Sunday, January 10, 2010

Good character and strong leadership abilities are essential: SM Goh

SINGAPORE: Good character and strong leadership abilities are essential for a person's future and nation's success, said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Speaking at an Edusave Awards ceremony on Saturday, Mr Goh urged students to also do well in their Co-curricular Activities as good academic results alone are not enough to excel in life.

At a bursary presentation ceremony in his constituency of Marine Parade, Mr Goh took the opportunity to explain why students should win the Edusave Awards for Achievements, Good Leadership and Service.

He explained that this award also recognises the importance of character and leadership. Mr Goh added that a strong leader will have the courage to act according to one's conviction and principles in the interest of the people, society and country.

He said: "Leaders are not those who observe and exploit popular sentiment by offering popular but short-sighted and flawed solutions in order to be elected." Senior Minister Goh, also defined trustworthiness, reliability, integrity, compassion, courage and loyalty as character qualities which should be developed in a person.

In addition, Mr Goh stressed the importance of character building in school and at home. He said parents should pay attention to their children's character development.

SM Goh said: "They should spend time talking and listening to them, understanding the problems they face, showing by example what are the right values, and providing a moral compass to navigate through life." A total of 153 students received the Edusave Scholarship and Merit Bursary award which is valued between S$150 and S$500.