Three young teachers received the Outstanding Youth in Education Award (OYEA) from Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, at the National Institute of Education (NIE) Teachers' Investiture Ceremony yesterday.

They are, Mr Samuel Lim Kok Boon, 29, from Swiss Cottage Secondary School; Mr Muhammad Fadylla B Rashiman, 27, from Boon Lay Garden Primary School; and Miss Yuen Chai Lin, 27, from Pioneer Secondary School.

The three exceptional teachers were selected from the 12 finalists shortlisted from a total of 305 nominated teachers.

The award recognises excellent young teachers for their enthusiasm, energy and active involvement in the development of youth beyond the formal curriculum

One of the award-winners, Mr Rashiman, has a firm conviction that every child needs pastoral guidance. This was reflected in his participation in the school's "Adopt-A-Child" programme where he mentored an at-risk pupil for two years.

He took the initiative to understand the family background of the child, spent quality time with him, and worked patiently with him to improve his behaviour.

Expected to teach values

In his speech to graduating cohort of teachers at the investiture ceremony, Dr Ng said that the "teaching of values", is the core of the teaching framework.

The new framework is for teaching of 21st century competencies. These competencies include critical and creative thinking, civic literacy, cross-cultural skills and information and communication skills.

Said Dr Ng, "MOE can set the framework, NIE can explain the basis for these programs but ultimately whether we succeed is dependent on teachers. We must resource you adequately to accomplish these important goals."

A total of 399 teachers graduated yesterday from the Bachelor of Arts/Science (Education) and the Diploma in Special Education (DISE) programmes, adding to the "now 30,000-strong teaching fraternity".