Holistic development for all students

Holistic development for all students

I read the report on universities ("Don't forget social mission, PM tells unis"; last Friday) with interest.

The outcome of education is not to just produce students who have knowledge and good academic results. We need to mould and shape every student to become a wise, moral and responsible person.

Every student has unique gifts, talents and passions. We need to help him develop his strengths and pursue positive aspirations in his life. He should have the essential qualities, including grit and resilience, to live a meaningful, productive and fulfilling life.

He should become a useful person who can contribute to strengthening the economy and our country. He must know how to address social injustices and achieve progress for society.

In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, he must know how to connect and communicate with others in the global community. He must also have the capacity and sensitivity to collaborate with them.

At the same time, he must have the ability, agility and tenacity to co-create solutions. He must have a comprehensive education to resolve current as well as future challenges.

Therefore, we need to develop the student in a holistic and balanced way. He must know how to research, analyse and apply knowledge in the unfamiliar settings of a fast-changing digital economy.

Patrick Liew Siow Gian


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