Singapore — UWC South East Asia celebrated its 50th year on Dec 15, having been opened by founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1971 on Dover Road.
The location where the former St John’s British Army School had stood was chosen by Mr Lee and others among the country’s founders as the site of a school for the children of expatriates “in a strategic move designed to support the economic development of a newly-independent Singapore.”
And for its jubilee celebration, current PM Lee Hsien Loong sent the school a heartfelt message, congratulating “one of the first international schools in Singapore”.
He praised UWC for having grown to become an established and trusted educator since its beginnings, with 5,600 students from over 100 nationalities in its Dover and Tampines campuses as well as “successful alumni all over the world.”
“UWC’ success is intertwined with Singapore’s development and progress. Throughout this journey, the college has made valuable contributions to the wider community, especially through (its) vibrant service programmes.
However, PM Lee acknowledged that the last two years have been very difficult for everyone because of the pandemic, but especially for the ex-pat community. While everyone has had to comply with tight travel measures, some ex-pat families have been separated for long periods of time.
“The economic uncertainties have also heightened local-foreigner anxieties in our society, which you may have personally encountered.”
He then went on to thank the international community for “standing shoulder to shoulder with Singaporeans through these difficult days.”
“Thank you for contributing to our economy and society, and for being part of the extended Singapore family,” he added.
PM Lee also assured the expatriate families watching his address that the country will always be an international hub “open and welcoming to ideas and talent,” adding that he looked forward to UWC “continuing to play a valuable role in Singapore for the next 50 years and beyond.”
To mark its jubilee, the college launched a book entitled 50 Years United: The Story Of UWCSEA In Singapore, authored by Graham Silverthorne, who used to helm the UWCSEA campus in Tampines.
The book aims to document the school’s founding from Dec 15, 1971, to the present, “through a series of stories about individuals set in the context of our history, time, and place.
Reminding us of our shared mission, to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures to peace and a sustainable future, it also serves as a signpost to our future.” /TISG
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