Speech by Mr Lui Tuck Yew at the Commencement of the New 2010 Academic Year at School of The Arts Singapore

SPEECH BY MR LUI TUCK YEW, ACTING MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS, AT THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SINGAPORE (SOTA) ASSEMBLY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR AT SOTA’S NEW PERMANENT CAMPUS, 4 JANUARY 2010, 8.00AM AT SOTA LEVEL 5, 1 ZUBIR SAID DRIVE
 
Mr Lee Tzu Yang,
Chairman, Singapore Arts School Limited Board
 
Mrs Rebecca Chew,
Principal, School of the Arts
 
Staff and pupils
 
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good morning.
 

1          It is my pleasure to join you this morning to celebrate the commencement of the new academic year at School of the Arts’ (SOTA) new permanent campus.
 
A significant milestone
 
2          Today marks a significant milestone in the Singapore arts and cultural scene. SOTA, as Singapore’s first national pre-tertiary specialised arts school, embodies the aspirations and hopes of those who are passionate about the arts. In providing a holistic learning environment where both artistic and academic potential can be realised, SOTA plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of artists and creative leaders in Singapore.

3          The location of the SOTA campus within the Bras Basah Creative District also offers ample opportunities for synergy and collaboration with the arts and creative communities in the vicinity. The unique building structure also reflects and supports the School’s holistic approach to learning. The co-location of the public, performance and academic areas in SOTA creates an open and lively environment that will facilitate interactions between SOTA, the community and the surrounding arts, cultural and educational institutions, which will contribute to a more vibrant and lively arts scene in Singapore.
 
Increased interest and participation in the arts and culture

4          The arts can foster greater bonds and interactions among the community. We have witnessed the blossoming of the arts and culture scene in Singapore in recent years. I am also happy to note the increasing interest and participation in the arts and culture among Singaporeans. The 2009 Population Survey on Arts revealed that about 40 percent of the population surveyed had attended at least one arts event in the last 12 months. Attendances at ticketed performances also rose to 1.54 million in 2008 from 1.46 million in 2007. This bodes well for Singapore’s vision to become a global city for the arts.

5          SOTA’s mission to nurture young artistic talents will also contribute greatly to this vision. I am very pleased to note the progress that SOTA has made in the two short years since its inception. SOTA students have made us proud by showcasing their talents in the recent Asian Youth Games, the President’s Charity Concerts, the 8Q-SAM six-month exhibition and the recent National Piano and Violin competition. I would also like to thank the teaching staff at SOTA for your efforts in nurturing and developing the best in our young and I hope that you will continue to inspire and guide the students to achieve their very best.
 
Conclusion

6          In conclusion, I would like to thank Mrs Rebecca Chew and all SOTA staff for their efforts in ensuring a smooth start to the new academic year at this new campus. I also urge all SOTA students to make full use of the facilities in this campus to hone and realise your aspirations and potential.
 
7          I wish SOTA a successful and exciting year ahead.

Thank you.