尊敬的教育部陈振声部长
福建会馆监理会以及理事会同仁
各位校长、老师、
女士们、先生们
大家晚上好！

首先，我谨代表新加坡福建会馆全体同仁，热烈欢迎教育部陈振声部长，出席今晚的教师节慰劳晚宴暨飞跃教师奖颁奖典礼。我们由衷感谢陈部长对会馆属校以及飞跃教师奖的鼎力支持，在百忙当中特地来给获奖老师们颁奖，这对老师们来说是莫大的鼓励！

福建会馆自创会以来，一直秉承弘扬中华文化、发展教育事业的宗旨，一百多年来，这份坚持从未间断。会馆支持属下5所小学推行了双文化华文优选课程，从2007年开始到现在，已经推行了17年。近几年，又与另外两所小学分享教材，让更多学生受惠。同时，我们也为南侨中学的语文特选课程提供额外补助，丰富学生的学习体验。

8月18日，听到黄循财总理在国庆群众大会的演讲，我们倍受鼓舞。总理认为新加坡不但要有精英，还要有精华！我们相信，未来将会有更多学生选修高级华文，将热爱转化为行动，学好华文华语，熟知华族文化，成为“精通华文的人才”— 新加坡社会的精华，为国家的发展添砖加瓦。

新加坡福建会馆的理事积极参与华社事务，义务为国家为社群的发展服务。今年，福建会馆刚完成了三年一度的理事会选举，本人有幸连任福建会馆会长，深感责任重大，也很高兴能再次代表福建会馆理事会 – 包括新晋理事 – 向属校的全体教职员致敬！

我在福建会馆已经服务了16年，2008到2010年间，曾经担任教育组主任，因为这份渊源，一直很关注属校的发展与动向。教育工作不是普通的职业，是使命和担当，肩负立德树人的重任，关爱学生，传播知识，更要以身作则，引导学生建立良好的价值观。在此，我谨代表福建会馆，预祝各位老师们，教师节快乐，希望大家喜欢今晚的节目，并在接下来一周，好好休息，重新出发！

接下来，我将继续以英语发言。

Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Education，Mr Chan Chun Sing,
Principals, teachers, ladies and gentlemen, a very good evening!

On behalf of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan 45th Council, a very warm welcome to the annual Teachers’ Day Appreciation Dinner and the 13th LEAP Award Presentation Ceremony.

The LEAP Award, which stands for “Listening Educator for Advancement and Progress Award”, was launched by the late President S R Nathan in 2011. Tonight, we will be presenting the Award to a total of 15 outstanding teachers, shortlisted from 234 nominations received from 154 schools. Four schools will be receiving the LEAP Award for the very first time! They are Zhonghua Primary School, East Spring Primary School, Pasir Ris Secondary School and Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School (East). Our heartfelt congratulations to all 15 recipients and the awarded schools. The LEAP Award recognises your commitment in helping students achieve their highest potential. Well done, and keep up the good effort!

On this note, I would like to thank the LEAP Award judging panel for your effort and time, in going through the nominations to shortlist and finalise the LEAP Award recipients, despite your busy work schedule. We truly appreciate your dedication and commitment.

Education is a long-term endeavour and commitment. Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan, has shown that throughout the 184 years of history, we have been committed in upholding the founding mission of promoting and advancing the causes of education in Singapore. I am heartened that everyone here shares that commitment towards education. On this special occasion, it gives me great pleasure in wishing all of you, a very Happy Teachers Day!

Thank you.