Ms Elysa Chen, MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC (Bishan East-Sin Ming),
Mr Thomas Chua, President of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan,
Mr Wong Jia Wang, Principal of Ai Tong School,
Fellow Council Members of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan,
Distinguished guests, teachers and students of Ai Tong School,
Good morning, everyone!

It gives me great joy to be here today, at Ai Tong School, on this very special occasion. Not only are we celebrating Children’s Day with this vibrant Kids’ Fiesta, but we are also here to witness the launch of a very special children’s book, “Ready, Kueh Set, Go!”, as part of the 185th anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan.

Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to our Guest-of-Honour Ms Elysa Chen, thank you for taking the time off your busy schedule to join us. Today is a great day to visit Ai Tong, where the school campus is in such a fun celebratory mode.

We also like to thank Ai Tong School, and in particular, to Principal, Mr Wong Jia Wang, for hosting this meaningful event today and for so graciously supporting the launch of our commemorative book. Ai Tong has been one of the important pillars in Huay Kuan’s educational mission, and your continued commitment towards our shared values is deeply appreciated.

A Story Rooted in Tradition and Togetherness

The book that we are launching today, “Ready, Kueh Set, Go!”, is no ordinary children’s book.

At first glance, it might seem whimsical – a playful story about five delightful Hokkien kuehs – Ang Ku Kueh, Ban Chian Kueh, Huat Kueh, Chiu Tzu Kueh, and Wah Kueh – each lovingly designed to represent one of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan’s affiliated schools.

In this book, our five kueh characters come together to participate in the annual Combined Schools Sports Meet – an event that has long been a cherished tradition of the Hokkien Huay Kuan affiliated schools, and one that has been upheld for over five decades.

For over fifty years, this annual event has brought our students together – not only to run faster or jump higher, but to support one another, to cheer for their peers, and to appreciate the spirit of sportsmanship.

A Legacy of Sportsmanship and Unity

Over the decades, thousands of students have taken part in this event. They may not all remember the medals they won, but they will certainly remember the friends they made, the lessons they learned, and the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.

“Ready, Kueh Set, Go!” captures these experiences beautifully.

Through the eyes of our five little kuehs, readers are introduced to the concepts of healthy competition, mutual respect, and camaraderie. The illustrations and storytelling breathe life into these values in a way that is accessible, fun, and deeply meaningful for young readers.

It is our hope that this book becomes not just a story to be read, but a conversation starter – between parents and children, between teachers and students, and between alumni and current generations.

We want readers – young and old – to reflect on what it means to grow, to give, and to be part of a community.

Conclusion

A big thank you also goes out to the Publication Committee, for their guidance and commitment throughout the project. Your efforts have ensured that this book reflects the pursuit for excellence, the spirit and identity of our Huay Kuan and its schools.

Last but certainly not least, a big thank you to all our affiliated schools – to the school leaders, teachers, and students – for your hard work, support and enthusiasm. Without our schools, there can be no book.

最后，明天就是儿童节，祝愿所有小朋友、大朋友和老朋友们 — 儿童节快乐！希望大家永远有一颗年轻、对世界充满好奇的心，对未来抱着理想和希望，各就各位，预备，行！

谢谢大家！