Students David Fong, Amy Pryke and Kiron Cheong replied to a question posed by Education Minister Ng Eng Hen (above), who told the students to send their replies 'American Idol-style' via SMS, during the Pre-University Seminar. -- ST PHOTOS: LIM SIN THAI
FOUR 'C's have been identified as essentials in the backpacks of students as they prepare for university life.
WHY MARRIAGE IS CRUMBLING
'In modern, urban industrialised cities, the economic rationale for marriage has weakened considerably. Even the social reasons for marriage - compassion and parenthood - have competing alternatives of singlehood, marriage without kids and the singular pursuit of one's career. This explains in part our rising singlehood and infertility.'
Dr Ng, on the fourth 'C' - for 'company' - referring to the need for a life partner
For Education Minister Ng Eng Hen, they include neither cash nor certificates, and are, instead: confidence, compassion, compartments and company.
Dr Ng, who is also Singapore's Second Minister for Defence, was addressing some 500 students from junior colleges, polytechnics and secondary schools yesterday at this year's Pre-University Seminar, an annual residential workshop for students at the pre-university level.
The minister's bundle of treasures for the students, aged 16 to 19, represents the values he hopes will steady them amid the nation's worst economic upheaval in decades.
Referring to national crises such as the Japanese Occupation in 1942 and the struggle for independence in 1965, he had this poser for his audience: 'Through every crisis, some survive or do better and others don't. What is it that produces different outcomes when difficulties arise? 'That is the question we must try and answer today.'
First, he urged confidence, but cautioned against unrealistic expectations.
He also cited the need for compassion, because 'with compassion, we develop the humility to accept things we cannot change, and at the same time we hope that through our individual acts, life can be made better for someone else'.
As for 'compartments', he advised students not to be overwhelmed by their commitments.
Those who deftly juggle their many activities - examinations, relationships and hobbies - are more likely to reach their goals because they know how to prioritise them, he said.
His fourth 'C' - for 'company' - refers to the kinship of friends and family, including a life partner. Dr Ng urged the youth to be there for their loved ones because 'you cannot build ties through being absent'.
Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of the Straits Times
