23 February 2007, CNA

Singapore's top civil servant Philip Yeo said Singapore cannot afford to have its best and brightest students only in a few top schools receiving the same system of education.

The Chairman of A*Star said the greater the diversity of backgrounds and talents, the better Singapore would be able to respond and compete in this new world.

This is because children will face new and as-yet-unknown technologies, industries and jobs.

This is why Mr Yeo has urged parents to take the "bold step" of sending their children to different types of schools, such as St. Joseph's Institution International.

Speaking at the school's inaugural ceremony, the former student of St. Joseph's Institution (SJI) added that old boys have a role to play in the development of the school.

They can help prepare students for the real world through career talks, sharing life experiences and providing mentorship and work attachments.

And leading by example, Mr Yeo said he would make himself available for talks at both SJI and SJI International.

He is also circulating his email so that students can reach him for guidance on any topic.

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