SINGAPORE : Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has urged polytechnic students not to lose
the spirit of enterprise that their predecessors had, which was
crucial to Singapore's economy in the last 20 years.
He was speaking at the 10th Polytechnic Forum held at Ngee Ann
Polytechnic.
Students engaged in role play as part of their projects for the
forum.
But Dr Balakrishnan saw a little beyond what they were doing.
He said the glint in their eyes makes him optimistic they will rise
to his challenge and continue the blaze of success left behind by
their predecessors such as successful entrepreneur Sim Wong
Hoo.
"I want you to realize that just as we have given you more
opportunities to further yourself, don't lose your spirit of
enterprise which has always been very strong amongst polytechnic
graduates. Because if you do, Singapore will lose. We will lose
that buzz, that cutting edge that our society and economy depended
on, from people who have gone through the portals of polytechnics -
your predecessors in this institution," said Dr Vivian
Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and
Sports.
Most polytechnic students say they welcome having more
opportunities to further their studies, and are quick to add that
having a degree won't make them complacent or less
enterprising.
"Having an entrepreneurial mindset comes from within, having a
degree or not having a degree doesn't make a difference," said
Kesavan Ramani, a student at Temasek Polytechnic.
"It's always good to get a degree. It helps you gain other
experiences as well," said Stacey Henderson, a student at Republic
Polytechnic.
Dr Balakrishnan also urged students not to be merely caught in the
paper chase, but to pursue their passions.
The students will be heading to Johor for a three-day residential
forum where they will debate topics such as how to engage youth and
build the economy.
- CNA /ls