​SPEECH BY MR TEO SER LUCK MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT THE MDIS-UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD GRADUATION CEREMONY ON SUNDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2013, 11.25AM AT THE FAIRMONT BALLROOM RAFFLES CITY CONVENTION CENTRE, SINGAPORE

 

Dr Eric Kuan, President, Management Development Institute of Singapore,

Dr R Theyvendran, Secretary-General, Management Development Institute of Singapore,

Mr S Chandra Das, Deputy Chairman of the Management Development Institute of Singapore Senate,

Professor Shirley Congdon, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Bradford,

Faculty members of the University of Bradford,

Distinguished Guests,

Graduands,

1.           I am honoured to join you on this joyous occasion to celebrate your graduation. My heartiest congratulations to each one of you on reaching this significant milestone in your education journey. As we celebrate today, let us also remember to thank the families, friends and lecturers of the graduands, whose support has made the journey to this day possible and such a meaningful one.

Overcoming adversities to scale greater heights 

2.           I am especially honoured to be part of your celebrations as this is no ordinary convocation. MDIS is unique in the wide diversity of paths which its students have come to take up a university education. Many of you were at different points and stages of your life when you decided to pursue your university education at MDIS. The story behind every graduand here today is, in its own right, an inspiring tale of your commitment to learn and pursue your passion. Completing the degree programme at MDIS, whether part-time or full time is not easy – for many of you it was hard work to juggle career, studies and family. This required big sacrifices of your personal leisure and rest. Your perseverance is truly worthy of praise.  

3.           While every one of you has your own stories to tell, let me share just one story, which I believe summarises the same dedication and perseverance that every one of you has shown in this journey. Some of you might know Vakil Reema Manish personally. Vakil was born with a congenital spinal disorder – Spina bifida, a birth defect of the spine which had resulted in her being wheelchair bound since birth. Despite her medical condition, she has remained resolute and determined in her goals to complete her Diploma and degree programme at MDIS. Today, she will be receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business and Management Studies. Beyond this worthy achievement, Vakil has set her eyes on her next goal, to pursue her Master’s degree. She is a true inspiration that nothing is impossible to one with courage and determination to dream and pursue our dreams. 

Merits of a sound education

4.           Courage and perseverance is important as we live in an increasingly complex and connected world. Events nowadays rarely occur in isolation. For instance, the recent US Government shutdown and debt ceiling debate raised the spectre that the next major economic crisis was round the corner.

5.           Despite the economic uncertainties that we have experienced over the last few years, there remain opportunities for those who have the courage to take the risk. The intermingling of risk and opportunity is an unavoidable part of life. When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.

6.           However, risk-taking without wisdom and knowledge is reckless. This is why education and training are crucial ingredients to success – they provide skills, and benefit of others’ hard-earned experience to help one overcome the challenges which we will encounter in future. Therefore, I strongly believe that the diverse and rich learning experiences that you have received at MDIS and the University of Bradford will provide you with a strong foundation to build upon as you continue to scale greater heights.

Contributing back to the society 

7.           As newly minted graduates, many of you will move on to take up greater responsibilities at your workplace. As you reap the benefits of your hard-earned degree, I would also urge you to take some time to reflect and consider how you can contribute to the less fortunate, and to the community at large.

8.           Share your experience; give words of encouragement to those who are discouraged and extend a helping hand to those in need. Just as you have been supported by others in your journey thus far, do remember to pay it forward as you reap the fruits of your success.

9.           Also, do not give up your thirst for learning and your passion for a better future. Keep striving for a better tomorrow, keep on dreaming big dreams and keep on surprising yourself with what you can achieve. Your parents and forefathers never knew that Singapore would be a nation of skyscrapers and a prosperous nation within a short span of 50 years. But this did not stop them from dreaming the impossible and achieving it.

Conclusion

10.       Today, the baton is passed into your hand. Congratulations, the next phase of your journey begins here and your future is in your hands. As you sail forth into the global arena and see what this dynamic world has in store for you, make the most of your lives as you have done over the past few years. Whichever path you choose to pursue, continue to embrace a culture of lifelong learning, and continue strong. I wish you every success in your journey ahead.

Thank you.