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The annual YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards (PESA) is a national speaking competition aimed at developing students' abilities to think and communicate effectively. Contestants are required to prepare original speeches that relate an authentic personal experience relating to the theme in Singapore’s context.
In the 2022 edition, participants have to give a speech entitled, “If I Had 35 Minutes With My Prime Minister".
By Muhammad Safwan Bin Sasman, 1A 2022
When you hear the words `Time with the Prime Minister`, everyone’s back would suddenly straighten. And this is of little wonder. This is the person who has the ability to influence or introduce various policies that benefit the community and steer Singapore in the right direction.
I personally feel that time with the Prime Minister would be an opportunity for me to be able to understand the mindset and needs of many Singaporeans. As I feel that a leader should be understanding and be the best at directing in order to improve the quality of life for all Singaporeans. In addition, Singapore should also be focusing on the sustainability and take active measures to ensure the welfare of the Earth. As if we care for the quality of life for our people we should also care for the Earth. In short, I would like to hear more about his views on how Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong is able to both grapple with the needs of each Singaporean while also ensuring that the nation is doing its part for the environment.
I would also like to be able to be given the chance to ask him about what he feels when people tease him about his `magic cup`. For many of you who are unaware, you should read the news article from Straits Times titled ‘Dear PM Lee, where is your magic cup?’ This cup has a fan base online. I find the joke quite humorous as much as I find it interesting. If people are given the choice to buy this cup, would they really buy it? For me, I would really like to buy the cup as it has been rumoured to be a really powerful tool for him to speak with people from all walks of life, dignitaries, immigrants or foreigners (talent or workers). However, as writer Melvinderpal Singh wrote, there is a greater likelihood of a holiday trip to Germany than getting one's hands on the cup! Thus, I most likely would have to kiss my chances at laying my hands on the ‘holy grail cup’ goodbye!
It is very interesting that when people (such as politicians and celebrities) give speeches, every minute action of theirs can be a talking point or can be made into a meme. Clearly they can receive a lot of recognition from just a simple gesture!
Other concerns that I would like to ask the Prime Minister is: what would the government do in the next few years regarding the situation of post Covid 19? Would we be able to lead our peaceful lives once again maskless as in the days of pre-Covid19? With the rising prices and impending GST hike, would our lives be back to normal? Will Singapore continue to be clean and safe?
And these are the questions that I would raise if I have 35 min with the Prime Minister.
By VICTORIA MARIA HUANG RUI EN, 1A 2022
Today I would like to share with you what I would say if I had 35 minutes with the Prime Minister. I would like to ask him: Is there a way to change the way of thinking that most parents harbour? I have hear about the way parents in the past treat their children as investments. ‘Study hard and become successful doctors. Study hard and earn lots of money. Study hard so that you can be successful and take care of us.’
I understand that the parents don’t want their children to go through the same hardships that they experienced. But what about our dreams, our aspirations? What if we dream of becoming a musician? Or perhaps a chef? I would like to ask you: how do you change this thinking that is pressuring us and stopping us from achieving our dreams? Though I am lacking in the knowledge of the outside world, I would like to make a suggestion to our dear Prime Minister. Our generation needs to be better understood.
There is a need to raise awareness of how children like us are dealing - our thoughts, our feelings, everything. Allow us children to have a voice, to speak our mind, without being canned for wanting to be a musician or chef. This is not us being rebellious or going through the transitionary stage of puberty-like tantrums. This is us begging you to understand how we feel and to give us your support. I have heard my mother belittling cleaners because they did not study hard enough when they were young and ended up not achieving her definition of success. Perhaps what she fails to understand is that these hardworking cleaners have given their best to provide a conducive environment for our current generation to live in.
Speaking about a conducive environment, we all know the power of aesthetics. In life, financial power isn’t the only means to make Singapore a conducive place to live in. Here, I am talking about the Arts. The Arts also provides an equally powerful way to create a conducive environment for all. Take for instance Picasso, da Vinci, Van Gogh, and not forgetting, the musical artistes such as Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish and many more. These people do not need academics to be successful. They pursue their passion and are creating a positive impact to the world around them.
This is what I would say if I had 35 minutes with the Prime Minister. I hope for a place where children are able to pursue their dreams without having to worry about their parents’ disapproval. Thank you.
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