Speaking at SMU’s 10th commencement ceremony yesterday, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat addressed the question of why graduates should take chances by relating how the Government had gone about deciding whether to set up the university 15 years ago. While over nine in 10 SMU graduates (91.7 per cent) clinched jobs last year, Minister Heng felt that the success “came from other people who also dared”. This included business owners and investors, among others, who had the courage to build their businesses and create meaningful jobs for Singaporeans. Calling on SMU graduates “to maintain this virtuous cycle”, Minister Heng said: “With the right leadership, in the right spirit, and with a strong supporting environment, you can succeed — and you can create something truly special. Daring is not just about taking a risk for its own sake. It is taking on a challenge to create something truly meaningful for yourself, your community and your country. The ceremony saw the largest graduating cohort since its inception in 2000.