organised companies and Temasek Holdings.

It is especially heartening to note that UPAGE organised companies are closely involved in this bursary initiative. It is testimony to the strength of union-management ties in the industry.

In recognition of the unwavering support from the companies, the union has asked its management partners to present some of the awards today. I think this is a gracious and apt gesture - and is one that could only be possible within the context of a healthy bi-partite relationship.

A good education is the most lasting asset and the surest way of helping families build a brighter future.Bursaries are an integral part of the social support system for children from needy homes.They help to level up the playing field and provide children with the extra bit of encouragement and support to better their lives, and that of their families, through education.

In closing, I congratulate all the students receiving the awards today. I urge you to always remember to give back to help others through community service.I wish you all the best in your studies and your future endeavors.