Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,

36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Tel: 3757794/5

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SPEECH BY MR SIDEK SANIFF, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND MP FOR ALJUNIED GRC, AT THE CHINESE NEW YEAR GATHERING OF THE SINGAPORE SECONDHAND MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS' ASSOCIATION ON SUNDAY, 13 FEB 2000, AT 12.30 PM IN AUTOMOBILE MEGAMART, 61 UBI AVE 2

 

Good afternoon

Mr Pang Kok Leong,

President of the Singapore Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealers' Association;

Mr Robin Ng,

Chairman and Managing Director of Automobile Megamart;

Members of the Association,

Guests, ladies and gentleman,

 

I am very honoured and delighted to be present today at the annual Chinese New Year Gathering organised by the Singapore Secondhand Motor Vehicle Dealers' Association.

 

There is much to be cheerful about on this happy occasion. The recent economic reports have shown that Singapore's economy is recovering and there is growing investor confidence in the region after the gloomy downturn of the past few years. This is a good sign for the motor trade as growing consumer confidence in the market also mean that there is a greater willingness to spend money, which include the buying of more expensive items like cars.

 

Not everyone, however, has a sunny horizon to look forward to. There are always some in our midst who require a helping hand. Here on this festive occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation and commend the SSMVDA for their public spiritedness in sharing their joy with others in the community. Over the years, the association has contributed much effort and resources towards promoting the welfare of our multi-racial community through their charitable works, such as their generous support and sponsorship of the education fund. I am sure the 40 recipients of the bursary and scholarship awards this afternoon will always remember your kind generosity.

 

I would like to encourage the association to continue pursuing their mission of furthering their members' best interests and giving active support to the progress and development of the motor trade industry. In addition, I hope that they would also continue with their community-building efforts.

 

I wish all of you a happy and prosperous New Year ahead and a wonderful start to the new millennium.

 

Thank you.