Singapore Government Press Release
Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 6837-9666

I am very happy to join you this evening to celebrate Singapore’s National Day.

Remaking Singapore has actually been a continuous process since independence. The younger generations of Singaporeans are now writing the next chapter.

The process is inspired by a vision of a Singapore: full of citizens who are driven by their dreams and aspirations, who succeed in different ways, who embrace diversity while committing to growing their commonalities, who give back to society. In short, it is a place, which all Singaporeans instinctively call home.

The Remaking Singapore Committee was established last year. We wanted to get a sense of how our citizens viewed the present and the future. In particular, we wanted to hear views from the post-Independence generation of Singaporeans. Second, we set out to propose actionable ideas in the social and political realm that would help Singapore survive and succeed in the face of future challenges.

The final slate of recommendations cover four broad areas:

First, how to make Singapore a home for all Singaporeans, regardless of colour, creed, abilities or even geography. Singapore must be a place that embraces diversity, not just because it makes economic sense to do so, but because home should be a place where you are comfortable being yourself, and where you can reach your fullest and unique potential.

Second, how do we make Singapore a home owned, where people care about what goes on around them, enough to speak up or better yet do something about it. These are really the hallmarks of a strong sense of nationhood and belonging.

Third, how do we make Singapore a home for all seasons, a place where Singaporeans know that they can count on help if life has dealt them a bad hand

Fourth, how do we make Singapore a home to cherish, where we are always on the look-out for ways to improve our quality of life, our fulfilment and our rootedness

Well, what does all this mean for You?

There are many recommendations and I will not go into them now. I understand that some of you have read the full report on the Internet; if you have not, I encourage you to read it at your leisure. Instead, I want to take a step back and share what significance Remaking Singapore, both the process and the product, has for you as an overseas student in Perth.

First, remember that Remaking Singapore is not a once-for-all process. Our Committee may have handed in its report, but please be under no illusion that the process ends there. Singapore is experiencing one of the most challenging periods of its short history. We are undergoing a profound transformation, both economically and socially. We need all the ideas we can get. Your perspectives as someone who has experienced two, maybe more, countries and cultures, can bring tremendous value. Share them. Speak your beliefs. And not just in the direction of the Government, but to others in your community and circle of influence. A successful transformation is always multi-directional – top-down, bottom-up and lateral.

Both the Economic Review Committee and the Remaking Singapore Committee benefited greatly from the inputs and insights of the Singapore Overseas Networks in places like the US, Hong Kong and others. I was deeply struck by the clear commitment to Singapore, and the passion of these individuals, some of whom came back to Singapore at their own expense in order to present their ideas.

Some of you may wonder: "How can I make my views heard? I am just one person, why would anyone listen to me? Can I really participate meaningfully?" I think you need only look as far as the Forum Pages to see that when serious points are raised, serious attention is given. But away from the glare of the media, there are also many other channels in which your views can count.

Others of you may be thinking of something quite different. You may have a lot of ideas to give, but you are afraid that you might cross some unspoken line and get slapped on the wrist. No doubt you have in mind examples from recent history, whether it is Catherine Lim or MOM and some university economists regarding labour statistics. No doubt sometimes people get a strong rebuttal from government. But that is in the nature of public discourse – when an argument is advanced, and in strong terms, surely a robust rejoinder is warranted if there is a strong case to the contrary.

I do not believe that Catherine Lim’s life and career have been impeded by the skirmish with government. I don’t believe it will happen with the two economists either. The critical point is whether your views help to make Singapore a better place in some way. If they do, I encourage you to take the step to make them known.

But as much as I hope you will participate and give your views, I hope you will also learn to listen. Just as all of us want a government that listens to alternative perspectives, you should nurture in yourselves the capacity to hear alternative views. All of us grow up being told that Singapore is multi-racial and multi-religious. It is a cliché. Yet over the past year chairing this Committee and various consultation sessions, I was struck by the extent of diversity present in our society. And it goes beyond race and religion too. For example, not every Singaporean believes that censorship is a bad thing. In fact, some people are vehement that the government should be doing more! Likewise, in the recent discussion on homosexuals, you will find strong views on both sides of the table.

If you are committed to listening, and listening well, you will always find beneath the emotions that there are sound reasons why people believe the things they do. And I think having this capacity to listen to views different from your own will stand you in good stead as a Singapore citizen, and even in your careers. You will have a deeper and wider perspective than most, you will be more tolerant and enlightened as a person. I hope that that is how the Remade Singapore will be – open-minded and accepting.

Third, a Remade Singapore is one where Singaporeans do not just expect, but also aspire. For too long, Singaporeans have depended on the government to provide everything for them. Some of you will say it is partly government’s fault as well, for being so involved in many aspects of citizen life.

That may be so. But things are changing. And whatever Singapore may have been in the past, we cannot and should not continue into the future if we want to survive and thrive as an economy and a society. So don’t wait for the government to map out a path for you, or stretch out a foolproof safety net beneath you. What is it that you would like to achieve? Then set out to do it.

Now some of you may be concerned about the bleak economy, and the terrorist threats. You wonder if Singapore is a home that can accommodate your aspirations. I’m not here to tell you to be a stayer and not a quitter. But remember that no country is immune to either of these challenges. Economic stresses will hit every country at various points in its history, and terrorism is a global problem. By all means, work, live and play anywhere you choose. But I hope that a part of your heart will always be in Singapore. And if and when you choose to come home, I hope that you will find Singapore a safe and welcoming harbour, one where you can readily drop anchor.

We are mapping out an exciting vision for the future of Singapore. – a Singapore that would be socially divergent, economically diversified, culturally vibrant and politically active. Our hope is that you will want to be part of this journey to turn it into a reality.

Thank you.

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