Mr S Iswaran at the opening session of Nanyang Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony 2014

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SPEECH BY MR. S. ISWARAN, MINISTER (PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE), SECOND MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND TRADE & INDUSTRY, AT THE OPENING SESSION OF NANYANG POLYTECHNIC GRADUATION CEREMONY 2014, ON 26 MAY 2014, 9.15AM

Mr Tan Hong Tai, Chairman, Nanyang Polytechnic Board of Governors

Mr Chan Lee Mun, Principal & CEO, Nanyang Polytechnic

Members of the NYP Board of Governors and Advisory Committees

Graduands and Parents

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen.

INTRODUCTION

1.               A very good morning to everyone.  I am pleased to join all of you today for the first session of Nanyang Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony 2014.  This morning, we celebrate the perseverance and achievements of 352 graduands.  We are proud to have amongst us, graduands from the Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Marketing, and Mass Media Management who will be receiving their diplomas.  It is worthy of special mention that the pioneer batch of students from the course leading to a Diploma in Food & Beverage Business are also graduating today.  My heartiest congratulations to all of you.   

2.               It is fitting that, on this happy occasion, we also pay tribute to all those who have helped contribute to your success.  Your parents and family members - who have stood by you through all the ups and downs, and given you moral support throughout your education journey.  Your lecturers and other members of the NYP community who have sought to provide you with interesting and exciting learning opportunities.  And finally, members from the various industries who have worked with NYP to enrich your learning journey.  Please join me in thanking all of them.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES

3.               The NYP Class of 2014 is a fortunate one, for you are living in, and entering the workforce of, a fast-growing and dynamic region.  Asia is the key driver of the global economy today; it is where MNCs and entrepreneurs want to do business; it is where international students want to study; and also where people, Asians and others, want to travel for leisure. Compared to their counterparts in many developed countries that are still in depressed economic conditions, our young graduates face much better prospects.

4.               By virtue of being at the heart of this dynamic region, there are a multitude of opportunities in Singapore and in our neighbourhood, given the growing middle class, higher incomes, and demand for more sophisticated products.  In F&B, for example, there is significant scope for innovation and the creation of new food products and dining concepts catering to the evolving Asian palate, apart from the rapid growth of the manufacturing and service aspects of the industry.  In tourism, intra-Asia travel is rising faster than global travel, which means more opportunities in areas such as hotels and resorts management, as well as the MICE industry.  The exponential growth of social media and related platforms in Asia pose interesting new challenges for those in the field of mass media management.  Marketing graduates will have the pleasant problem of seeking to reach a burgeoning consumer market in the region.  All these sectors, and many others, have grown in tandem with the rapid growth and development of Asia.

SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

5.               These opportunities represent the potential; what is possible and available to be harnessed.  Having the requisite hard skills, and the technical competence and knowledge, is an important asset if we are to fully seize these opportunities.  This graduation ceremony today is, therefore, an important milestone in your careers because the practice-oriented and industry-relevant curriculum programme at NYP has equipped you with the fundamental capabilities.

6.               You now have to build on this with the choices that you make, and the experiences you gain.  In particular, I would urge you to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.  If you don’t do it now, it will only get harder.

7.               For example, consider taking up assignments or a working stint overseas.  It is an excellent way to broaden your horizons, meet new people and learn about different cultures and ways of doing business.  It will also enable you to be effective leaders and members of international teams, with strong inter-personal and communication skills.  In addition to strong technical skills and knowledge, these are the traits that leading international organisations prize in their people. 

8.               In fact, there are many companies with regional headquarters in Singapore, who are seeking Singaporeans who have such experience working in the region, be it in China, India, or in ASEAN.  They want to groom them to take on regional and international leadership positions, because such work requires a good understanding of the different markets and cultures.  A good number of companies are also keen to place young Singaporeans overseas to gain the necessary exposure.  

9.               Also, for those who are considering whether to get a degree but not quite sure which discipline to pursue, I would also urge you to consider working for a while first.  The work experience and other skills that you gain can help to clarify your strengths and areas of interest, which in turn can guide your choice of further studies to pursue.

10.           An alternative path is one of entrepreneurship.  Applying your creativity, knowledge and skills to meet an unmet need through a new product or services.  And there are many such needs around us, from the conservation and efficient use of scarce resources like water and energy, to measures that better protect our environment.  One entrepreneur who decided to seize the initiative and strike out on his own is one of your alumni, Mr Shawn Loo, a 2012 graduate from NYP’s Diploma in Marketing.

11.           After he emerged Champion in the Youth Category of the 13th Start-Up@Singapore Business Plan Competition 2012, Shawn was ready to take on the world, armed with a business proposal.  Motivated to solve the problem of ever-increasing fuel prices by optimising vehicle engine efficiency and care, Shawn founded GoldPlus Pte Ltd.  The company produces a feasible and tested palm oil based compound for industrial and commercial vehicles, reducing fuel cost by as much as 20 per cent.  Shawn has since branched out into additives and oils, and is planning a processing factory to expand his company’s product range in the near future.  I believe there are numerous budding entrepreneurs like Shawn in our midst today, and I look forward to hearing your stories in the future.   

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

12.           Finally, as you start to navigate your professional career and family life, allow me to share with you some guiding principles, which I have found to be quite helpful.

13.           First, make time for those most important people in your life – your life partner, family members, and friends.  They are the bedrock, the constants in your life, even as your career and fortunes may fluctuate.

14.           Second, remember that life is a marathon; not a 100m sprint.  We all face setbacks and disappointments from time to time.  In those trying times, it may feel like a lost cause and we may be tempted to give up.  But, it is those who stay strong, learn from the experience, and focus on the long run, who will ultimately achieve their goals.

15.           Third, it is important to listen to your head, but even more important to know your heart.  Find your passion, what really interests and excites you, and then do it as well as you can.  Not only will you find it rewarding, it will never feel like work!

16.           Finally, stay true to your values and strive to give back.  The true measure of any society is not just the economic growth it attains or the material benefits its people have.  Ultimately, it is about how well we care for each other, especially the weak and disadvantaged among us.  So, do make an effort to help those who are less fortunate, because true happiness lies in helping to make the lives of others better.   

CONCLUSION

17.           In closing, it has been my privilege to share this happy occasion with all of you.  Let me once again congratulate all the graduands on the successful completion of your Diplomas.  I wish you success in your chosen fields, and much happiness in your life journey.  Thank you.