Speeches
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Scotch Australian Grammar School (Scotch AGS) Graduation Ceremony
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
It is a great pleasure to return to Scotch AGS since my last visit in November 2022, and join you again for this special milestone – the inaugural graduation ceremony of Scotch AGS in Ho Chi Minh City.
First and foremost, congratulations to the graduating students.
Your achievements today mark the beginning of exciting new chapters in your lives.
I met a big group of Year 10 students during my last visit in 2022, and some of you are graduating today.
You have competed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), which is a globally recognised qualification that prepares you for success wherever you choose to go – in Australia, Vietnam and beyond.
I also recognise your parents, whose support has made your success possible today, as well as your dedicated teachers and school leaders for delivering an outstanding education experience.
The SACE is different and more than just a certificate – it allows teachers to be more flexible so they can adapt lessons and assessments that better tailored to individual student strengths.
It equips students not only with deep academic knowledge, but also with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for success at university, in career and in life.
It uses real world aligned, consistent assessment – a mix of school assessment and external assessment. As opposed to exam-based curriculums which place dominant focus on exams at the end of the program.
The partnership between Scotch AGS and Scotch College is a remarkable example of education partnership in action between Vietnam and Australia.
I acknowledge Scotch College Adelaide and Scotch International Education, along with the SACE Board, for their vision in bringing the SACE to Vietnam through this partnership.
Since my last visit, Scotch AGS has grown rapidly and today proudly celebrates its first cohort of SACE graduates.
I know many of you have already received offers from leading universities in Australia and across the globe, and that is wonderful.
I invite all the graduates today to look to South Australia for your next steps.
Adelaide offers world class universities, a welcoming and multicultural community, industry connections and support provided by StudyAdelaide.
To the graduating class of 2025, you are now part of a global community of SACE International alumni network, and a world of opportunity awaits.
You should all be very proud of your achievements
Congratulations again to you and to everyone who has supported your journey.
Thank you.