Message of
H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya,
Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines
on the occasion of the Ceremonial Check Turn-Over
of "SCG Sharing the Dream" Scholarship Program
Learning Center, UPPC Plant, Calumpit, Bulacan
28 June 2010

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Excellencies, Khun Montri Mahaplerkpong, Distinguished Guests, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Magandang hapon sa inyong lahat! (A pleasant afternoon to everyone!)

First of all, let me extend my sincere thanks to SCG in the Philippines for inviting me to join this special occasion.? It is my great pleasure to once again witness today?s Ceremonial Check Turn-Over of the ?SCG Sharing the Dream? Scholarship Program. This event only reflects a small part of series of the Siam Cement Group?s continuous effort to sustainably ?return the benefit to the society and community in the Philippines.?

SCG, one of the largest business conglomerates in Thailand, is well known not only in its successful practice of good corporate governance but also in its commitment to corporate social responsibility.? I am very glad that SCG has not only applied its commendable practice at home, but has also extended its approach to all of its investments overseas, including here in the Philippines.

I would like to commend SCG?s initiative in prioritizing the promotion of human development in its social responsibility projects. Especially, its various scholarship programs aiming at providing better access to education for less privileged students ? as education and training can serve as means to empower people in the fight against poverty. Indeed, this philosophy very much resonate the rousing words of the Philippines? foremost national hero, Jose P. Rizal, when he said: ?Por la educacion recibe lustre la patria? or ?Through education a country receives light.? ?
I am happy to learn that the first batch of SCG Filipino scholars from Batangas and Bulacan are now in their 4th Year High School and are expected to graduate soon. This accomplishment by SCG in the fields of corporate social responsibility and education are indeed truly remarkable and inspiring.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Royal Thai Government continues to give priority to ?Education for All? since it believes that human resource development is fundamental for social and economic improvement worldwide. With realization of human resources development, the Royal Thai Government is determined to cooperate with our friendly neighboring countries in enhancing educational cooperation.

For several years, Thailand has offered various kinds of scholarships to many developing countries including the Philippines. In cooperation with SCG, the Royal Thai Embassy shares the vision of promoting a better access to education, particularly for the less-privileged Filipinos, and supports the continued commitment of SCG to Philippine society.

I would like to encourage the participants and local community together with the initiation of SCG and with the Royal Thai Embassy to continue in working together so that we can explore other needs of the communities wherein SCG has established its presence. Our common efforts and teamwork of public and private sectors of Thailand residing here in the Philippines will improve human resources and eventually the quality of life which will create sustainable growth.

With this, let me now congratulate all of the students as well as their families who were granted this unique opportunity from SCG. Maligayang bati sa inyo! (Congratulations to you!) I do hope that the momentum brought today will create better understanding and more cooperation between Thais and Filipinos as well as further people-to-people contact between our two countries.

Thank you very much.

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