Self-made billionaire Mr Sam Goi attributes his success to the Chinese values he learnt in Dunman High School (DHS).

One of the most important values ingrained in the Chinese-educated Mr Goi was the importance of never giving up even when the going gets tough. It is this fighting spirit that has transformed his company, Tee Yih Jia, into the global multi-million dollar business that is the largest producer of spring roll skins in the world, and which has earned him the nickname of “The Popiah King”.

“When you embark on something, give it your all,” said Mr Goi, describing the values behind his success. “Remember that failure is not an option. You must also deliver on your promises. If you can’t do something, don’t promise that you can, and no one will blame you for not being able to do it. But if you promise to do it and you don’t, then you will be blamed for making an empty promise. Having a good work ethic helps. Also, don’t be complacent. If you are, you will eventually lose out to your competitors. More importantly, you must be confident. You cannot feel inferior to others. Confidence is the key to success.”

These values have propelled Mr Goi a long way from where he started. Born in the Fujian province of China, he came to Singapore with his family at the age of six. Of humble background, he barely knew a word of English.

When he was in primary school, some of his classmates who were from affluent families had majies — Chinese women who took a vow of celibacy to work as maids — waiting for them outside school with food and drinks, and chauffeurs ready to drive them back to their huge bungalows. That left quite an impression on the young Mr Goi. “When I was little, I had many big dreams,” he said. “But I turned them into reality.”

After graduating from DHS, he worked in his father’s shop for six months. Then he decided to strike out on his own by borrowing $10,000 from his father to open an electrical repair shop. Even though his first business venture folded in less than a year as a result of his inexperience, Mr Goi picked himself up, borrowed money from his uncle and a tontine, and started all over again. This time, he was successful and his new shop raked in a revenue of $500,000 — a huge sum in those days — in just four years. Then, in 1977, Mr Goi stumbled into the food manufacturing business when he bought over Tee Yih Jia to help out a friend. The rest is history.

Today, like Mr Goi, DHS has gone far. It was selected to be one of the nine Special Assistance Plan secondary schools in 1979 because of its strong focus on bilingualism. In 2005, DHS became one of the first few secondary schools in the country to offer the Integrated Programme (IP), which allows students to progress to the A level examination or its equivalent, without having to sit for the O level examination along the way. Presently, there are only 18 IP schools in Singapore.

Mr Goi said, “I find DHS students to be different from the rest. They possess integrity and are well-mannered.”

Mr Goi is one of the wealthiest people in Singapore now, but he has retained his humility and continues to give back both to society and to his alma mater, where he spent the formative years of his life. He has been the Chairman of the DHS School Advisory Committee for more than a decade.

Forging Family Ties at School

Remembering his school days Mr Goi said, “DHS was my second home. When I was a student, it was never just a school to me because of the many kind and dedicated teachers. I got along well with my classmates too, so it felt like I was part of a big family which made me feel right at home.”

The sense of family is clearly a constant in the School’s history. Indeed, it was a recurring idea in a series of interviews with staff and former pupils that feature in DHS’ latest corporate video. Not surprisingly, its theme is “Family”.

Dr Foo Suan Fong, DHS Principal and former DHS student, said, “When I asked the teachers what words best describe DHS, all of them, even those who are not former pupils of the School, suggested words like ‘Caring’, ‘Family’ and ‘United’. I believe that that’s what makes a good school — when teachers and students feel that they are part of a larger family and are united as one. Here at DHS, we believe that the School will always be a part of you. Once a Dunmanian, always a Dunmanian.”

Former principals and teachers are always welcome in DHS. They are invited to attend special occasions like Teachers’ Day and the School also sends them a Chinese New Year card every year. In fact, Dr Foo makes it a point to meet with the former principals of DHS at least once a year, either over a meal or at a school event.

Mr Teo Kek Yeng, an old boy and current President of the DHS Alumni, said, “Thankfully, there has always been close collaboration between the School, the School Advisory Committee and the Alumni. We work very well together.”

The School Advisory Committee, Alumni and even parents from the Parent Support Group meet on a regular basis. They bond over karaoke sessions, go on overseas trips, and forge a supportive network which gels the School’s past and present together.

“For the School to continue to do well, the principal and teachers must continue to work with the School Advisory Committee and the Alumni. A single person or group will not be able to do much for the School. It is only when we work together that we can succeed,” said Mr Goi.

And in realising this success, the School Advisory Committee which Mr Goi chairs plays a crucial role.

DHS School Advisory Committee

The DHS School Advisory Committee comprises a number of remarkable individuals who, like Mr Goi, are also industry leaders.

Asked why he devotes his time to the School, Mr Goi said, “Like me, Dr Foo and Mr Teo, who are still giving back to the School, are former pupils of DHS. I can’t put it into words but it’s entirely different when former pupils take on key roles that shape the development of the School. It simply feels different. Not only am I proud of what the School has accomplished thus far, I am also proud to be an alumnus of DHS. Even now I feel a very strong sense of belonging to the School.”

The Advisory Committee helps to raise funds for special projects such as the expansion of the school campus. These funds also go towards rewarding teachers for their hard work and assisting needy students in the form of scholarships and bursaries.

“Without the School Advisory Committee, which generously funds these activities, it would be very difficult for the School to organise them,” said Dr Foo.

However, contrary to common perception, the Committee is not only concerned with dollars and cents.

The Committee members attend major school functions like dance performances to lend moral support and offer students opportunities to do internships at their companies. With their connections, they also initiate events such as inviting notable individuals to visit the School in order to raise the School’s profile.

Mr Goi added, “These visits are exceptionally meaningful as students are heartened to know that these important people in society are also interested in the progress of DHS and have made the effort and time to visit the School. Knowing that can be a source of encouragement for the students to work harder.”

To motivate students to strive for excellence, the Committee also arranges for extraordinary alumni to give inspirational talks. Their return exemplifies the idea of remembering one’s roots and sets a good example to those who are still in school. With this sort of school spirit it is unsurprising that upon graduation many students join the Youth Alumni.

DHS Youth Alumni

As members of this youth branch of the Alumni Association, former students spend their time supporting their juniors, in terms of dispensing advice. They return to share information on matters such as dealing with the often complicated overseas university applications processes, choosing the right university and course, and understanding the differences between studying in a British and an American university.

“There are many ways one can give back to one’s alma mater. The Youth Alumni members may not have the means to make substantial monetary contributions to the School but what they do is invaluable. Many of them are studying overseas so they share their experiences with the current students,” explained Dr Foo.

On 20 July 2013, the Youth Alumni held the fourth annual Youth Alumni Homecoming which was attended not only by the alumni, but also by former teachers. The success of this event demonstrates the level of emotional attachment many have for their alma mater. Clearly, the core partners of the School share a common desire: nothing but the best for Dunman High School.

近日德明新制作的学校宣传短片《木麻黄下的岁月》，围绕全片的主题，就是“德明是家”。短片记录了学生、教师、校友、校长符传丰博士以及咨询委员会主席魏成辉对德明的深情，他们都提到了德明母校是个大家庭的温馨感觉。

咨询委员会主席魏成辉是1966年毕业的德明校友，由校友担任咨询委员会的职务，魏成辉直言：“就如孩子是自己亲生的那样，感情就是不一样。校友当校长，校友当咨询委员主席，大家都有强烈的归属感。”

《新学》新加坡教育双语双月刊在德明政府中学采访魏成辉，畅谈他与母校的渊源，以及身为咨询委员会主席，如何协助母校发展。当天，德明校友会会长张克荣以及同是校友的德明政府中学校长符传丰也一起接受访问。三位德明校友分享他们怎样爱母校，在不同的岗位贡献母校。

魏成辉在中三那年因搬家转校到德明，在德明两年的学生岁月，让他难以忘怀。他说：“德明的老师很用心教导我们，他们爱学生像爱自己的孩子那样。后来，我创业，是书法家陈人浩校长用毛笔亲笔给我写‘新城电器公司’的招牌。”

校长符传丰说：“我们近日制作了德明网站短片。制作前，我问教师、主任，有哪些形容词可以形容德明？他们的意见不约而同是home，caring，family，united as one这些和家、关爱、团结有关的字眼。”

魏成辉20年前加入德明的咨询委员会，从财政做起。他表示：“咨询委员会的成功，靠的是大家凝聚的力量。一个人无论多强，力量还是单薄，必须要大家互相扶持，群策群力。有钱出钱，有力出力。”

重要庆典邀请名人到德明来

魏成辉认为咨询委员会就是为协助学校发展而设立。来自社会各界的咨询委员会成员有丰富的社会资源和人脉，可以把校外经验带进学校。他说：“学生求学，从小学到大学，都是为将来步入社会做准备。有丰富社会经验的咨询委员和校长及教师沟通交流，能直接让学生在还未步入社会前，了解社会的脉动。”

魏成辉运用自己的人脉，在学校举行重要庆典时，邀请名人到访德明。他说：“每当学校有重要庆典如新校舍落成典礼及重要周年庆，我都邀请部长和重要人物到德明参观。李显龙总理、副总理尚达曼和张志贤、国防部长黄永宏、前副总理黄根成等都来过。他们来访意义重大，是对学校的肯定，给学生很大的鼓励。大人物来过，认识了德明，对德明的感觉就不同，日后谈起德明，他们会说：‘哦，我知道德明，我去过。’总之，亲自来过和没有来过，差很远！”

建国总理李光耀在2011年1月来访德明，全校师生都很激动，魏成辉说：“见面三分情，李先生的来访让学生和教师感觉到他很重视德明。”

魏成辉强调邀请名人和高官访问学校，是他身为咨询委员会主席的责任，“我个人生意的活动很少邀请高官。学校不同，这是社会工作。当然，德明声誉好，他们也喜欢来。”

德明有2400多名学生，教师加上退休返聘共有近200人，集合了咨询委员会、校友会和家长会的力量，德明拥有了无穷的力量。

德明人：诚信勇忠

魏成辉眼中的德明学生是有礼貌的，而且还有特别气质。他以“实在”形容德明人，他说：“就如德明校训，德明人就是‘诚信勇忠’。我为德明感到自豪。”他在一些活动时常遇到向他自我介绍是德明校友的人。他说，这显示了“德明校友以母校自豪，大家毕业后都以德明为荣。如果学校不好，校友是不愿提起母校的。”

魏成辉当年因为英文不好，无法升读德明高中，只读了两年就离开。他笑说：“我六岁从中国来，到小学四年级连英文字母A到Z都不会，当时还要读马来文，加上爱玩，学不来。我的数学最好，都考高分。”他认为当年和今天的环境不同，现在很多人都能掌握双语，“现在英文不好、没有文凭，是寸步难行的。”

他离开学校后，在父亲的杂货店打工八个月，帮忙煮菜、送货，领取60元月薪，再给30元作为家用，这样拮据的日子让他感到没有前途。于是向父亲借了1万元，和朋友合伙做机械生意。不料，这笔投资金不到八个月就全亏光。他说：“当时年轻，时常被爸爸批评和责骂，他说我这个不对，那个不好。于是我决心出去闯，要证明自己是行的。第一笔生意失败，并没有给我挫折感。爸爸叫我回去帮忙，我坚持不回去，要做得好给他看。”

铁了心不回头，他决心再创业。经由标会及向叔叔借了两万元，再多方尝试。从第一次的失败，他领悟做生意要独资，和人合作很麻烦，大家意见不同，做法不同，加上人可以共患难，却不能同富贵，很多障碍。他后来独资经营生意，就做得很畅顺，生意越做越大，没有再遇上太大的挫折。他经营的第一家集团，以卖薄饼皮打出江山，占有全世界市场一半以上的份额。他说：“人的成功是自己也预想不到的，要有天时地利人和才行。”

流着华校生的血液，华校生的拼搏精神和讲究诚信，是魏成辉坚持的信念。“拼搏和诚信是华校生的美德。华校生刻苦耐劳、有责任心、喜欢结交五湖四海的朋友，在社区服务，都是出钱出力，任劳任怨。”

和学生分享自己成功的秘诀

魏成辉经常和德明学生分享成功的秘诀是：“千万不能因为对方是大老板或大学生，英语说得好，而产生自卑感，那就永远无法抬头了。要对自己有信心，做事只许成功，不许失败，千万不要有自卑感。”他认为决定成功的关键就是具备对自己坚定的信心。

从小，同学里面有很多富商之子，住大洋房，上学放学有司机接送，他很喜欢去他们家玩，完全没有仇富或者厌富的心理。即便自己没有显赫家世，英文也不强，却认为没有什么大不了，完全不自卑，还对自己的将来充满幻想。到社会工作后，对自己更有信心，最终美梦成真。

他对建立信誉反而看得更重要。他说：“信誉是自己建立的，所以信誉最重要。做不到的事情，千万不要答应，答应了就一定要做到，面子有没有并不重要，面子是人家给的。”

谈起经商之道，他有许多体悟。他认为“错误的决策比没有决策好，做错了至少可以马上改过来。没有决策就在那里拖拉着，一事无成。”他近年来常告诉员工：“生意做小，赚多，赚不多；生意做大，赚少，赚不少。”这当然是他后来生意做大的体悟。

由于生意版图大幅扩大，加上年纪渐大，他无法像以前那样凡事亲力亲为，而必须放手给员工。他说：“人的生命是有限的，不可能用有限生命做无限的事。现在时间不够用，很难亲力亲为了。我以前可以左右耳分别和不同的人讲电话，手里还可以拿笔写东西，现在不行了。”他的管理心得是看绩效。公司年年亏本，再怎样苦干也没用。所以，要注重的是效果，而不单单是效率。

他笃信做生意一定要有“以今日改良昨日，以明日改良今日”的精神。“行业中没有竞争者，就要和自己竞争，不进则退。今天你是世界领导者，明天不一定还是。今天只要做得不好，明天就被别人超越，要追赶已经很难了。”

五任校长常聚餐

校长符传丰表示，学校办得好，不是看校舍设备有多好，而是看学校的办学理念和凝聚力。他说：“众志成城，团结一致的精神很重要。‘一日德明人，一生德明情’，是近年来德明在重要庆典和活动上必用的标语。”

学校贵宾室内挂着一张德明五任校长：符传丰、孙振炜、陈添福、谢泽文及林乃燕在学校庆典上举杯共饮的合照，这凸显了德明重视团结和传承的核心价值。五任校长时常聚餐交流，是德明的特色。符传丰说：“新校长上任，尽管会有新的做法，但学校大方向从未改变。这和我们办学理念一致，而且都有华校出身的背景有关。

“我们每年寄贺年卡给前任校长和退休教师，重要活动如校庆和教师节聚餐一定邀请他们出席。学生看到退休了的老校长、老师都回来，还有许多毕业了几十年的校友不间断地回校服务，他们从中体悟到什么是家的感觉。”

符传丰举例说明咨询委员会对学校发展的贡献。他表示：“第一是财力的支持。学校要发展特别项目或扩建时，需要金钱增添额外设备，咨询委员会在主席带领下，协助筹募大笔款项。咨询委员会每年也赞助一些小额的款项，比如慰劳教师以及提供奖助学金，支持有困难的学生。第二是精神上的支持。例如出席学校庆典，这对校长、教师和学生都有激励作用。今年的教师节庆典，咨询委员们全体出席，加上退休校长和教师也来参与盛会，给了我们莫大的鼓舞。”

维系这个大家庭，靠的是大家共同守护的信念。符传丰表示：“凡是有重要活动我们必定全体总动员，咨询委员会、校友会和家长会全都出席支持。在校外，这三个组织也一起出国参访或唱卡拉OK，感情很好。”

魏成辉说：“我们不是教育专家，无法每天在学校。我们是尽量支持学校，尽力满足校方的需要。德明建校50周年和55周年的筹款活动，我们合力筹到了200万元。”

21世纪办学集合各方面的资源

符传丰指出，办学需要集合各界力量。“21世纪办学不但是学校的事，而是各方各面关心学校发展的人、机构和团体一起合作的。咨询委员会和校友是学校的社会资源，他们对我们的影响很大。我们常邀请咨询委员和校友到学校和学生分享心得，谈他们在社会和求学经验，学生也到他们的企业实习。我们邀请校友回来演讲，他们会感受到学校对他们的重视，学弟和学妹到他们公司求职，他们会倍加照顾。”

校友会和校方合作无间

校友会会长张克荣肩负凝聚校友感情的重任，他认为校友会除了让校友有平台聚在一起联络感情外，还可以群策群力，发挥集体力量。他说：“很庆幸的是，一直以来校友会和咨询委员会及母校配合得非常好，三方紧密合作。”

德明校友时常回母校和学弟妹交流，最近一次是7月22日傍晚的“回家走走”活动，留学海外的德明校友集体返校，给学弟妹讲解申请海外大学的准备工作和留学经验。符传丰认为年轻校友常看到老校友为母校服务，耳濡目染之下，他们也有为母校贡献力量的心志。

他说：“这些年轻校友还未工作赚钱，他们是以分享经验来回馈母校。我们有许多校友已是身居要职，如财政部兼交通部高级政务部长杨莉明、国会议员兼通商中国总裁刘燕玲（2013年10月起出任社会及家庭发展部政务次长）等人，也不时返校演讲。学生可以从中学习到回馈母校的精神，并以成功的校友为榜样。这样一代传一代，薪火相传。

符传丰表示，社会人士对德明人的评语是，双语能力很强，中英文都掌握得好。“吴作栋的新闻秘书符国裕也是德明校友，有一次活动前，他特别到学校参观场地，我们沟通得很自然，该用英语时用英语，用到华语时就自然转成华语。德明的特刊都是英文和华文，学校演讲也用双语，我们引以自豪的是坚持用双语，我们是特选学校嘛。建国总理李光耀来访时送德明一句话：‘掌握双语，一生受用无穷。’这正反映出德明坚持双语的特色。”

魏成辉/Sam Goi

Mr Sam Goi bought over Tee Yih Jia in 1977 and transformed it into a global multi-million business. He has since expanded his investment portfolio to include investments in numerous industries such as healthcare management. Mr Goi sits on the board of many committees. Other than being the Chairman of the School Advisory Committee in Dunman High School, he has also been the Chairman of Ulu Pandan Citizens’ Consultative Committee since 1995. Mr Goi is currently the Honorary Chairman for the International Federation of Fuqing Association, a council member for the Singapore Zhejiang Economic and Trade Council and a member of the Singapore University of Technology and Design Board of Trustees. Mr Goi was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2000. In 2004, he was awarded the Public Service Star and was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Services and Business Products). In 2013, Mr Goi made it to the Forbes Singapore’s 40 Richest List and is also one of Forbes 48 Heroes of Philanthropy. 1977年魏成辉收购第一家食品厂，在短短三十几年将第一家从一个小工厂发展成为如今一个多元化、跨国际的商业集团，第一家的品牌已从新加坡扩展到全球，再从食品业拓展去地产业，把投资延伸到可再生能源和医疗保健等多元化领域。 2013年魏成辉名列福布斯全球富豪榜-新加坡富豪第六名，并入选为福布斯亚洲行善英雄榜。2000年获得新加坡政府颁发公共服务奖章PBM。2004年获安永“年度企业家奖”，同年8月获新加坡总统颁赐公共服务星章BBM。魏成辉热心公益，担任多项社会职务，包括乌鲁班丹公民咨询委员会主席、德明政府中学咨询委员会主席、新加坡中国工商联会副主席、新加坡中华总商会名誉董事，新加坡科技与设计大学董事、新加坡－浙江经贸理事会理事、华社自助理事会信托委员会委员及世界福清联谊会馆名誉主席。 德明政府中学校长，毕业于新加坡国立大学中文系（荣誉学位），考获香港大学中文系硕士学位及中国上海复旦大学博士学位。

符传丰博士/Foo Suan Fong (Dr)

Dr Foo Suan Fong is the Principal of Dunman High School. He is also the former Principal of Nan Hua High School, former Vice Principal of Jurong Junior College and has also served in the Curriculum Planning and Development Division in the Ministry of Education as a curriculum specialist. Dr Foo received his Master of Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong in 1998 and his Doctorate of Philosophy at Fudan University in 2007. He is a Lien Ying Chow Research Fellow under the Lien Ying Chow Legacy Fellowship at Nanyang Technological University. Dr Foo has also published the book, Telling Stories Applying Principles: A Journey on School Management in 2009. 曾任华文教师, 教育部课程规划与发展署华文专科督学，初级学院副院长，南华中学校长。符传丰博士是2009年新加坡南洋理工大学“连瀛洲纪念奖学金”得主。出版过学校领导与管理著作《校长讲 ·学生画》。

张克荣/Teo Kek Yeng

Mr Teo Kek Yeng has been the Chairman of Kong Hwa Alumni and Dunman High Alumni for the past 12 years. He is also the Vice Chairman of Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution and is a council member of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan. Mr Teo majored in Economics at Queen’s University, Canada. 张克荣毕业于加拿大女皇大学经济系。现任光华学校校友会会长（1995至今）、德明政府中学校友会会长（2001至今），并担任新加坡同济医院副主席及新加坡福建会馆理事。他积极参与光华学校及德明校友会，也赞助其他教育文化活动。为完成父亲的遗愿，张克荣捐出巨资在中国泉州梅岭中学建师生宿舍楼。