National Archives

18 FEB 1993 Release No.: 19/FEB 06-l/93/02/16 SPEECHBYMR LEE YOCK SUAN, MINISTER FOREDUCATION, , ATTHE 28TH SEAMEC CONFERENCE OPENINGCEREMONY ONTUE 16 FEB 93 AT9.30 AM AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

Mr President Your Excellencies Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Welcome to this opening ceremony of the 28th Conference of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Council, or SEAMEC. The Republic of Singapore is honoured to host this Conference. On behalf of the delegates, I wish to express our thanks and gratitude to His Excellency, President Wee Kim Wee, for gracing this Conference. I wish all foreign delegates and observers a pleasant and enriching stay in Singapore.

2 All governments recognise the importance of education for the future development of their countries. It is a subject of keen public interest and debate. Existing education systems in both developed and developing countries are being scrutinised and reforms introduced to try and improve the quality and level of education. It is interesting that the East and the West appear to be approaching the issue from opposite ends of the spectrum. The East are trying to introduce greater flexibility, variety and creativity into their education systems, whilst the West are seeking to steer their more free-ranging, child-centred systems towards more structured and rigorous models with standardised curricula and assessment. Some of these reforms will have far-reaching consequences if they are successfully implemented.

3 SEAMEO plays an important role in providing our educationists with professional upgrading and training that will 2 prepare them for the demands and tasks facing our respective countries. Educationists at all levels are critical to the success of any education system. They need to be adequately trained, guided and motivated. SEAMEO's emphasis in this important area is well worth the investment as it will have significant multiplier effects in raising the quality of education. To contribute to the progress of the region, SEAMEO has to be well informed of the region's educational requirements and develop appropriate courses and training programmes to meet those needs.

4 Singapore has played an active role in SEAMEO since its formation 27 years ago. Amongst other areas, Singapore's commitment to SEAMEO is reflected in the hosting of the Regional Language Centre or RELC in Singapore. The RELC has been providing a variety of courses for key personnel in language education within the region. These courses, which are conducted by specialists in language and linguistics, aim to equip trainees with fresh' approaches and techniques to enhance their effectiveness.

5 SEAMEO's progress has been facilitated by the generous assistance of various donor countries, many of which are now Associate Members of SEAMEO. Their contributions and assistance are much appreciated by the member countries. Later this morning we will have the pleasure of welcoming the Kingdom of the Netherlands as an Associate Member of SEAMEO. We look forward to the Netherlands' continuing participation and support.

6 Since the last SEAMEO Conference in Singapore in 1987, the organisation has continued to grow and progress. It is today a truly regional organisation with tile active participation of nine Southeast Asian countries. The organisation itself has matured and the pool of available talent and expertise within each SEAMEO Regional Centre is considerable in areas as diverse as educational research and innovation, tropical medicine, fine arts, agriculture and linguistics. 3 7 The vision of the men who founded SEAMEO is being fulfilled. It is my sincere hope that this Conference will enable SEAMEO to build upon its achievements and enhance its contribution to regional peace and prosperity.

Thank you. cc: INFORMATIONS (8812:GVT224) From: INFORMATIONS (8812:GVT224) Subject: [28th SEAMEC Conference Opening Ceremony] Posted: Tue 16- February -93 16:ll SING Delivered: Tue 16- February -93 16:ll SING (53 lines) Msg ID: IPM- 8812-930216-145715850

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