SPEECH BY MR WONG KAN SENG, MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC, AT THE NATIONAL DAY DINNER OF BISHAN EAST DIVISION OF BISHAN-TOA PAYOH GRC ON SATURDAY, 2 AUGUST 1997 AT 8.00 PM AT THE FIELD NEXT TO BLOCK 178 BISHAN STREET 11

After 32 years since we achieved independence, Singapore's economic, social and cultural landscape has been transformed. Our per capita income rose from $1,600 in 1965 to $37,000 in 1996. Home ownership increased from 22% in 1965 to 90% in 1996. The cultural scene is now more lively.

Singaporeans can take pride in these achievements. Singapore has been successful because one of the main factors is that we have an able and honest government backed by a hardworking people. However, we must not become arrogant or complacent about our achievements.

Singapore will face more intense competition for trade, investments and jobs in the years ahead. We have to compete with bigger and newly emerging economies like India, China and those in Asean which have the advantages of cheaper land, inexpensive labour, abundant natural resources and larger domestic markets. Our economic strongholds such as port, airport, manufacturing and financial services will face keen competition from countries in the region. We also have to compete with developed countries such as Japan, United States and those in Europe which have better technology and more highly trained and competent manpower.

Competition will, therefore, have to be a way of life for Singaporeans if we want to continue to enjoy economic prosperity. We need to keep updating our knowledge and upgrading our skills in order to keep up with fast changing technology. If our workforce cannot do the jobs which demand higher skills and knowledge, companies will move out and new ones will not invest here. Our workers must therefore adopt a new mindset for lifelong learning and training.

The Government will continue to find ways to motivate our people to work hard, and improve the physical and social infrastructures for economic growth. However, Singapore must not just be a nation where only material pursuit counts. Singapore must be a nation where people feel they belong, and where every citizen does his best to make Singapore Our Best Home. The Prime Minister has stressed in Parliament this year that affluence and prosperity cannot be the only glue holding Singaporeans together. We must also build the "heartware" and not just the hardware and software.

We need to strengthen our bonds to become one people. Although we compete among ourselves and with others, we must also work together as fellow Singaporeans and care for one another. We must have the "heartware" where every Singaporean counts and participates actively in community and national issues. Every one of us should contribute to society. Only then can we foster closer ties among ourselves and establish deep roots in Singapore.

The formation of Community Development Councils (CDCs) is part of the total effort in building this "heartware". Through the CDCs, the Government will devolve more power and responsibility to the people. The residents and community leaders will have more say in shaping their communities. They will initiate, plan and manage community development programmes either on their own or with other community organisations.

In March this year, the Marine Parade and Tanjong Pagar CDCs were formed. By the end of this year, seven more CDCs will be formed. These are Ang Mo Kio-Cheng San CDC, Bukit Timah CDC, Central Singapore CDC, Northeast CDC, Sembawang CDC, Hougang CDC and Potong Pasir CDC.

The Central Singapore CDC covering Kreta Ayer-Tanglin GRC, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Jalan Besar GRC and Kampong Glam Constituency will be formed in November. Mr Loh Meng See will be the Chairman. The CDC will lead and co-ordinate the grassroots, civic and welfare organisations in its area to foster community bonding. It will also be pro-active in initiating major community improvement projects.

Whilst the CDC focuses on building up the "heartware", residents in Bishan and Toa Payoh Town can also look forward to some major improvements in the physical environment. The Government will spend $490 million in the next five years to make Bishan and Toa Payoh among the best estates in the 21st century.

As for Bishan itself, residents can soon enjoy a number of new facilities in their neighbourhood. A new wet market near Block 152, Bishan Street 11 will be completed by November this year. A new Sports Complex located near the Bishan MRT will also be ready in November this year. The Kidney Dialysis Foundation will set up a kidney dialysis centre at the void-deck of Block 197 by the end of this year.

The Bishan Community Club is a new landmark in Bishan. The Club also houses the Intellectual Games Centre jointly set up by the Singapore Chess Federation, Singapore Xiangqi General Association, Singapore Weiqi and Singapore Contract Bridge Associations. The Community Club has a wide range of facilities and programmes to meet the diverse needs of the multi-racial residents. I would like to encourage all Bishan residents to make use of the Community Club.

I look forward to your support in working together with the leaders in the grassroots, service and other community organisations to make Bishan-Toa Payoh the best home.

Finally, I wish you a Happy National Day and an enjoyable evening.