SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy grew 1.7% in the first half of this year and is on track for 1.5% to 2.5% growth for 2012, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Message.
Prime Minister Lee said the country is doing well against the backdrop of an unsettled world.
But, while the country is a success story today, Mr Lee said the next 20 years will be very different.
And what Singapore becomes depends on what Singaporeans make of it.
He
called on Singaporeans to work together so that their children can
always find hope of a better future, an inclusive society with a heart,
and the best home for themselves.
Which is why a younger group of
ministers has been tasked to take a fresh look at policies and engage
Singaporeans in the process.
The reality is that the world is not
standing still. Emerging economies in Asia are advancing rapidly. And
with it, come challenges and opportunities.
Hence, the need to review policies broadly, particularly social and education policies, said Mr Lee.
"To
still be a shining red dot twenty years from now, we must rethink our
approaches, and reinvent ourselves. We must anticipate changes and
prepare for what lies ahead," he said.
"Singaporeans will remain
at the heart of all that we do, as we update our policies to best serve
our people. Core values such as meritocracy, multi-racialism and
financial prudence cannot change. But within these broad principles, we
should review what needs to change and where we should act more boldly."
Education Minister Heng Swee Keat will lead this charge with a team of younger ministers.
Mr Lee said they will engage Singaporeans in this review and build a broad consensus on the way forward.
And
as Singapore tackles future challenges, one key strategy is to offer
hope for a better future for every new generation of Singaporeans.
Hence, the focus on meritocracy and education.
"We will equip
them with skills and knowledge to thrive in an uncertain world. We must
work with parents to bring their children to more equal starting points
for primary school, through good and affordable childcare and
kindergartens," said PM Lee.
"We will open up more pathways in
our education system, to fulfil the diverse aspirations of our young.
Let us prepare every child for the test of life, not just a life of
tests."
As well as building an inclusive society where the well
off take care of the less fortunate, on its part, the government has
started to enhance the country's social safety nets, said Mr Lee.
"As
new needs have emerged over time, we have enhanced our social safety
nets. We introduced ComCare to help the needy, and Workfare for
low-income workers," he said.
"Low- and middle-income couples
now get Additional Housing Grants to buy HDB flats. In schools,
Opportunity Funds enable less well-off students to participate fully in
enrichment programmes and study trips."
"This year's Budget was a
further major step. We introduced new programmes. The Silver Housing
Bonus is benefiting our ageing population. Increased subsidies for
home-based care are helping more families with elderly parents. These
are not one-off gestures, but a carefully designed package which lays
the basis for stronger safety nets for the future," said Mr Lee.
The prime minister said the government will build on these initiatives in a sustainable way.
Also important is the sense of belonging and identity especially in an open globalised world.
Mr Lee acknowledged that this will be harder to nurture with the presence of new immigrants and foreign workers.
"We
are managing the inflow to minimise the strains on our infrastructure
and society. But Singaporeans must remain confident and open, and
welcome those who will strengthen our team and help us and our children
do better," he said.
"For their part, new immigrants must make
the effort to integrate into our community. They must acquire our social
values, our cultural values, adopt our social norms and commit their
loyalty and love to Singapore."
Even as the country is open to
immigrants, Mr Lee pledged that Singaporeans will be the focus of
policies. "Even as we keep our society open to immigrants, we will bring
up our own next generation," he said.
"Singaporeans do want to
grow their own families. Many couples do wish to have children, and we
will do more to support their family life and parenthood," said Mr Lee.
"I
am happy that we expect more Dragon babies this year, but our fertility
trend is still declining. We must go beyond the Chinese zodiac and
tackle the underlying causes of our low birth rates.
"If we can
create more supportive social attitudes and work environments, and
lighten the burdens of parenthood, we will help couples to have more
kids," he said.
For the full text of the Prime Minister's message, log on to www.channelnewsasia.com/nd2012
- CNA/ir
To put it bluntly, the son of the old man Lee is seriously an obstacle to the nation. Have him out completely of the parliament and get in a better man for replacement.
Originally posted by SJS6638:To put it bluntly, the son of the old man Lee is seriously an obstacle to the nation. Have him out completely of the parliament and get in a better man for replacement.
Originally posted by Bikeforceful:
Bluntly who have you in mind? LHL imo is not the sort who wants to hog the leadership role. BUT in reality, do you know enough , and are you so certain the others within the establishment are superior in terms of brain power to him?
Yes, lhl is still the best man for the job. Who are you to speak for him he is not the sort to hog the leadership role? you have super poor sense of judgement.
My reply to the thread need not be pleasing to your reading.
Originally posted by SJS6638:Yes, lhl is still the best man for the job. Who are you to speak for him he is not the sort to hog the leadership role?
My reply to the thread need not be pleasing to your reading.
Originally posted by Bikeforceful:
I can see you have poor understand of the English language. I said imo( in my opinion) I don't speak for anyone but myslef . Get it?
yeah, that is why I said you have poor sense of judgement.
Originally posted by SJS6638:yeah, that is why I said you have poor sense of judgement.
Originally posted by Bikeforceful:
Yeah? Go get some schooling then and improve and upgrade yourself! Might help you in the future!
Yeah! Bingo, that is exactly what I expect you to reply, your kind of XYEIUUR*$*RJRFJ!
Your words are not command.
Originally posted by SJS6638:Yeah! Bingo, that is exactly what I expect you to reply, your kind of XYEIUUR*$*RJRFJ!
Your words are not command.