THE good omen for Lewis Hamilton in Singapore started as far back as last Tuesday.
The roots of his superb and commanding win from start to finish in last night's SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, were sown when he first landed here late in the afternoon last Tuesday, and headed for a Mercedes-sponsored public appearance in Paragon.
Looking distinctly more relaxed than he was last year (when he was under pressure to win his first driver's world title and was constantly protected by minders), he showed how much more mature he has become since his explosive entry to the Formula One spotlight two years ago.
With his left leg dangling off his chair playfully as he bantered with the host, he even played 'rah-rah emcee' at one point, asking why the crowd's energy level had dipped at one point.
'Let's bring it up guys!', he raised his voice into the microphone.
Showbiz tips from his Pussycat Doll girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger perhaps? But they had broken up before the Singapore GP date, hadn't they?
Answering the final question that evening, he dropped the bombshell. That he and his Pussycat were reunited and still going strong. Do not believe previous worldwide reports, he said.
The New Paper went to town with it.
At a Bridgestone public appearance on Thursday, he may have been lacking in charisma to the more charming and funnier Jenson Button.
But he did seem intent on winning back the hearts of local fans who thought he was too uptight in Singapore last year (when he and McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen were the only drivers who failed to attend a welcome dinner by President SR Nathan and were panned by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and The New Paper too). How Can.... Don't Give FACE to our Prataman!
He told the media: 'The reception I've received in Singapore this year, this time round, is fantastic.
'It's much better than the reception I got last year, I guess, because I'm a bit more experienced now.'
From then on, it was Lewis 'I love Singapore' Hamilton. And it was 'We love you too, Hamilton' by Singapore.
After the final practice on Saturday evening, he criticised the improvements to Turn 10 at the end of the Padang straight.
He said: 'It is a lot worse now. Last year, it was a weird little corner but it was actually good, it was a quick left-right-left, but now it is big fat curves and there is no run-off and I'm sure in a race, someone will crash there.
'If someone were to blow a tyre and have an oversteer moment, slide and hit one of those kerbs, they would fly. It is not very safe.'
Then, Scherzinger - who had pulled out of the weekend's F1 Rocks concert at Fort Canning - made a surprise entrance at the pit building before Saturday night's qualifying.
Morale-booster
That must have given him an extra morale-booster.
And after qualifying on pole position, he was less irritated and said the bumps on the track were not as bad as last year, and that it gave the circuit some character.
Last night, with no driver going off at Turn 10, Hamilton declared the Singapore circuit 'great'.
Again, he paid tribute to Singapore's fans - all 250,000 of them over the past three days - after the race.
Still, as he correctly said later, it also came right for him here because of the enormous unseen team effort behind the scenes.
McLaren's engineering director Paddy Lowe had told The New Paper in an exclusive in yesterday's paper, of the way the team's engineers at trackside had slogged it out till 8.30am on Saturday morning just to make the final adjustments to the car's new upgraded 'For Singapore only' floorboard and front wing.
These parts had been slaved over by the remainder of McLaren's 300-strong team of engineers back in Woking in Surrey, England, for the past seven weeks (after Hamilton won his first race this season in Hungary in late July).
Last night, at Marina Bay, Hamilton roared to his second race win of the season in style as it all came right for him in Singapore.
And for Singapore, he did right all the way.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Prataman Star Award
Professor Miranda Yap
Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute
Executive Director, A*STAR Graduate Academy
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
“For her sustained, distinguished and strategic contributions to Singapore’s Biomedical Sciences landscape particularly in the areas of developing the biologics industry sector, building the research culture and nurturing young talent”
The winners of this year’s inaugural President’s Science and Technology Awards deserve to be applauded for their achievements and contributions to scientific research and development over the years. They are scientists who have displayed immense pride in their work and tireless dedication to their various fields of research such as biologics, eye diseases, and electrical and computer engineering, and made breakthrough discoveries that contributed much to our economy. These scientists have proven themselves to be fine examples and inspirations to their peers. I congratulate each of them for their successes.
Scientists in Singapore have, over the years, walked the path less trodden to develop science and technology R&D in Singapore. From our humble beginnings in the 1970s when R&D was limited to what the multi-national companies were doing as an extension of their successful manufacturing operations here in Singapore, we have become today a critical node in the global research landscape, attracting many industrial and scientific collaborators from around the world. Indeed, the superior quality of research being conducted in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and other public and private R&D institutes has broken new grounds, created new scientific knowledge and developed new growth industries for our economy. An example would be the biologics industry that was developed, to a large extent, through the efforts and commitment of Professor Miranda Yap – the winner of the inaugural President’s Science and Technology Medal.
As the forces of globalisation advance, Singapore’s ability to remain globally competitive will be critical. Building up our scientific talent pool is and will be our way forward. In R&D, it is people who will create knowledge and generate ideas to keep R&D at the cutting edge, and open up new growth areas. As we look forward to the future, we must continue to develop our scientific talent as well as attract other talent from around the world to anchor their research activities here. To do so, we will have to conscientiously create an environment that is open and supportive, and conducive for these knowledge-creators to develop themselves as well as make contributions to Singapore and the world.
I encourage all scientists in Singapore to persevere in their deep and long-term commitment to scientific research. Their labour and dedication have brought about tremendous benefits for both themselves and the nation. I trust that as they continue pursuing their passion, they will also ignite that same passion and inspire the next generation of scientists. Working together, I am confident that they will help create a brighter future for all of us.
S R NATHAN
Executive Director, Bioprocessing Technology Institute
Executive Director, A*STAR Graduate Academy
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
“For her sustained, distinguished and strategic contributions to Singapore’s Biomedical Sciences landscape particularly in the areas of developing the biologics industry sector, building the research culture and nurturing young talent”
The winners of this year’s inaugural President’s Science and Technology Awards deserve to be applauded for their achievements and contributions to scientific research and development over the years. They are scientists who have displayed immense pride in their work and tireless dedication to their various fields of research such as biologics, eye diseases, and electrical and computer engineering, and made breakthrough discoveries that contributed much to our economy. These scientists have proven themselves to be fine examples and inspirations to their peers. I congratulate each of them for their successes.
Scientists in Singapore have, over the years, walked the path less trodden to develop science and technology R&D in Singapore. From our humble beginnings in the 1970s when R&D was limited to what the multi-national companies were doing as an extension of their successful manufacturing operations here in Singapore, we have become today a critical node in the global research landscape, attracting many industrial and scientific collaborators from around the world. Indeed, the superior quality of research being conducted in the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang Technological University and other public and private R&D institutes has broken new grounds, created new scientific knowledge and developed new growth industries for our economy. An example would be the biologics industry that was developed, to a large extent, through the efforts and commitment of Professor Miranda Yap – the winner of the inaugural President’s Science and Technology Medal.
As the forces of globalisation advance, Singapore’s ability to remain globally competitive will be critical. Building up our scientific talent pool is and will be our way forward. In R&D, it is people who will create knowledge and generate ideas to keep R&D at the cutting edge, and open up new growth areas. As we look forward to the future, we must continue to develop our scientific talent as well as attract other talent from around the world to anchor their research activities here. To do so, we will have to conscientiously create an environment that is open and supportive, and conducive for these knowledge-creators to develop themselves as well as make contributions to Singapore and the world.
I encourage all scientists in Singapore to persevere in their deep and long-term commitment to scientific research. Their labour and dedication have brought about tremendous benefits for both themselves and the nation. I trust that as they continue pursuing their passion, they will also ignite that same passion and inspire the next generation of scientists. Working together, I am confident that they will help create a brighter future for all of us.
S R NATHAN
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Prataman to busy to attand RF Party Dinner
During the Reform Party dinner anniversary 25 September 2009, diners were surprised when a photo of Singapore President Mr S R Nathan suddenly appeared on the screen in front of them.
It turned out that Mr Nathan was invited for the dinner. As he was unable to attend, he sent his well wishes to the Reform Party:
http://www.temasekreview.com/wp-content/themes/church_10/images/thumbnails/reformdinner585.jpg
It turned out that Mr Nathan was invited for the dinner. As he was unable to attend, he sent his well wishes to the Reform Party:
http://www.temasekreview.com/wp-content/themes/church_10/images/thumbnails/reformdinner585.jpg
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Ah Neh Best Bankers in the World
DBS Group has appointed veteran banker Piyush Gupta as its new chief executive officer, ending a global search that has lasted several months.
Mr Gupta is currently Citibank's CEO for South East Asia-Pacific, covering ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand and Guam.
Analysts, whom Channel NewsAsia spoke to on Tuesday, said the certainty of a new CEO will help DBS prepare for growth ahead, amid signs that the worst of the market downturn is over.
Alfred Chan, analyst at Fitch Ratings Singapore, said: "The appointment of this CEO is rather timely since the signs of deterioration are abating and there is definitely increased opportunity for lending and other businesses.
"How this will translate for the bank depends on what the CEO will say once he steps into DBS bank."
Analysts also said concerns over Mr Gupta's lack of experience in the India and China markets – where DBS has long-term ambitions – are unfounded.
They said it is not his geographical expertise that counts, but rather the experience he brings from a large multinational lender that should be the focus.
Roger Tan, vice-president, SIAS Research, said: "Citibank has had good strategies in branding itself for the past few years. It's also implementing good operational strategies.
"If he can bring all these ideas into DBS, branding DBS, improving the operational excellence within DBS, it will make the bank stronger than what it is now."
Mr Gupta's appointment is subject to regulatory approval and he is expected to join DBS in November.
Singaporeans welcome U!
Mr Gupta is currently Citibank's CEO for South East Asia-Pacific, covering ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand and Guam.
Analysts, whom Channel NewsAsia spoke to on Tuesday, said the certainty of a new CEO will help DBS prepare for growth ahead, amid signs that the worst of the market downturn is over.
Alfred Chan, analyst at Fitch Ratings Singapore, said: "The appointment of this CEO is rather timely since the signs of deterioration are abating and there is definitely increased opportunity for lending and other businesses.
"How this will translate for the bank depends on what the CEO will say once he steps into DBS bank."
Analysts also said concerns over Mr Gupta's lack of experience in the India and China markets – where DBS has long-term ambitions – are unfounded.
They said it is not his geographical expertise that counts, but rather the experience he brings from a large multinational lender that should be the focus.
Roger Tan, vice-president, SIAS Research, said: "Citibank has had good strategies in branding itself for the past few years. It's also implementing good operational strategies.
"If he can bring all these ideas into DBS, branding DBS, improving the operational excellence within DBS, it will make the bank stronger than what it is now."
Mr Gupta's appointment is subject to regulatory approval and he is expected to join DBS in November.
Singaporeans welcome U!
Ah Neh Murder Ram Tiwary Says - I NOT GUILTY
At the start of this retrial on Monday for the murder of his two flatmates in 2003, Ram Puneet Tiwary stood up in court and when asked to enter a plea replied confidently: 'Not guilty.'
Those words began a three-week trial in which a Sydney court will once again try to determine what happened that year on Sept 15, when police were called to the apartment where Tiwary lived and found his flatmates dead.
The men, Mr Tony Tan Poh Chuan, 27, and Mr Tay Chow Lyang, 26, had been bludgeoned to death and Tiwary, then 23, was found shaking with blood on his hands. He was convicted of murder, but a retrial was ordered by the Court of Appeal after it ruled that the trial judge had instructed the jury improperly with regard to how they should view certain pieces of evidence.
On Monday, however, the prosecution in the case said it would show beyond a reasonable doubt that Tiwary murdered Tan and Tay, and that the issue of rental for the apartment he shared with the two students was at the centre of the case.
Crown Prosecutor John Kiely alleged that Tiwary had not been paying his share of the rent of the suburban Barker Street apartment where the men lived, going by notes found in Mr Tay's handwriting. The notes stated outstanding sums owed by Tiwary.
Mr Tay had been in charge of settling the A$2,172.60 (S$2,640) rent each month, before collecting his housemates' share. However, Mr Tan and Mr Tay were due to complete their studies and return to Singapore at the end of the semester, leaving Tiwary in the 'stressful situation' of taking on the rent himself, said Mr Kiely. He added: 'There were no more time-outs.'
Referring to items found on the victims, the prosecutor pointed out that both the dead men's wallets appeared intact and contained cash. 'It would appear that robbery was not a motive in this case,' he said.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, they found Tiwary running towards them. He told them that he had been asleep and that he heard his flatmates screaming. When he later came out of his bedroom, they were lying motionless, covered in blood, he said.
Forensic examinations found Mr Tan's blood and strands of hair on a baseball bat owned by Tiwary. Spots of blood found on Tiwary also came from Mr Tan. Mr Kiely said that although the evidence of the case is largely circumstantial, this did not necessarily mean that it was a weak case. He said: 'Sometimes, circumstantial cases can be more convincing and more powerful.'
The case, scheduled to run for three weeks, resumes this morning, when the 12 jury members will be taken to the scene of the murders to get a clearer idea of the apartment's layout, as well its surrounding areas. Video evidence of Tiwary being interviewed by the police will also be screened in court.
I Am Sleeping Lah!
Those words began a three-week trial in which a Sydney court will once again try to determine what happened that year on Sept 15, when police were called to the apartment where Tiwary lived and found his flatmates dead.
The men, Mr Tony Tan Poh Chuan, 27, and Mr Tay Chow Lyang, 26, had been bludgeoned to death and Tiwary, then 23, was found shaking with blood on his hands. He was convicted of murder, but a retrial was ordered by the Court of Appeal after it ruled that the trial judge had instructed the jury improperly with regard to how they should view certain pieces of evidence.
On Monday, however, the prosecution in the case said it would show beyond a reasonable doubt that Tiwary murdered Tan and Tay, and that the issue of rental for the apartment he shared with the two students was at the centre of the case.
Crown Prosecutor John Kiely alleged that Tiwary had not been paying his share of the rent of the suburban Barker Street apartment where the men lived, going by notes found in Mr Tay's handwriting. The notes stated outstanding sums owed by Tiwary.
Mr Tay had been in charge of settling the A$2,172.60 (S$2,640) rent each month, before collecting his housemates' share. However, Mr Tan and Mr Tay were due to complete their studies and return to Singapore at the end of the semester, leaving Tiwary in the 'stressful situation' of taking on the rent himself, said Mr Kiely. He added: 'There were no more time-outs.'
Referring to items found on the victims, the prosecutor pointed out that both the dead men's wallets appeared intact and contained cash. 'It would appear that robbery was not a motive in this case,' he said.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, they found Tiwary running towards them. He told them that he had been asleep and that he heard his flatmates screaming. When he later came out of his bedroom, they were lying motionless, covered in blood, he said.
Forensic examinations found Mr Tan's blood and strands of hair on a baseball bat owned by Tiwary. Spots of blood found on Tiwary also came from Mr Tan. Mr Kiely said that although the evidence of the case is largely circumstantial, this did not necessarily mean that it was a weak case. He said: 'Sometimes, circumstantial cases can be more convincing and more powerful.'
The case, scheduled to run for three weeks, resumes this morning, when the 12 jury members will be taken to the scene of the murders to get a clearer idea of the apartment's layout, as well its surrounding areas. Video evidence of Tiwary being interviewed by the police will also be screened in court.
I Am Sleeping Lah!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Protest with COW head is OK in Mudland!
The Home Minister today defended and justified last Friday's cow-head demonstration after meeting with Malay-Muslim representatives of Shah Alam's Section 23 at his office here today.
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein pointed out that the residents felt victimized and had no intention to stir racial emotion.
“They are not getting off scot-free. They felt victimised and feel that there is another valid explanation on their part. There was no intention on their part to cause racial divide. They, the organisers, who are sitting left and right of me, didn’t even know that somebody was going to bring the head of the cow during that demonstration.” he said.
He added that the residents only wanted their voices to be heard but it was unfortunate that “the publicity they received was negative because it was linked with racial and religious sentiments.”
A group, claiming to be Muslim residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam, the new site of a Hindu temple, held a demonstration outside the Selangor state secretariat last Friday, dragging a severed cow-head, an animal sacred in Hinduism, which they stomped on and spat at under the gaze of the riot police.
The act was carried out by a group of 50 protestors who oppose the relocation of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to Section 23 from Section 19, claiming the area is mainly occupied by Malay-Muslims.
The 150-year-old temple was built on a plantation which over the years was developed into housing estates by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). No provisions were made to relocate the temple, which is now in the middle of a Muslim majority area.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the police allowed the demonstrators to proceed because the numbers of protestors were small.
“They said that they were very conscious and all that they wanted to do was to voice their unhappiness about the willingness of the state government to listen to their requests. I was told that even the Hindus there are not so passionate that it is built there (section 23),” he said.
Hishammuddin refuted claims that the protest was organised by Umno and said that the location allocated by the state government is not suitable because Section 23 is predominantly Malay.
However, a check last week showed the neighbourhood was multi-racial, with Indians making up more than a quarter of those who live there.
“If I wanted to use the issue to create chaos in Selangor, I can but we didn’t take such actions,” Hishammuddin said.
He tried to play down the cow-head incident by pointing out that there were previous incidents where a pig-head was used.
“I have it in my records to show there were cases where a pig-head was used by irresponsible parties including leaving the head in front of an Umno building covered by an Umno flag,” he said, but offered no details of such an act.
The Umno vice-president warned irresponsible parties not to provoke racial sentiments because it goes against the concept of 1 Malaysia.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the residents had met with Hindu Sangam two days ago and both parties will be releasing a media statement tomorrow.
“If it can be resolved quickly and can be done with both sides understanding each other ... why would we want to penalise anybody?” he said, suggesting he was not in favour of legal action to be taken against any of the protestors.
Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein pointed out that the residents felt victimized and had no intention to stir racial emotion.
“They are not getting off scot-free. They felt victimised and feel that there is another valid explanation on their part. There was no intention on their part to cause racial divide. They, the organisers, who are sitting left and right of me, didn’t even know that somebody was going to bring the head of the cow during that demonstration.” he said.
He added that the residents only wanted their voices to be heard but it was unfortunate that “the publicity they received was negative because it was linked with racial and religious sentiments.”
A group, claiming to be Muslim residents of Section 23 in Shah Alam, the new site of a Hindu temple, held a demonstration outside the Selangor state secretariat last Friday, dragging a severed cow-head, an animal sacred in Hinduism, which they stomped on and spat at under the gaze of the riot police.
The act was carried out by a group of 50 protestors who oppose the relocation of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple to Section 23 from Section 19, claiming the area is mainly occupied by Malay-Muslims.
The 150-year-old temple was built on a plantation which over the years was developed into housing estates by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS). No provisions were made to relocate the temple, which is now in the middle of a Muslim majority area.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the police allowed the demonstrators to proceed because the numbers of protestors were small.
“They said that they were very conscious and all that they wanted to do was to voice their unhappiness about the willingness of the state government to listen to their requests. I was told that even the Hindus there are not so passionate that it is built there (section 23),” he said.
Hishammuddin refuted claims that the protest was organised by Umno and said that the location allocated by the state government is not suitable because Section 23 is predominantly Malay.
However, a check last week showed the neighbourhood was multi-racial, with Indians making up more than a quarter of those who live there.
“If I wanted to use the issue to create chaos in Selangor, I can but we didn’t take such actions,” Hishammuddin said.
He tried to play down the cow-head incident by pointing out that there were previous incidents where a pig-head was used.
“I have it in my records to show there were cases where a pig-head was used by irresponsible parties including leaving the head in front of an Umno building covered by an Umno flag,” he said, but offered no details of such an act.
The Umno vice-president warned irresponsible parties not to provoke racial sentiments because it goes against the concept of 1 Malaysia.
Hishammuddin told reporters that the residents had met with Hindu Sangam two days ago and both parties will be releasing a media statement tomorrow.
“If it can be resolved quickly and can be done with both sides understanding each other ... why would we want to penalise anybody?” he said, suggesting he was not in favour of legal action to be taken against any of the protestors.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Ah Neh Rapist
An Indian-born fashion designer convicted of sexually abusing a string of teenage girls and women was sentenced to a minimum of 59 years in jail by a Los Angeles judge.
Anand Jon Alexander, 35, whose clothes had reportedly been worn by stars celebrities including Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige, was found guilty of 16 sex crimes, including forcible rape and sexual battery, at a trial in November.
Alexander represented himself at Monday's sentencing hearing, where he broke down in tears as he requested a new trial. The judge rejected his request.
Prosecutors at Los Angeles Superior Court had accused him of preying on a string of girls and women aged between 14 and 21 over a six-year period from 2002 to 2007.
Nine women testified against Alexander during his trial. Most of the designer's victims were aspiring models lured into meetings with Alexander and forced into sex, prosecutors said.
Alexander is also the subject of an indictment made up of similar allegations in New York, as well as an ongoing probe in Dallas.
Anand Jon Alexander, 35, whose clothes had reportedly been worn by stars celebrities including Paris Hilton and Mary J. Blige, was found guilty of 16 sex crimes, including forcible rape and sexual battery, at a trial in November.
Alexander represented himself at Monday's sentencing hearing, where he broke down in tears as he requested a new trial. The judge rejected his request.
Prosecutors at Los Angeles Superior Court had accused him of preying on a string of girls and women aged between 14 and 21 over a six-year period from 2002 to 2007.
Nine women testified against Alexander during his trial. Most of the designer's victims were aspiring models lured into meetings with Alexander and forced into sex, prosecutors said.
Alexander is also the subject of an indictment made up of similar allegations in New York, as well as an ongoing probe in Dallas.
Happy Teachers' Day
President’s Award for Teachers 2009
Four exemplary teachers received the 2009 President’s Award for Teachers from President S.R. Nathan at the Istana during the Teachers’ Day reception on Tuesday, 1 September 2009. They are:
* Mr Terry Tan Chee Liang , Anglo-Chinese School (Primary);
* Miss Cardoza Sharon Ann, Farrer Park Primary School;
* Mdm Wong Lai Fong, Anderson Secondary School, and;
* Miss Lucy Oliver Fernandez, Catholic High School (Secondary)
The annual President’s Award for Teachers recognises the commitment of teachers towards the total development of students and to nation-building. This year’s recipients are inspiring teachers who have demonstrated passion, innovation and dedication in teaching. From translating abstract concepts through computer games and imbuing values education in the teaching of Mathematics, to organising breakfast meetings and ferrying a pupil to school daily, these teachers played multiple roles of educator, innovator, nurturer and mentor to prepare their students for the future.
About 9,000 nominations for the Award were received from principals, teachers, students, parents and former students, a record high since the Award was introduced in 1998. The nominees included 2,421 teachers from 257 schools. A Selection Panel, chaired by Mrs Josephine Teo, Chairman for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, and comprising prominent members of the community and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, selected the four recipients. The members of the selection panel are listed in Annex B.
Applauding the award recipients for their outstanding contribution to teaching, Mrs Josephine Teo said, “Teachers have the potential to transform our school experience. We are privileged in Singapore to have so many of such transformational teachers. They are not just passionate about imparting knowledge, but also care deeply about nurturing our children as whole persons. At the same time that we recognise the four PAT recipients, I would like to affirm the thousands of teachers out there who are making a huge difference to our education system.”
Four exemplary teachers received the 2009 President’s Award for Teachers from President S.R. Nathan at the Istana during the Teachers’ Day reception on Tuesday, 1 September 2009. They are:
* Mr Terry Tan Chee Liang , Anglo-Chinese School (Primary);
* Miss Cardoza Sharon Ann, Farrer Park Primary School;
* Mdm Wong Lai Fong, Anderson Secondary School, and;
* Miss Lucy Oliver Fernandez, Catholic High School (Secondary)
The annual President’s Award for Teachers recognises the commitment of teachers towards the total development of students and to nation-building. This year’s recipients are inspiring teachers who have demonstrated passion, innovation and dedication in teaching. From translating abstract concepts through computer games and imbuing values education in the teaching of Mathematics, to organising breakfast meetings and ferrying a pupil to school daily, these teachers played multiple roles of educator, innovator, nurturer and mentor to prepare their students for the future.
About 9,000 nominations for the Award were received from principals, teachers, students, parents and former students, a record high since the Award was introduced in 1998. The nominees included 2,421 teachers from 257 schools. A Selection Panel, chaired by Mrs Josephine Teo, Chairman for the Government Parliamentary Committee for Education, and comprising prominent members of the community and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, selected the four recipients. The members of the selection panel are listed in Annex B.
Applauding the award recipients for their outstanding contribution to teaching, Mrs Josephine Teo said, “Teachers have the potential to transform our school experience. We are privileged in Singapore to have so many of such transformational teachers. They are not just passionate about imparting knowledge, but also care deeply about nurturing our children as whole persons. At the same time that we recognise the four PAT recipients, I would like to affirm the thousands of teachers out there who are making a huge difference to our education system.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
