Speech by Ms. Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for Education at the Self-Help Groups’ Joint Tuition Awards Ceremony
NGEE ANN POLYTECHNIC CONVENTION CENTRE
Board and Committee Members of the various Self-Help Groups,
Chief Executive Officers,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon to all of you.
I am delighted to be here for the 22nd Self-Help Groups’ (SHGs) Joint Tuition Awards ceremony. Today, we celebrate the achievements of students from the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. My heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients for your dedication and perseverance in your studies. This achievement is not only yours but also a proud moment for your parents and family, who have supported and encouraged you throughout your journey.
The four Self-Help Groups – the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Eurasian Association (EA), Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and Yayasan MENDAKI - play an important role in strengthening bonds within and across our diverse communities. Through programmes such as the Collaborative Tuition Programme, or
CTP, launched in 2002, they have supported students of all races in their academic journeys. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the CTP— a remarkable milestone worth celebrating.
Sharing Success Stories
Today, we recognise and celebrate the 1717 students from the CTP, who performed commendably in the 2024 PSLE, N-Level, and O-Level examinations. Among them, 16 students have been selected to receive the Best Overall Academic Performance Award. Their achievements are an inspiration and will undoubtedly encourage others to strive for excellence.
Let me share the stories of two outstanding students whose journeys exemplify how persistence, support, and self-belief can lead to transformation.
CDAC - Wong Zhi Xuan
First, we have Zhi Xuan, a primary school student who joined CDAC’s tuition programme in 2024. With consistent effort and the guidance of her tutors, she saw marked improvement in English, Mathematics, and Science. Encouraged by her family and motivated by a love for learning, she went on to achieve encouraging results in the PSLE. Today, she aspires to become a scientist at the National University of Singapore. She is inspired by Steve Jobs’ words: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
SINDA - Ashish Siju
Second, Ashish whose story is one of grit and growth. When faced with academic challenges, he chose not to give up. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment with the SINDA’s tuition programme. With the support of dedicated tutors, his peers, and family, he turned things around and achieved significant academic progress. His growth was not only academic, but also personal, as he took ownership of his learning and became more responsible for his progress. His journey shows that with the right mindset and support, no setback is final.
Their stories remind us that success is rarely achieved alone. Behind every student’s achievement is a support network—parents who nurture, tutors who guide, and communities that uplift.
Conclusion
As we celebrate our students’ accomplishments today, let us also remember the importance of nurturing the whole person. I encourage all parents to continue supporting not just your children’s academic growth, but also their character, values, and emotional well-being. These are the foundations for long-term success in life.
I commend our Self-Help Groups for their tireless dedication to building inclusive and empowering learning environments. By recognising and nurturing each student’s unique strengths and aspirations, we help them build confidence, discover purpose, and reach their full potential. To all award recipients—congratulations once again. Your achievements are the result of your determination and the support of those around you. I hope that in time, you will also give back, uplift someone else and be the encouragement they need. Keep aiming high. Keep doing your best.
Thank you.