Remarks by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing at the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Teachers’ Day Appreciation Dinner and 13th Listening Educator for Advancement and Progress[...]

1.Good evening everyone.

2.I would first like to thank Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan for your unwavering support for our schools, principals and teachers over the years.

3.Tonight, I have just four words for all of you - "感恩有你", which translates to "grateful for all of you." I would like to thank all of you, the principals and teachers for being here.

4.First and foremost, I want to thank you for your dedicated care of our students throughout the year, come rain or shine, 风雨不改. Regardless of the trials and challenges, you have always been there for our students. Without you, we will never be able to take care of the hundreds of thousands of students in our schools every day. Thank you all for taking care of our students through thick and thin.

5.Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude not only for the work you do today, but also for how you are preparing yourselves for the future. I am aware of the tremendous effort many of you have put into upskilling yourselves to adapt to the future. Whether it is learning new technology to integrate into your teaching practices, nurturing the social-emotional skills of students and fellow teachers, or managing relationships with industry partners, parents, and stakeholders beyond the school, I am truly thankful for your dedication.

6.Most importantly, I want to thank you for upholding the ethos of the teaching fraternity. Your exemplary conduct will inspire the next generation to become teachers, setting a standard for them to surpass. This way, every generation of Singaporeans can look forward to a brighter future together.

7.Our responsibility is weighty. As the Chinese saying goes "一日为师，终身为父". A day as a teacher, a lifetime of responsibility. You have consistently risen to this responsibility on every occasion. With that, thank you very much. 感恩有你.