For those who may not be too familiar, allow me to say a few words about the EDB Society. Some 35 years ago, one of our former Chairman, Chan Chin Bock, observed how the then 100 year-old Harvard University Alumni association was tapping on its members for new ideas while simultaneously helping them in networking and their career challenges. Chin Bock spoke to then Chairman Philip Yeo, who gave his full support for the setting up of The EDB Society. Thus, the EDB Society was born. It is unfortunate that Chin Bock and Philip Yeo cannot join us today but they send their best wishes to all of us.

Today, the EDB Society has over 1200 members across generations of EDB officers. In my own somewhat biased opinion we are not only the oldest stat board society in Singapore but, probably, the most active and successful one as well. Being totally volunteer led, we have limited resources but unlimited enthusiasm and organise a wide range of events for our members. For example, last year, in addition to our other events, we partnered with the Temasek Alumni Network (TAN), of whom my friend and EDB alumnus Robin Hu is the President, to organise a series of talks and discussions on countries such as China, India and Indonesia, which were very well-received.

EDB society members may span multiple generations and may have very different experiences and expectations but our links to EDB, and belief in the EDB mission, binds us intrinsically. The belief that Singapore must never take its success for granted; that we must always be obsessed in ensuring that Singapore remains relevant for business and that we continue to create good jobs for Singaporeans. These are the timeless beliefs that bind us. We fondly remember the time we spent in EDB and, for many of us, EDB has molded and shaped our lives. There is a saying ‘You can get out of EDB but you cannot get EDB out of you!’. I leave it to you to decide whether that is good or bad. The more musically oriented draw parallels to Hotel California – ‘You can check out anytime, but you can never leave’.

Throughout the years, many illustrious Alumni have made outstanding contributions and significant difference to Singapore’s economic growth and success. To honour them we designed The Distinguished Fellow of The EDB Society Award. Since its inception, 16 Awards have been given out. Later today, we will be presenting this Award to three of our illustrious members, Former EDB Chairmen Mr Leo Yip and Dr Beh Swan Gin as well as Mr Lee Suan Hiang.