Foster Families,
Foster Children,
Fostering Agencies and Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Introduction
1. Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the achievements of our foster children and youth at this annual awards ceremony. I look forward to this ceremony every year, as I want to see what amazing things our children and youth have done in the past year.
2. Today, we are recognising 24 outstanding children and youth, and they have made some really remarkable achievements in their academics, arts, sports, and character development. Each award is a recognition not just of the achievement in itself, but also the determination that these children and youth have shown in their ability to overcome challenges and also at the same time to pursue their dreams.
Spotlight on Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients
3. Now, I want to take this opportunity to share the inspiring journeys of two of our Outstanding Achievement Award recipients.
4. Our first recipient is Daniel* –
a. Daniel* has performed well academically and achieved a bronze award in the International Biology Olympiad.
b. His creative talent has also been recognised. At this year’s Singapore Youth Festival, he played four roles in his school's drama skit that actually won Distinction! He also actively contributes in school and took on multiple emceeing roles at school events. Daniel* might just be emceeing for us next year!
c. During his O Levels this year, Daniel* also found it challenging to juggle academics and his Co-curricular Activities. But he made it through this very challenging period with the support of his foster parents, Foster Care Worker and also alongside other foster youths,
d. He was not alone; a whole community stood with him and supported him.
5. Daniel* impressed his school with his approachable nature and his ability to empathise with others, qualities that made him an excellent peer and student leader. In recognition of his leadership potential, he was nominated for the Outward-Bound Singapore camp’s young leaders award. Even after graduating from secondary school, Daniel*continues to give back by mentoring his juniors in the Drama Club. His commitment to others reflects his strong character and dedication to serving his school community. Well done, Daniel*!
6. Our second recipient, Adam*, also has an inspiring journey.
a. Adam* was diagnosed with dyslexia, but through the support and encouragement of his foster parents, and with the help of programmes from the Dyslexia Association Singapore, he worked hard overcome the challenges he faced.
b. His determination paid off when he achieved commendable PSLE results. Beyond his studies, Adam* has also grown into a confident young leader. He rose to the rank of Sergeant in the National Cadet Corps, contributed actively as a member of the Student Council, and in 2025, led his class to victory in a football competition. He also earned his school's Best Camper award and was recognised with the school’s Values Award for his strong character. Well done, Adam*!
7. By the way Adam*, I came to understand that you aspire to be a firefighter in the future. Well, that was my past life. I am heartened by your aspiration to contribute to society. Adam*, as a former lifesaver myself, I can assure you that it is an extremely deeply meaningful career and it is extremely rewarding at the same time. So, congratulations to you, Adam*. A round of applause for him!
Celebrating Supportive Relationships and Foster Families
8. Behind Daniel’s*, Adam’s*, as well as every other foster child’s growth are heartwarming stories of support, love, and dedication from their foster parents and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our foster parents. You have opened up your homes, but also, more importantly, your hearts – providing not only a roof over the foster children’s heads, but the safety and stability of an environment that every child deserves. Your daily acts of love and care give these children the opportunity to experience security, love, and emotional support.
9. It is only through the strong support of our fostering community that our foster children can thrive, knowing that they too are valued, they are loved, and they are never alone. Studies consistently show that family-based care offers more personalised, stable and responsive support than institutional care, leading to better social, emotional, and mental well-being outcomes for our children.
10. We hope more families will step forward to join our pool of foster parents. MSF has been regularly reviewing and enhancing the support that we provide. This year, we increased the allowance for foster parents caring for teenagers and enhanced casework support for older youths. The fostering eligibility criteria were also expanded in July last year to encourage more families to participate. We will continue to strengthen the support available to foster parents and to encourage more families to join us on this deeply meaningful journey.
Honouring Our Fostering Agencies
11. At the same time, I also want to express my appreciation to the Foster Care Workers in our Fostering Agencies, especially as we celebrate social service professionals this year in 2025. Thank you for your unwavering support to our foster families and children. Through your close partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and community organisations, you help build a comprehensive support network around every child that we care for.
12. Your expertise, compassion and dedication form the foundation of our fostering community, and they are what make every success story we celebrate today possible.
Conclusion
13. Even as we honour today's achievements, we are reminded that fostering is ultimately about creating possibilities and creating opportunities – giving every child the chance to discover their potential and also to pursue their dreams. The awards we present today are just going to be the beginning, and I am confident that many more milestones will lie ahead.
14. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone here for your dedication to our foster children and youth. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of our fostering community, and the bright futures that await the children and young people in our care.
15. On that note, I wish you everybody a wonderful day ahead. Thank you very much and have a magical afternoon!
*Not their real names
Note: In accordance with the Children and Young Persons Act, to protect the identity of the foster children and youth, any information which may lead to the identification of the child and youth cannot be published.