reframing perspectives 6. through this scholarship, we hope to achieve three " p " s : expanding possibilities, catalysing partnerships, reframing perspectives. 7. first, expanding possibilities. the internships offered as part of the scholarship will enable ite students to explore the wide range of opportunities available within the financial sector, gain practical experiences and acquire industry - relevant skills that they can bring into their future careers. internships also present a chance for our students to work with industry practitioners and mentors who can guide them in navigating the career pathways in the sector. 8. for our industry partners, we hope that these internships will help you better appreciate the capabilities of our students, leverage their diverse skillsets, and recognise the potential value they can bring to your organisation. 9. second, catalysing partnerships. the launch of this scholarship is just a first step in our efforts to create more pathways for young ite graduates and uplift their career prospects. 10. there is potential for more partnerships between our financial institutions and ite, and i am heartened to hear that ibf will be working with ite and financial institutions to explore the feasibility of new work - study diploma in financial services. this will present a unique opportunity for ite graduates to jumpstart their careers in the financial sector while pursuing their academic aspirations for a diploma. financial institutions, too, stand to benefit, as these trainees will form your talent pool. 11. as with every work - study diploma programme, high quality on - the - job training is a key success factor. i encourage financial institutions to work in close partnership with ite to design and deliver the curriculum, and offer purposeful training and work experiences to the trainees. 12. third, reframing perspectives. this scholarship is more than just providing a cash award or offering an internship. it is a demonstration that there are many pathways to success. with this, we hope to see greater inclusivity and skills - based hiring within the financial sector, where employers look beyond academic qualifications and place a candidate's skills and competencies at the forefront of their hiring practices. we want to assure our ite talent that they can excel in their chosen professions, and enjoy rewarding careers in the financial sector. celebrating success 13. i am pleased to note that some financial institutions are already taking steps to provide opportunities for our ite students and graduates. a ) for example, uob launched its u unleash

tharman shanmugaratnam : singapore ’ s dynamically changing landscape speech by mr tharman shanmugaratnam, chairman of the monetary authority of singapore, at the opening of one raffles place tower two, singapore, 18 september 2012. * * * wee ee cheong, chairman, oub centre limited, mr henry kok, general manager, oub centre limited, distinguished guests, good evening. it is my pleasure to be invited to officiate the opening of a new twin skyscraper in raffles place – one raffles place tower two. it is part of the continuing rejuvenation of the cityscape at raffles place, which continues to be at the heart of businesses and commerce in singapore. raffles place – a continuing history of new blended in old raffles place has indeed been a continuous story of the new inserted in the old, as it emerged from being a humble docking location for small boats and ships in the early 1800s, to become a thriving centre of regional commerce and now a global business and financial centre. on 8th august 1988, oub centre, now called one raffles place tower one, was opened by mr lee kuan yew, who was then prime minister. he had noted the building ’ s quality design and distinctive workmanship. it was also an icon for singapore at the time, as the building went on to be recognised as the tallest building in the world outside of the united states. designed by kenzo tange, one raffles tower one still remains amongst the tallest three skyscrapers in singapore. this evening, one raffles place continues this evolution with the addition of a second tower. how interesting too, that the new tower is designed by mr paul noritaka tange, son of the architect for the original tower one. i am told that one raffles place tower two has two distinctive features which differentiate it from its predecessor. first, one raffles place tower two is a certified bca green mark platinum development. some of the building ’ s environmentally - friendly features include solar cells and tools to harvest rainwater. with these sustainable features, the new tower will achieve an overall energy savings of 32 % each year. i applaud oub centre on this effort. second, one raffles place tower two will not only provide an additional 360, 000 square feet of grade a premium office space but has floor plates which are column - free. they grant offices the flexibility to apportion their office