ADDRESS BY MR ANBARASU RAJENDRAN, CEO, SINDA, AT THE SINDA EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2023 ON SATURDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2023, AT NANYANG POLYTECHNIC AUDITORIUM

Guest of Honour, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education & Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman;

SINDA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee Members;

Distinguished guests, family members, award recipients;

Introduction

1. A very good morning.
2. On behalf of SINDA, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the SINDA Excellence Awards 2023. We come together today to honour our remarkable recipients who have displayed extraordinary excellence in their chosen paths. To the students here with us – representing ambition and perseverance – I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you. Well done and you’ve made the community and the nation proud!

SEA and Academic Performance

3. I am delighted to share that this 32^nd edition of the ceremony bears witness to the largest cohort of recipients we’ve had the privilege to honour – 851 students who have achieved, and continue to achieve success, in academic fields, the sports and arts.
4. A mere decade ago, we honoured 433 recipients, half of the recipients we have today. Back then, we were able to accommodate everyone into this same auditorium in a single session. But this year, we had to split the ceremony into two sessions – a very happy problem I would say!
5. This increase in recipients shows us the promise of our students; it offers us a glimpse into the limitless possibilities that these young talents will one day shape.
6. Just as we have seen an upward trend in the number of SINDA Excellence Awards recipients over the years, we’re equally heartened that our Singaporean Indian students have shown consistent improvement in their academic pursuits. Based on national-level statistics of Indian students’ academic performance:

• • The percentage of the primary one cohort that progressed to post-secondary education increased from 92.5 per cent in 2012 to 95.4 per cent in 2021;
  • In the same period, the number of students with at least five GCE O-Level passes increased by almost 10 per cent. That is a very good increase. This is from 73.5 per cent in 2012 to 83.4 per cent in 2021; and
  • The number of A-Level students with at least 3 H2’ passes and a pass in GP/KI increased from 86.4 per cent in 2012 to 90.4 percent in 2021.

7. These are key indicators of progress among our Indian students, across all pathways. These serve as motivation for continued progress of our Indian students, and reaffirm to us that we are doing well as a community.

Initiatives for Youth Betterment

8. Together with our families’ efforts, nurturing our students and youths is a collective community responsibility; our investment for a better tomorrow. We believe that our young ones, when provided with meaningful opportunities, skills and environment, can do so much. It is important that we provide them with diverse opportunities; opportunities that will both broaden their world views and help them navigate the knowledge-driven world of today.
9. We do this at SINDA – providing equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of circumstances, so that our children can gain a strong foundation, upon which to build their aspiration. More than 12,000 students, youths and children benefit from our programmes each year.
10. At one end of the spectrum, SINDA’s education programmes complement their learning, improving their confidence and grasp of subjects. These programmes are heavily infused with motivational, developmental and aspirational elements as well, so that our children grow into holistic, well-rounded individuals.
11. As they grow, our youth programmes support them in developing their aspirations and potential even further. Mentorship, in particular, is at the heart of many of our youth programmes. Through mentorship, we connect experienced professionals and students, providing them with knowledge, support and invaluable life lessons, as well as career guidance so that they are well-prepared for the journey ahead. It is important that impactful mentors accompany our students in their journeys, and that no one is left to face the world on their own.
12. An important aspect of youth development is also the building of confidence and leadership. Our SINDA Youth Club empowers young ones, nurturing their leadership capabilities, evolving them into agents of change to champion causes that they deeply resonate with. It is also about active participation – giving our youths opportunities to contribute for the betterment of our community. So, we’re very heartened to see many of them come forward, joining us at our outreach programmes, learning about the issues on the ground, and eventually playing a key role in improving lives.
13. These education and youth programmes, coupled with our family development programmes and social assistance, provide opportunities for anyone who needs a hand to get back onto their feet. For those of you who are here, do visit the SINDA Youth Club booth at the foyer, after this ceremony, to help with the upliftment of the community.

Conclusion

14. Each and every student here today is a leader tomorrow. So, award recipients, while we acknowledge your successes today, we also hope that this award strengthens your resolve, drive and spirit, to achieve even more greater things in life.
15. SINDA, together with the rest of the Indian community, applauds your achievements. Importantly, we remain committed to guiding you towards a future filled with even greater accomplishments and supporting you in this journey. I look forward to your continued pursuit of excellence, and serving as the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will shape the future of Singapore.
16. Thank you so much.