Teachers' challenge in next 50 years: Build students' character, says Education Minister

In the next chapter of Singapore's education story, the challenge for teachers will be to help students in character-building, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat told a new cohort of aspiring teachers on Friday. -- PHOTO: ST FILE 
In the next chapter of Singapore's education story, the challenge for teachers will be to help students in character-building, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat told a new cohort of aspiring teachers on Friday. -- PHOTO: ST FILE 

SINGAPORE - In the next chapter of Singapore's education story, the challenge for teachers will be to help students in character-building, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat told a new cohort of aspiring teachers on Friday.

The next 50 years will be more volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, he said, and educators will have to help students develop "values and strength of character that will form their personal anchors in a world of flux", he said.

Addressing 204 teaching scholarship and award holders at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Mr Heng said the country's pioneer educators have shaped and moulded the nation, passing on to the young generation a "tradition of resourcefulness, resilience and responsibility".

"The impact of our pioneer teachers, not just on individual students, but on the nation as a whole, cannot be overstated. Singapore's early days were a time when we needed desperately to create opportunities for Singaporeans, and at the same time give young Singaporeans the values, knowledge and skills to seize opportunities," he said.

The teaching scholarships and awards fund students' local or overseas undergraduate studies, after which they serve a four to six year bond, depending on the award they receive.

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