The 4G leadership will strive to harness Singapore’s diverse strengths and partner Singaporeans to take the country forward in its next phase of nation building, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
Addressing some 400 participants at the “Building Our Future Singapore Together” dialogue session on 15 June 2019, Mr Heng said the 4G leadership intends to draw on the diversity of passions and expertise among Singaporeans to improve policies and programmes to better meet needs.
Mr Heng, who is also the Finance Minister, cited his experience in leading the Our Singapore Conversation from 2012 to 2013, which heard the views of Singaporeans and led to significant policy changes in recent years. He said the experiences have strengthened his belief that along with working for Singaporeans, the Government needs to work better with Singaporeans.
“We need to shift from a Government that focuses primarily on working for you, to a Government that works with you,” Mr Heng said.
As such, Mr Heng outlined four policy areas that are marked for further discussion with Singaporeans. This include environmental sustainability, housing, social mobility and the future of youths.
He noted that many Singaporeans want to play a bigger part in nation-building and are keen to shape the shared future of Singapore. But to do so effectively, Mr Heng stressed there is a need to enlarge and safeguard the common space and build trust among communities.
He said: “This can happen only if we keep an open mind. Look at issues not just through our lens, but also through the perspectives of others.”
Mr Heng also pointed out that the Government must be prepared to step in, if particular groups pursue an agenda that divide society or impede the good work of other groups.
In the coming months, Mr Heng said the 4G leaders will reach out to Singaporeans and hold discussions on four major themes:
1. Fostering a resilient nation
2. Building a city of possibilities
3. A society with more opportunities for all
4. Building a caring and cohesive community and strengthening the identity as one people
Mr Heng said the 4G team will set out their vision for the future and will be frank with Singaporeans on the challenges ahead.
“We will listen to your views and explore together what the Government can do, what each of you can do, and how we can create partnerships to take good ideas forward,” he affirmed.
Separately at the closing ceremony of the inaugural International Conference on Cohesive Societies on 21 June 2019, Mr Heng reiterated his promise that the Government is committed to working in partnership with them to build a future where everyone plays a part and feels a sense of belonging.
He named three ways that Singapore learnt to build cohesion.
- Expanding common spaces and shared experiences
- Staying vigilant against forces that can tear society apart
- Ensuring all Singaporeans share in the fruits of progress
“I hope that we can build a democracy of deeds, where everyone chips in with our various strengths and passions to build a society we can all be proud of,” he said.
Image: Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat Facebook
