My heartiest congratulations to Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore (JUGAS) on your 55th anniversary.

 

Since your founding in 1970, JUGAS has played an important role in strengthening educational and peopleto-people ties between Singapore and Japan, with mutual benefit for our countries. Your support for Singapore students pursuing tertiary studies in Japan has opened doors for them to experience living and learning in another country and gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture and society. JUGAS also provides alumni with a platform to sustain the friendships they formed as students and maintain their connections with Japan.

 

Through your partnership with Singapore's Ministry of Education Language Centre, JUGAS has also helped bring Japanese language and culture to a wider community of students in Singapore. These efforts complement JUGAS' broader work in promoting educational and cultural exchanges and have helped build a reservoir of goodwill and mutual understanding that strengthens Singapore-Japan bilateral relations.

 

JUGAS's 55th anniversary coincides with another significant milestone. This year, Singapore and Japan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. It is a timely reminder that the strong ties between our countries are sustained not only through institutional partnerships and economic links, but also through friendships, mutual understanding, and trust built between our people over many years. I am confident that JUGAS will continue to nurture these connections and inspire future generations to build on this strong foundation.

 

Yours sincerely,

DESMOND LEE

 

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND MINISTER-IN-CHARGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES INTEGRATION, SINGAPORE