The Minister for Education, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, joined students from SMU and other Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) for a closed-door dialogue. Hosted by the Office of Dean of Students and Office of the Provost at the SMU Hall in the Yong Pung How School of Law on 6 February 2025, and the session saw approximately 180 student leaders engaging in discussions on education, career pathways, and leadership in a constantly evolving world.
Minister Chan encouraged students to reflect deeply about their future roles, posing the rhetorical question: “Why should anyone employ you?” He stressed the importance of adaptability and the ability to create new value especially in the age of AI. As Singapore celebrates SG60 this year, he reminded students that they will be the leaders shaping SG100, facing challenges far more complex than today’s challenges.
Among the student leaders involved in organising the session was Annabel Faith Joshika Sekar, a Year 2 student from the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law, who also moderated the dialogue. Reflecting on the session, she shared, “Discussions like these provide unique opportunities for students from all walks of life to share their thoughts and opinions on various social issues.”
She also highlighted a key learning point: “Whatever the issue is, there are multiple perspectives to be considered and weighed before a decision can be made. Political leaders have to make important choices when it comes to the use of limited resources, meaning that there will always be trade-offs.”
Grace Wong Jiaen, a Year 2 student from the SMU School of Economics said, “I believe these discussions provide insights into what being a leader of your community, and more importantly, Singapore, means,” she reflected. “Should we prioritise healthcare for an ageing population or invest in education for future growth? This discussion challenged me to think beyond surface-level solutions and consider long-term implications.”
Her biggest takeaway was the emphasis on process over outcome. “Minister Chan emphasised that instead of seeking quick answers, we should focus on how we arrive at them. It was also thought-provoking as I considered how our generation of leaders may define success by how well the next generation does.”
When asked about takeaways related to future careers, Grace highlighted a key message that resonated with her: “What is your unique value proposition?” She elaborated, “It made me reflect on what sets me apart – not just in terms of skills, but also in the value I bring to any role or team. In today’s fast-changing world, technical skills can be learned, but what truly differentiates individuals is a clear sense of purpose, adaptability, and a unique perspective.”
Minister Chan’s engagement left students with important reflections on leadership and decision-making, reinforcing the idea that their contributions will shape the future of Singapore. As he shared in his social media post: “If we can only admit students based on tests which are not fixed, narrow or standardised, who will we choose – the runner who performs better now or the runner who shows more potential?”
This session underscored the importance of fostering leaders who can balance diverse national needs and bring out the best in people. As students continue to engage in such meaningful discussions, they are better equipped to think critically and contribute to Singapore’s future.
Photos taken by Ministry of Education, Singapore.