PM urges: Continue to nurture local arts talents

Source: Lianhe Zaobao © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission
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Source: Lianhe Zaobao © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission
PUBLICATION
Lianhe Zaobao
SECTION/PAGE
8
DATE
6 Nov 2014
JOURNALIST
Culture and arts are an essential component of society
Prime Minister urges to continue nurturing local art talent
Singapore could not be a “complete country” if it lacked an appreciation for culture and arts.
Culture and arts are an essential component of our society as they help the country grow. It
is essential for us to continue to cultivate talent in this aspect.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the above appeal when he attended LASALLE
College of the Arts (“LASALLE”) 30th anniversary banquet yesterday evening.
He pointed out that apart from teaching mathematics and physics, Singapore's higher
institutions of learning also encourage students to choose subjects such as literature and
history. In addition, the government displays works of art in quite a number of public places
and parks and supports local artists to encourage a livelier arts scene in Singapore.
Furthermore, Singapore has continuously supported arts institutions such as LASALLE.
Prime Minister Lee said that LASALLE was established not only in the expectation of being
able to nurture young people with job skills in the art field, but also because LASALLE
believed Singapore needs to create real works of art that are representative of the national
culture and with which people can identify with.
Singaporeans usually concentrate on “serious” fields of study, such as science and
technology, and the establishment of LASALLLE enabled the uncovering of art's potential to
enhance social and cultural communities.
LASALLE College of the Arts was established in 1984 and currently offers 30 types of
professional diplomas, university courses and Master's courses. The fields cover arts design,
film, animation, fashion, dance, music, drama, arts education as well as art therapy.
The college has 2,600 students in present, 60% of whom are Singaporeans including
famous alumni singer Kit Chan and the young filmmaker Boo Junfeng.
Prime Minister Lee said that for many years, Singapore has encouraged its people to explore
different fields for paths that lead to success and he urged Singaporeans to engage in lifelong learning and to develop their strengths so that every person could find their place in
society and bring their strengths into play.
Taking LASALLE as an example, the institute has had six alumni and teaching staff winning
the Cultural Medallion so far. This year, one of the Cultural Medallion recipients, sculptor
Chong Fah Cheong, previously taught at LASALLE.
Prime Minister Lee said that for Singaporeans to accept different paths to success, it
involves not just a change in the economic structure, but also requires an adjustment of
people's culture and attitude. The SkillsFuture Council established by the government earlier
hopes to achieve such change and to eventually assemble a national movement of
employers, trade unions and government.
In September this year, the government announced the establishment of the SkillsFuture
Council. It was not to just implement the proposals of Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE
Review (ASPIRE), but it was also responsible for pushing forward the new general blueprint
for “continued education and training”.
Prime Minister Lee said that the arts is a field where skills absolutely need to be nurtured.
LASALLE always cooperates with industry in order to provide the students with opportunities
for study and practice to develop and expand their visions and skills. He urged LASALLE
and other higher institutions of learning to continue to push this change in attitude.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission
Last night, LASALLE College of the Arts also held an auction, with the proceeds going to
loveLASALLE educational fund, which helps financially challenged students to complete their
studies.
Photo caption:
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night attended the 30th anniversary celebration and art
exhibition at LASALLE College of the Arts