To stay in front of the pack, Singapore must constantly come up with fresh ideas and be ready to break new grounds, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Mr Lee, who delivered his annual National Day Message at Jewel Changi Airport, noted how the unique building has demonstrated Singapore’s resourcefulness and captured visitors’ imagination. “It shows that Singaporeans not only have the creativity and daring to re-invent ourselves, but also the passion and the competence to turn dreams into reality,” he said.
As such, Mr Lee said the Government will continue to heavily invest in its people to enable them to take advantage of new opportunities at every stage of their life. Citing SkillsFuture, Mr Lee said the national movement has been upgrading Singapore’s workforce, helping Singaporeans to remain productive and preparing them for new jobs created.
These measures, Mr Lee said, will not only address Singapore’s longer-term challenges but also see the country through a downturn. “The Government will keep on helping every citizen to achieve your potential and contribute your best to Singapore,” he added.
While Singapore’s economy has slowed down, Mr Lee highlighted that the industry transformation process is underway and that several industries, such as FinTech as well as sea and air transport, are making good progress. Nonetheless, he assured Singaporeans that the Government is ready to stimulate the economy if necessary.
Pointing to the various economic and geopolitical uncertainties around the world, the Prime Minister noted that Singapore must be ready for a different future ahead and spoke about how our past has helped us prevail. “Throughout our history, when trials and tribulations have beset us, we picked ourselves up, and worked together to overcome them. Each time the world changed, we were able to survive. Each time, we re-invented and renewed our economy, our people and our city, and we thrived again. And this is what we must keep on doing,” Mr Lee said.
He pointed out how Singapore is creating new opportunities for Singaporeans through projects such as:
- Changi Terminal 5
- Tuas Megaport
- Jurong Lake District
- Redevelopment of Paya Lebar Airbase
- Greater Southern Waterfront
In his message, Mr Lee also revealed some of the topics that will be addressed in the upcoming National Day Rally too:
- Making preschool and tertiary education even more affordable, especially for lower and middle-income families
- Helping older Singaporeans with healthcare and retirement needs
- Raising retirement and re-employment ages for those who wish to work longer
As Singapore commemorates its Bicentennial, Mr Lee said there are still many more bright chapters for the Republic to unfold. He rallied Singaporeans to work together as one united people and to explore new horizons. “What limits our possibilities is not the physical size of our island, but the ingenuity of our people and the boldness of our spirit,” Mr Lee added.
