SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said youths in the country will have a bright future - where they will be given ample opportunity to do well in their studies and jobs, as well as contribute to society.
The message came on the back of his speech in Parliament on Thursday, which promised a better life for all and an inclusive society.
At the launch of the
inaugural Youths Care movement on Saturday, Mr Lee said in other parts
of the world, youths are frustrated at the system, and cited the "Occupy
Wall Street" demonstrations as an example.
PM Lee said: "They
are unhappy because unemployment is high, because they see the problems
in their country, because they don't see any hope for themselves or any
optimism for the future, and they are just feeling angst - don't know
what to do about it - but anyway, [they are] not happy."
Mr Lee urged young Singaporeans to pay it forward and do their part for the community.
The initiative will see youths fan out across the island to do community service over two weekends.
The
community service activities include sprucing up an old neighbourhood
with a colourful mural, and playing sports to raise funds for charity.
For instance, the Youths Care initiative in Bedok raised more than S$2,000 for the ComCare assistance fund.
"I
hope you will gain something back by contributing. By painting the
wall, by doing the murals, you will make friends. You'll appreciate
what's happening in real life, and you'll build empathy, connect with
people, [gain] some humility to know that others are working with you.
And these are, I think values, and lessons which should be very valuable
to you in life," said Mr Lee.
The People's Association (PA) said the Youths Care movement is also in line with the call for a more inclusive society.
"We
also want to encourage and inspire our youth to do things, not just for
themselves but to do things for others in the community, for other
youth, as well as seniors in the community," said Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief
Executive of PA.
Mr Khoo Han Zhi, Arts & Culture Secretary
of the Teck Ghee Youth Executive Committee, said: "I think it's a good
event to bridge different groups of people from different parts of the
community - the less privileged and our residents."
As it
celebrates its 40th anniversary, Mr Lee called on the People's
Association Youth Movement to adapt to new environments and reach out to
more young people.
And to stay relevant, Mr Lee said the
movement must continue to engage youths through social media platforms
such as Facebook and Twitter.
- CNA /ls