News: The Sunday Times -  10 January 2010


Top students reap rewards of hard work
By Rachel Chang


(Picture: Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong chatting with students and parents, including Hilary Myen Tan and her parents Larry and Kris (on Mr Goh's right) yesterday. - LHZB Photo)


Student Hilary Myen Tan has a routine that leaves her with little time for doing what most teenagers love: hanging out with friends.

A keen sailor, the 14-year-old, who has represented her school and country in sailing, spends most of her waking hours juggling school work and training, which can take up to five hours a day and her entire weekend as well.

Yesterday, her skilful balancing act won the Secondary 3 student from CHIJ Katong Convent an Edusave Scholarship of $650.

It is her second such win, having received $500 last year.

The award, given to students up to secondary level, is for those in the top 10 per cent of their cohort. Its value ranges from $350 to $650.

Hilary was among 96 students in Marine Parade constituency to receive the award from Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, also the ward's MP.

Mr Goh also presented 57 students, up to junior college and ITE level, with Edusave Merit Bursaries of $200 to $400. These are for students ranked in the top 25 per cent of their cohort and whose family's monthly income is below $4,000.

In his speech, the Senior Minister stressed the importance of good character and leadership qualities as essential for a person's future.

'Good academic results alone are not enough for a person to do really well in life,' he said.

Desirable traits such as reliability, integrity, compassion and loyalty as well as the courage to act according to one's convictions are vital for climbing to the top in a company or in politics, he added.

He called on the students to also do well in their co-curricular activities, saying they should strive for the Edusave Awards for Achievements, Good Leadership and Service which, among other things, recognise the importance of character and leadership.

But while schools play a big part in shaping a child's character, the home plays a bigger role, he said.

Mr Goh urged the 400 parents present to listen to their children, understand their problems and aspirations and lead by example.

'It's worth the effort,' he said, noting how the mother of Chinese philosopher Mencius moved house three times to shield her son from negative external influences and to provide him with a good learning environment.

Laughingly, he added: 'In Singapore, many parents also move to be near good schools. This is perhaps one of the reasons property prices in Marine Parade have risen.'

- end of ST article