As Singapore marks Teachers' Day on Friday (Sept 4), several public figures took to social media to pay tribute to the educators who have shaped their lives and communities.
Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh shared how he and his wife recently took up clay pottery, while Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Dr Janil Puthucheary reflected on the contributions of educators.
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Elysa Chen, meanwhile, looked back on her primary school days and shared a heartfelt tribute to her former form teacher, Ms Karen Albuquerque, from CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Pritam said he and his wife had spent the past few weeks trying their hand at clay pottery at the Weekend Worker, under the guidance of a teacher named Ivan.
He highlighted the studio's aim to provide a "safe zone" where students can unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city through craft.
For Pritam, the experience was also a reminder of the value of traditional art forms and specialised skills, particularly in an age where AI tools can make tasks increasingly accessible.
He encouraged people to pick up new skills and engage in productive activities, adding that the person imparting the knowledge could be an important part of the learning experience.
"Sometimes, the X-factor is truly the person imparting the skills, knowledge and expertise. The Teacher," he wrote.
Sharing a photograph of her former class, Chen recalled how she used to chat with Albuquerque after school about "little chitchats".
She also remembered a time when her teacher wrote a note in her discipline card after she forgot to bring her school blouse to change into after PE.
Although she was devastated at the time, Chen said she could see the sympathy in her teacher's eyes, and later understood that Albuquerque was holding her accountable because she believed she could do better.
That moment, Chen said, had stayed with her for decades.
Dr Janil's post took a broader look at the role of educators, as he reflected on the recipients of this year's President's Award for Teachers.
At the Teachers' Day Reception, he said it was "truly uplifting" to hear about the impact the 2026 recipients had made on their students and school communities.
Dr Janil, who is also Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, said their stories reflected what education was ultimately about — believing in every learner, helping each person realise their potential and making a difference beyond the classroom.
He also thanked educators for the "care, commitment, and heart" they bring to their work each day, wishing them a happy Teachers' Day.
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