Launch of Postcards Across ASEAN in Manila, 3 May 2007

PRESS RELEASE
(embargoed for release on 3 May 07)

Launch of "Postcards Across ASEAN" in Manila, Philippines
3 May 2007, 2:00-3:30 pm at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan, Rizal Building, Department of Education, Pasig City

To mark ASEAN's 40th anniversary of ASEAN and the start of Singapore's chairmanship of ASEAN later this year, Singapore has initiated a project called "Postcards Across ASEAN" as part of a series of commemorative activities for this year. The Singapore Art Museum and the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly launched the project on 28 March 2007 at the Glass Hall of Singapore Art Museum. Minister for Education and Second Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam officiated the launch and said that the celebration of ASEAN's 40th anniversary was "not just for government leaders and civil servants but also for the youth". He added that, "while children may not understand free trade agreements, they can learn to see similarities in each other. It is essential to foster this sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among the youth in ASEAN".

"Postcards Across ASEAN" aims to use the universal language of art to promote awareness of ASEAN as a concept and community. Students aged 6-12 are invited to use any medium they wish to design a postcard to express and share their respective countries' heritage as well as to introduce themselves. The postage of these postcards will be prepaid and mailed to Singapore. The most outstanding entries will be selected for commendation and cash prizes. All the entries will be exhibited at the Singapore Istana Open House on 5 August 2007 and at the 13th ASEAN Summit hosted by Singapore at the end of the year. Meanwhile, all the postcards received in Singapore will be re-distributed so that each student who participated in the project can expect a 'reply' card from a student in another ASEAN country.

To launch the project in Manila, the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Singapore Embassy in Manila, will host the launching ceremony of the "Postcards Across ASEAN" project at the Rizal Building of the DepEd in Pasig City at 2 pm on 3 May 2007. Education Secretary Mr Jesli Lapus will grace the event, together with Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Mr Luis Cruz, as well as the Ambassadors of ASEAN countries. DepEd will award commendation prizes, sponsored by the Singapore Embassy, to the best 15 entries among the first 100 postcards submitted by the participating students from the National Capital Region for the project. Ronald McDonald House Charities and Asia Brewery Inc. have also generously sponsored gift vouchers, stationery packs and 100-plus drinks for the launch event. A total of 10,000 postcards have already been distributed to about 100 primary schools nationwide in the Philippines with the help of the DepEd. It is hoped that this project will give the students a chance to get to know ASEAN and enable them to make many more new friends in the region.