SINGAPORE
On September 12th, 2024, the International School Network visited the Embassy of Singapore in Japan for an interview with the Ambassador His Excellency Mr. ONG Eng Chuan.
Mr. ONG began the interview by highlighting two unique aspects of Singapore's education system. He explained that all students learn English as a first language, regardless of their ethnic background. A second language, based on the student's heritage (Chinese, Malay, or Tamil), is also mandatory. This policy is a testament to Singapore's commitment to preserving individual ethnic cultures within a cohesive national identity. He also described the implementation of subject-based banding, a system that groups students by ability in different subjects. This allows students to reach their maximum potential in areas where they excel, moving beyond the traditional method of grouping them based on a single overall average.
When asked what unites the Singaporean nation, Mr. ONG pointed to a sense of vulnerability. Having gained independence only in 1965, he explained that Singaporeans understand the need to work together to ensure the country's survival and continued growth. This collective awareness is the main force that brings the diverse population together.
On the topic of world peace, Mr. ONG emphasized the importance of trust and respect. Citing the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as examples, he stated that a lack of trust and respect among nations is at the root of global instability. He urged leaders to work together to rebuild trust and to respect each other's cultures and ways of doing things. He also expressed hope that countries like Singapore and Japan, which enjoy a peaceful environment, will continue to work together to ensure stability in their region.
Mr. ONG encourages Japanese students to be hopeful, asserting that Japan remains one of the world's top economies even after decades of stagnation. He believes that the younger generation, with its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative use of technology, can create a sustainable Japan for the future.
Mr. ONG also shared his personal goal of deepening the people-to-people exchanges between Singapore and Japan. He expressed a desire to build emotional bonds beyond the strong economic relationship that already exists. He mentioned that many Singaporeans visit and love Japan, and he hopes to see more Japanese people visit Singapore to create their own memories there. He also proudly pointed out examples of cultural exchange, such as a Singaporean leading the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and a Japanese head coach leading Singapore's national soccer team.
Finally, Mr. ONG shared a personal anecdote about his journey from an aspiring engineer to a diplomat. After studying electronic engineering at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, he realized he desired a more dynamic career than programming computers. He was granted a chance to join the foreign ministry and never looked back. He concluded by encouraging students to explore their passions and find their own unique paths in life.
SINGAPORE
On August 17, 2017, the International School Network visited the Embassy of Singapore to Japan to interview the Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Lui Tuck Yew.
The national motto of Singapore is “Onwards, Singapore”. H.E. Mr. Lui explained to us that Singapore, as a young nation, continues to strive without resting, with the recognition that its best days are still ahead. An important cultural value of Singapore that H.E. Mr. Lui highlighted is meritocracy. He explained that regardless of family or background, if people can prove themselves, they can move forwards. He believes in the importance of rounded individuals; he sees that each person has strengths in different forms. His message towards students is therefore to “do what you love” and “love what you do”.
Diversity is another important cultural value in Singapore. H.E. Mr. Lui described Singapore as being a multicultural nation, as Singaporeans come from various origins such as Chinese, Malay, and Indian. H.E. Mr. Lui hopes that children from across the globe can be appreciative of how differently people live and be thankful for their own backgrounds. H.E. Mr. Lui recalled that he grew up during the era before Singaporean independence, when only about 5% of the population were fortunate enough to attend university. Now, the country has changed into an industrialized environment with insurmountable opportunities. H.E. Mr. Lui emphasized that people from fortunate backgrounds should be appreciative of their opportunities and actively engage in contributions to help others.
As the Ambassador of Singapore to Japan, H.E. Mr. Lui’s goal is to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries through the nations' shared values of trade, law, and cultural appreciation. Although Singapore is a small country in terms of area and population, the country is the largest Asian investor in Japan. H.E. Mr. Lui introduced to us a recent program, Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), in which 38 Singaporeans were invited to various parts of Japan, especially the rural areas, for a year or two. H.E. Mr. Lui hopes that those Singaporeans can act as “little ambassadors” who can interact and live forever in the memories of the local Japanese people.
(Reported by Madoka Nishina)
