The series will be an annual 3-day symposium in which student leaders will be given a platform to dialogue with ex-NJCians who are leaders in their fields. It will be launched in late March 2007, and is to be organized jointly by the Sapphire Scholars and the Student Council of National Junior College.

The theme for the 2007 symposium will be "Leading in Public Service" with the arena changing every year.

 

Structure of Programmes

The programme comprises:

¨         Political Attachment Programme
¨        Moot Parliament Programme
¨         Leadership Symposium
¨         Leadership Series of Talks

 

Political Attachment Programme

Participants on attachment to politicians learn about the different aspects of politicians’ work through observing them at work during grassroots meetings and “Meet the People” sessions as well as through informal dialogue with them.  Through these experiences, they should gain a clearer understanding of issues of concern among Singaporeans.

Participants reflect on the possible skills and personality traits that politicians should have for their work.  Participants are on attachment from January to March, with periodic reviews with the teachers-in-charge. 

 

Moot Parliament Programme

Participants learn about the role of the Parliament in the governance of Singapore.  This programme, developed in collaboration with the Parliament House Education Office, includes an introductory lecture and tour at Parliament House, a Bill drafting workshop, facilitated by mentors, and a Moot Parliament debate in the Public Hearing Room of the Parliament House.

This programme is conducted in February.

 

Leadership Symposium

The 3-day Symposium will begin with an overview of the structure and function of the Civil Service. This prepares them for the group-assigned learning journeys to different Ministries and organisations, where representatives will offer some insights into the nature of their work and how this work contributes to the progress of Singapore.  They may share pertinent concerns related to the national issues with the participants.  There will be a panel discussion with young people involved in politics.  The Symposium programme, including the dialogues with Ministers of Parliament at their respective places of work prior to the Symposium, culminates in the keynote speech by the Guest of Honour, and the launch of NJC’s Leadership Series for the year. This is a series of talks for NJC students by prominent figures in various fields.  The 2007 series will focus on Public Service.