Sha'ari Tadin
Encyclopedia
Sha'ari Tadin was a former Senior Parliamentary Secretary
to the Minister for Culture, and Member of Parliament
(MP) in the Singapore Government. As the first Malay graduate MP, he was also highly regarded as Cikgu Sha'ari, for his role as teacher
, tutor
, principal and educator.
, Negri Sembilan, Federation of Malaya
. He was of Minangkabau descent. He was the eldest of six siblings. He was educated at the Malay School in Kuala Pilah and completed his primary education at Darjah 6 during the Japanese occupation of Malaya
from 1942-1945.
After the war, Sha'ari completed his primary education in Singapore at Outram School (now Outram Secondary School
) in less than three years. He later had his secondary education at Victoria School
and on obtaining his Senior Cambridge Certificate, joined the Teachers' Training College (now National Institute of Education
) and started his teaching career in 1957.
, currently Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mayor of North East District of Singapore.
In 1961, Sha'ari taught Science to Malay-medium pupils at Siglap Secondary School. A year later, he was awarded the Federation Colombo Plan
Scholarship to study at the University of Malaya
(UM) in Kuala Lumpur
, leading up to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Malay Studies. While at UM, he was elected President of the Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM) or National Union of Federation Muslim Students from 1963 to 1965, as well as Executive Committee member of the Masjlis Belia Malaysia or Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) Executive Committee in 1963 and 1964. He was also Deputy Leader of UM's first Student Exchange Programme delegation to Chulalongkorn University
, Bangkok
in 1963; and part of MYC's delegation to the 5th General Assembly of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) Conference at University of Massachusetts Amherst
, USA.
With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Malay Studies, he returned to Singapore in 1965. He taught Malay and Economics (in the Malay language) to the first batch of pre-University Malay-medium pupils at Sang Nila Utama Secondary School, the first Malay secondary school in Singapore. He was also part of the Singapore delegation to the Third Asian Teachers' Leadership Seminar Committee, Permanent Congress of Malay Language and Culture in 1966. Within 2 years at Sang Nila Utama Secondary School, he became Acting Principal in 1967. He also tutored many students, one of whom was the son of the first President of Singapore, Mr Yusof bin Ishak
.
of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew
, to join the People's Action Party
(PAP) and to contest in the republic’s general elections. Dedicated to teaching and his students, it took much persuasion before Sha'ari agreed to join politics. He strongly believed in a strong foundation in education among the younger generation of citizens, and being in Parliament would enable him to continue his work and do more for the nation.
in the 1968 Singapore General Elections. Returning unopposed with over 75 percent of votes, Sha'ari became Member of Parliament for Kampong Chai Chee and the first Malay graduate PAP MP.
During his tenure at the Ministry of Culture, he was instrumental in the promotion of arts and culture of Singapore and its introduction overseas. In 1969, he founded Majlis Pusat (Pertubuhan-Pertubuhan Budaya Melayu) or Central Council of Malay Cultural Organisations, and became its patron until 1987. He helped to establish the National Dance Company (now Singapore Dance Theatre), which made its debut in the Adelaide Festival of Arts
in 1972. He led cultural delegations to Indonesia
, the Soviet Union
, Tehran
and South Korea
. He was leader of the Singapore contingent at the 1974 Asian Games
in Tehran. He was also a special guest of the Governments of West Germany
, Japan
and France
in 1972, 1974, 1975 respectively.
He also opened schools and institutions including:
was partly reclaimed in 1966. In 1973, development started for the creation of Bedok New Town, the fifth new town by the Housing Development Board (HDB). Bedok became a constituency in 1976 under the charge of Sha'ari Tadin, who formed the Citizens' Consultative Committee. That same year, he contested in the General Elections in Bedok constituency and was returned with a majority vote of nearly 75 percent.
On 28 September 1978, as the Member of Parliament for Bedok Constituency, he officially opened Bedok View Secondary School
, the 139th school built by the government and the first government secondary school to be built within Bedok New Town.
, whilst still serving as a Member of Parliament. Under his leadership and guidance, the number of 'O' level passes increased at the school.
Upon retiring from politics, Sha'ari was posted to the Ministry of Education, Singapore's Public Relations Unit in 1985 until 1987. He also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) in December 1987.
At the age of 50, Sha'ari obtained a Masters Degree in Social Sciences in Sociology
from the National University of Singapore
in 1987, after submitting his thesis
entitled 'A Study of Performance and Motivation of Schoolchildren in an Integrated Secondary School'. His achievements have become a source of inspiration to many under his guidance and mentorship, and those who know him.
.
Parliamentary Secretary
A Parliamentary Secretary is a member of a Parliament in the Westminster system who assists a more senior minister with his or her duties.In the parliamentary systems of several Commonwealth countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, it is customary for the prime minister to...
to the Minister for Culture, and Member of Parliament
Members of the Singapore Parliament
The following is a historical list of members for the current and past ten Parliaments of Singapore:-See also:*1st Parliament of Singapore*2nd Parliament of Singapore*3rd Parliament of Singapore*4th Parliament of Singapore*5th Parliament of Singapore...
(MP) in the Singapore Government. As the first Malay graduate MP, he was also highly regarded as Cikgu Sha'ari, for his role as teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
, tutor
Tutor
A tutor is a person employed in the education of others, either individually or in groups. To tutor is to perform the functions of a tutor.-Teaching assistance:...
, principal and educator.
Education
Haji Sha'ari Tadin was born in Kuala PilahKuala Pilah
Kuala Pilah is a town and district in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Commonly called Pilah by the mainly Malay Minangkabau inhabitants, it is also the name of a district. It is an old valley town with many of the pre-war Chinese shophouses still fronting the main streets surrounded by traditional style...
, Negri Sembilan, Federation of Malaya
Federation of Malaya
The Federation of Malaya is the name given to a federation of 11 states that existed from 31 January 1948 until 16 September 1963. The Federation became independent on 31 August 1957...
. He was of Minangkabau descent. He was the eldest of six siblings. He was educated at the Malay School in Kuala Pilah and completed his primary education at Darjah 6 during the Japanese occupation of Malaya
Japanese occupation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak
Throughout much of World War II, British Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak were under Japanese occupation.The Japanese Empire commenced the Pacific War with the invasion of Kota Bahru in Kelantan on 8 December 1941 at 00:25, about 90 minutes before the Attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii at 07:48 on 7...
from 1942-1945.
After the war, Sha'ari completed his primary education in Singapore at Outram School (now Outram Secondary School
Outram Secondary School
Outram Secondary School, abbreviated as OSS is a government school in Singapore. Founded in 1906 as Outram Road School, then Outram School by gazette notification, Outram Secondary School is one of the oldest schools in Singapore. It is the only government school in Singapore with a swimming pool...
) in less than three years. He later had his secondary education at Victoria School
Victoria School
Victoria School in Singapore is a government secondary school for boys, founded in 1876, at Siglap Link, about one kilometre from affiliated Victoria Junior College....
and on obtaining his Senior Cambridge Certificate, joined the Teachers' Training College (now National Institute of Education
National Institute of Education
The is an institute of the , Singapore.NIE, Singapore, provides all levels of teacher education, from programmes to for in-service teachers and executive for Principals, Departmental Heads and other school leaders. NIE also administers postgraduate programmes that lead to the award of in...
) and started his teaching career in 1957.
Teaching & scholarship
Sha'ari taught in various primary schools between 1954 and 1960. One of his former students from Jalan Daud Primary School was Mr Zainul Abidin bin Mohamed RasheedZainul Abidin bin Mohamed Rasheed
Zainul Abidin bin Mohamed Rasheed is a Singaporean politician and former Member of Parliament who last represented Aljunied GRC from 2001 to 2011.-Education:...
, currently Senior Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mayor of North East District of Singapore.
In 1961, Sha'ari taught Science to Malay-medium pupils at Siglap Secondary School. A year later, he was awarded the Federation Colombo Plan
Colombo Plan
The Colombo Plan is a regional organization that embodies the concept of collective inter-governmental effort to strengthen economic and social development of member countries in the Asia-Pacific Region...
Scholarship to study at the University of Malaya
University of Malaya
The University of Malaya is located on a campus near the centre of Kuala Lumpur, and is the oldest university in Malaysia. It was founded in 1905 as a public-funded tertiary institution...
(UM) in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population. The city proper, making up an area of , has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million...
, leading up to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Malay Studies. While at UM, he was elected President of the Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM) or National Union of Federation Muslim Students from 1963 to 1965, as well as Executive Committee member of the Masjlis Belia Malaysia or Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) Executive Committee in 1963 and 1964. He was also Deputy Leader of UM's first Student Exchange Programme delegation to Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
, Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
in 1963; and part of MYC's delegation to the 5th General Assembly of the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) Conference at University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research and land-grant university in Amherst, Massachusetts, United States and the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system...
, USA.
With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Malay Studies, he returned to Singapore in 1965. He taught Malay and Economics (in the Malay language) to the first batch of pre-University Malay-medium pupils at Sang Nila Utama Secondary School, the first Malay secondary school in Singapore. He was also part of the Singapore delegation to the Third Asian Teachers' Leadership Seminar Committee, Permanent Congress of Malay Language and Culture in 1966. Within 2 years at Sang Nila Utama Secondary School, he became Acting Principal in 1967. He also tutored many students, one of whom was the son of the first President of Singapore, Mr Yusof bin Ishak
Yusof bin Ishak
Yusof bin Ishak was an eminent Singaporean politician and the first President of Singapore of Minangkabau descent. His portrait appears on the Singapore Portrait Series currency notes introduced in 1999.-Early life:...
.
Politics
In the mid 1960s, newly independent Singapore was facing problems such as mass unemployment, shortage of public housing as well as lack of land and natural resources. The Government’s implementation of a large-scale public housing programme caused many residents from largely rural areas to be relocated to various parts of the island. There was a strong need to establish closer rapport with the people, especially in the Malay community and help them understand the need for better public housing.First Malay graduate MP (1968)
As one of the first few Singaporean Malay scholars in the 1960s, Sha'ari was approached by the Prime MinisterPrime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew
Lee Kuan Yew, GCMG, CH is a Singaporean statesman. He was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, governing for three decades...
, to join the People's Action Party
People's Action Party
The People's Action Party is the leading political party in Singapore. It has been the city-state's ruling political party since 1959....
(PAP) and to contest in the republic’s general elections. Dedicated to teaching and his students, it took much persuasion before Sha'ari agreed to join politics. He strongly believed in a strong foundation in education among the younger generation of citizens, and being in Parliament would enable him to continue his work and do more for the nation.
Member of Parliament for Kampong Chai Chee (1968-1976)
In February 1968, Sha'ari retired temporarily from Government Service to enable him to stand as a PAP candidate for Kampong Chai CheeChai Chee
Chai Chee is a neighbourhood within Bedok New Town in Singapore. The area was formerly a small village known as Kampong Chai Chee. It is served by two major namesake roads, namely Chai Chee Street and Chai Chee Drive, with minor lanes of Chai Chee Road, Chai Chee Avenue and the original Jalan Chai...
in the 1968 Singapore General Elections. Returning unopposed with over 75 percent of votes, Sha'ari became Member of Parliament for Kampong Chai Chee and the first Malay graduate PAP MP.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture (1968-1972)
In May 1968, at the age of 36, Sha'ari was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture. He spent time and energy with the people, grassroots leaders and residents in his constituency to better understand their concerns and to be able to help them understand the need for building a better future for Singapore.Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture (1972-1976)
Within four years in office, Sha’ari he was promoted to Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Culture) in 1972. He had also temporarily performed the duties of Parliamentary Secretary (Education) before the 1972 General Elections.During his tenure at the Ministry of Culture, he was instrumental in the promotion of arts and culture of Singapore and its introduction overseas. In 1969, he founded Majlis Pusat (Pertubuhan-Pertubuhan Budaya Melayu) or Central Council of Malay Cultural Organisations, and became its patron until 1987. He helped to establish the National Dance Company (now Singapore Dance Theatre), which made its debut in the Adelaide Festival of Arts
Adelaide Festival of Arts
The Adelaide Festival of Arts is an arts festival held biennially in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Although locally considered to be one of the world's greatest celebrations of the arts, that is internationally renowned and the pre-eminent cultural event in Australia, it is actually...
in 1972. He led cultural delegations to Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
, Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
and South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. He was leader of the Singapore contingent at the 1974 Asian Games
1974 Asian Games
The 7th Asian Games were held from September 1, 1974 to September 16, 1974 in Tehran, Iran. The Aryamehr sports complex was made for the Games. The Asian Games were hosted in the Middle East for the first time...
in Tehran. He was also a special guest of the Governments of West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
in 1972, 1974, 1975 respectively.
Other senior appointments
- Founder, Chairman of Advisory Board & Patron, Majlis Pusat, 1969-1987
- Vice-President, Singapore Sports CouncilSingapore Sports CouncilThe Singapore Sports Council is a statutory board under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports of the Singapore Government...
, 1974-1982 - Ex-Co Member, Asian Games Federation (now Olympic Council of AsiaOlympic Council of AsiaThe Olympic Council of Asia is a governing body of sports in Asia, currently with 45 member National Olympic Committees. The current president is Sheikh Fahad Al-Sabah. The oldest NOC is from Japan and Philippines, recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1911; whereas East Timor is...
), 1974-1982 - President, Singapore Amateur Cycling AssociationSingapore Amateur Cycling AssociationThe Singapore Amateur Cycling Association or SACA is the national governing body of cycle racing in Singapore.It is a member of the UCI and the Asian Cycling Confederation.-External links:*...
, 1977-1988 - Member of Executive Board, Singapore National Olympic CouncilSingapore National Olympic CouncilThe Singapore National Olympic Council, or commonly SNOC, is a registered society, recognised by the International Olympic Committee...
(SNOC), 1970s - President, Taman Bacaan (Singapore Malay Youth Library Association), 1970s
- Chief Patron, Japanese Cultural Society, SIngapore, 1970s
- Adviser of Regional Youth Council (East), People's AssociationPeople's AssociationThe People’s Association was established in Singapore as a statutory board on 1 July 1960 to promote racial harmony and social cohesion. PA commemorated its 50th Anniversary in 2010....
, 1970s - Chairman of Organising Committee, Summer Scholarship, Japan (Asian students), 1970s
Opening ceremonies
Sha'ari Tadin officiated many events including:- 1974 - Opening of the Art & Handicraft Exhibition of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, at Singapore Conference HallSingapore Conference HallSingapore Conference Hall is a multi-purpose building located in the heart of the financial district of Shenton Way in Downtown Core of Singapore. The first building to be constructed along Shenton Way, it was a place for conferences and exhibitions in the 1960s and 1970s...
- 1975 - Opening of the Six French Masters of Photography Exhibition, at National Museum of SingaporeNational Museum of SingaporeThe National Museum of Singapore is a national museum in Singapore and the oldest museum in Singapore. Its history dates back to 1849 when it was started as a section of a library at Singapore Institution...
- 1975 - Opening Ceremony of the Soviet Film Festival, Singapore
He also opened schools and institutions including:
- 1968 - Telok Kurau Primary SchoolTelok Kurau Primary SchoolTelok Kurau Primary School is a government primary school on Bedok Reservoir Road in Bedok, Singapore. The school, which was founded on 6 September 1926 as Telok Kurau English School, was attended by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Malaysia's late Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn in its early...
(at former premise at Joo Chiat Place) - 1971 - Sennet Road Secondary School
- 1971 - Aminah Mosque (now Darul Aman Mosque)
- 1971 - Kg Chai Chee Community Centre
- 1974 - Toa Payoh Community LibraryToa Payoh Community LibraryThe Toa Payoh Community Library is an established library located in the Toa Payoh Town Centre, opened on 7 February 1974. It consists of three floors and has a large floor area of approximately 4125 m².-History:...
- 1974 - Chai Chee Branch Library
- 1976 - PERGAS Study Centre
- 1978 - Bedok View Secondary School
Member of Parliament for Bedok (1976-1980)
BedokBedok
Bedok is a neighbourhood in the eastern part of Singapore. Bedok New Town is the fifth Housing and Development Board new town; its development started in April 1973 and continued over some 15 years....
was partly reclaimed in 1966. In 1973, development started for the creation of Bedok New Town, the fifth new town by the Housing Development Board (HDB). Bedok became a constituency in 1976 under the charge of Sha'ari Tadin, who formed the Citizens' Consultative Committee. That same year, he contested in the General Elections in Bedok constituency and was returned with a majority vote of nearly 75 percent.
On 28 September 1978, as the Member of Parliament for Bedok Constituency, he officially opened Bedok View Secondary School
Bedok View Secondary School
Bedok View Secondary School is a government co-educational neighbourhood secondary school located in southern Bedok, Singapore, within walking distance of Tanah Merah MRT Station.-School history:...
, the 139th school built by the government and the first government secondary school to be built within Bedok New Town.
Continuing teaching & education
In February 1977, Sha'ari rejoined the Ministry of Education as an aided Education Officer. That same year, he was seconded as Principal of Telok Kurau Secondary SchoolTelok Kurau Secondary School
Telok Kurau Secondary School was a co-educational neighbourhood secondary school in Telok Kurau, Singapore. The school was established in 1965, and was small by Singapore standards, with a student population of 800 and permanent teaching staff of around 45...
, whilst still serving as a Member of Parliament. Under his leadership and guidance, the number of 'O' level passes increased at the school.
Upon retiring from politics, Sha'ari was posted to the Ministry of Education, Singapore's Public Relations Unit in 1985 until 1987. He also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) in December 1987.
At the age of 50, Sha'ari obtained a Masters Degree in Social Sciences in Sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
from the National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is Singapore's oldest university. It is the largest university in the country in terms of student enrollment and curriculum offered....
in 1987, after submitting his thesis
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
entitled 'A Study of Performance and Motivation of Schoolchildren in an Integrated Secondary School'. His achievements have become a source of inspiration to many under his guidance and mentorship, and those who know him.
Awards
Sha'ari Tadin received the Anugerah Jasawan (Meritorious Award) by Majlis Pusat in 1984. The Singapore Government has also accorded him the Pingat Bakti Setia (Excellent Service Award) for his commitment and contribution to public service.Death
Sha'ari Tadin died of heart failure at his home on 13 December 2009 at 12:25 p.m. Prior to his death, he had been bedridden for quite some time with Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system...
.