29 September 1998

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN,MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND 2^ND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE AND CHAIRMAN, SINGAPORE 21 COMMITTEE AT THE 3^RD POLYTECHNIC FORUM HELD ON 29 SEP 98, 9AM AT NTUC PASIR RIS RESORT

Friends

Crisis as Refining Fire

It is a great pleasure for me to join all of you today. I can sense your eagerness, your youthful energy and zest. As young men and women, you are coming of age at a time of uncertainty. It is true that we are going through difficult times. We can also expect this year and next year to be difficult. Those of you who will soon be entering the job market may not have an easy time. You will have to be adaptable, resourceful, and prepared to adjust your expectations without losing sight of your long term ambitions.

2. The whole region is experiencing an economic crisis for which there is no quick fix. Indonesia is facing tremendous challenges. Malaysia has recently introduced drastic capital controls in a bid to revive its economy. Both are in recession. Singapore has so far escaped the worst of the crisis because our fundamentals are strong. But as Singapore is an open economy, with economic and political linkages with countries in the region, we cannot be unaffected. These are the realities. We must brace ourselves for a rough ride ahead. But my message to you is this : have confidence in yourselves and the future of Singapore. We will prevail.

3. We have reason to be confident. Singaporeans have faced up to bigger challenges before. Your grandparents and parents cast aside the shock of separation from Malaysia and weathered economic hardship to build a Singapore we can all be proud to call home. We have a strong, honest leadership, sound principles of governance, a hardworking as well as educated workforce, a united and resourceful people. Now, your generation must face this crisis squarely. You must accept that a bright future cannot be handed to you on a plate. You will need guts and stamina to stick out the hard times, as well as resourcefulness and the will to build a better life for yourselves and your fellow Singaporeans. As a nation we must stand firm, steady and clear-headed amidst the turbulence. If we can do so together, as one people, we will come out tougher and on top. Our economy will be more competitive, and as a people, our sense of national identity and bonding will be stronger. We will then be able to face other challenges that may cross our path in the future with pride and confidence, as a people who prevailed against the odds together.

4. In many cultures and religions, trials and hardship are seen as a prelude to rebirth and creation. Just as iron must be fortified by fire, the crisis is a timely challenge for Singapore youths. Just over a year ago, the Government was concerned that because Singapore youths had only experienced peace and plenty, they did not understand Singapore’s vulnerabilities and constraints. There were also concerns that society could become less cohesive and that our youth seemed absorbed with nothing but personal advancement. The regional crisis, the developments in our neighbouring countries, as well as Singapore’s relations with them, remind us that there are challenges that all Singaporeans face together, as an economy, as a nation, as a people. Every generation will be faced with its own challenges. Every generation must find its own answers and summon the will to succeed. We will be severely tested in the next year or two, but we should rise to the occasion and find a way forward.

The Future is Ours to Build

5. Even as we face today’s challenges, we must set our sights on the future. We want to build up capabilities that will put Singapore ahead when the region recovers. This is why the Government is pushing ahead with the financial sector review to strengthen the position of our financial services industry. We have announced the development of a Science Hub for technology companies and entrepreneurs in Buona Vista. We have developed strategies to position Singapore as an electronic-commerce hub. We are investing heavily in re-structuring the education and training system to enable life-long learning and to equip Singaporeans to take on good jobs and to remain employable. We are preparing ourselves to make the transition to a knowledge-based economy. When the economy recovers, our investments in these areas will yield exciting opportunities for young Singaporeans.

6. We must not lose sight of our vision of Singapore as a dynamic city of opportunity and every Singaporean’s Best Hope for realising his aspirations and fulfiling his potential. We also have a vision of Singapore as the Best Home, a home where every Singaporean feels he belongs, where he can enjoy a rich, multi-faceted quality of life and where he will start his family, raise his children with confidence in the future This is not just my vision or the Government’s vision. This is the shared vision of all Singaporeans. But this vision can only be realised if Singaporeans are moved to make it a reality.

7. Through Singapore 21, we have tried to spark the interest in all Singaporeans to engage in a conversation about the kind of Singapore we want to build. We want to generate ownership of the issues and the challenges that we will face as individuals and as a nation. I am therefore delighted that you have chosen to discuss Singapore 21 at the Polytechnic Forum. Your theme, "Singapore 21 : Engage the Vision", could not be more apt. My challenge to you is precisely this : engage the vision, make Singapore 21 a reality.

What Kind of Singaporean Will Build Our Future?

8. Singapore 21 is also about the kind of Singaporeans we want to be. What do we see as our values, our roles and aspirations? These are particularly important questions for our youth. You are still young and you can decide how you want to lead your lives. Your values and choices will determine the future of Singapore. Ask yourselves what kind of Singaporean it will take to survive the crisis and prosper. What kind of Singaporean will it take to embrace the 21^st Century? What kind of Singaporean will help build our Best Home? What kind of Singaporean do you want yourselves to be?

9. The Singapore 21 Committee has held more than 68 discussions with various groups of Singaporeans – clan associations, self-help groups, union members, academics, youths, students, senior citizens’ groups, professionals, grassroots leaders, minority groups, businessmen, employers, executives, teachers, media representatives, among others. These added up to some 1560people from all walks of life. These discussions on the five dilemmas have yielded some ideas of what Singaporeans themselves want to see in the "Singaporean of the Future":

First,

Every Singaporean Counts – Be The Best You Can Be. The Singaporean of the future takes responsibility for himself. He develops his talents and abilities to the full and has passion for what he does. Success is not just seen in material and economic terms. The Singaporean feels a sense of self-worth and respect, and strives to be the best he can be. The findings of the Singapore 21 Survey suggest that the Singaporean youth of today wants to lead a rounded life, striving for excellence and wanting to update and upgrade himself constantly. Having a happy family, doing well in one’s job or studies and being knowledgeable and well-informed were the top 3 definitions of success chosen by younger respondents. However, the survey findings contrasted with the conclusions of the subject committee on "the Needs of Senior Citizens vs Aspirations of the Young". The subject committee found that the Singaporean youth seemed more preoccupied with personal advancement and had high material expectations rather than aspirations to pursue his interests and develop his talents and abilities to the full. Perhaps this is something you would like to discuss further: What are your aspirations ?

Second,

Strong Families – Foundation For The Future. The Singaporean of the future will continue to draw strength and fulfilment from a strong and happy family life. He is at home in a society that supports the family and raises his family in an environment of warmth and security. He will take personal responsibility for preparing for his old age and continue to contribute to society throughout his life. The Singapore 21 Survey affirmed the strong emphasis that Singaporeans placed on family. "Having a happy family" was the top ranked response to a question about society’s definition of success. I am also heartened that a survey of Polytechnic students conducted in conjunction with the Forum found that 45% of young men and women indicated "good family relationship" as their key aspiration for the future, ahead of the 39% who chose a "car, house and career".

Third,

The Singapore Heartbeat. The Singaporean of the future is cosmopolitan. He is aware of and interested in what is happening in the region and beyond. He is comfortable working abroad and welcomes foreigners here. At the same time, he has a strong sense of national identity and feels a keen sense of civic responsibility. He cares for and contributes to the rest of society. The Singapore 21 Survey affirmed that Singaporeans have sunk deep emotional roots, with 85% saying they would still regard Singapore as home even if he could work or live anywhere in the world.

Fourth,

Centre of Opportunity. The Singaporean of the future lives in a global centre of opportunity, a society which is open to new ideas and talent. He understands that the Singapore economy must be plugged into the global flows of talent and information to remain competitive. He is confident and well-prepared to take on competition globally and at home. He feels assured that in Singapore, he has the best opportunity to constantly learn and improve so that he is able to compete with all-comers and seize opportunities. Most Singaporeans today understand that foreign talent will help make Singapore more competitive and create more opportunities for all. I am heartened that Polytechnic students fully appreciate this big picture and are confident that they can hold their own. 72% of respondents to the survey of Polytechnic students agreed that foreign talent could contribute to the success of Singapore. But there are still many Singaporeans who are concerned. 16% of respondents in the Singapore 21 Survey thought we did not need foreign talent and 24% felt that foreign talent were taking away opportunities. I want to reassure them the Government is committed to helping Singaporeans. The Singapore citizen will always be our first priority. We will look after Singaporeans by providing a world-class education and an environment for them to constantly learn and improve. But we must recognise that we are an immigrant society and it is our openness to talent, to new ideas and to change that keeps us vibrant.

10. These four qualities of the "Singaporean of the Future" are not a wish-list of virtues that were dreamed up. They are not wishful thinking, nor are they impossible to attain. Each quality is grounded in the values and beliefs that Singaporeans hold today, and which we desire to strengthen for the future. These are qualities that will make for more robust individuals. So that we are ready to ride out the difficult times and ready to compete globally in the future. So that Singaporeans achieve not just economic success but also emotional and social well-being.

Civic Responsibility: Ownership, Leadership and Contribution

11. Beyond robust individuals, we must also have a resilient society. Beyond responsibilities to himself and his family, the "Singaporean of the Future" must also recognise that he has responsibilities towards fellow Singaporeans, and to his country. Civic responsibilities and taking ownership are integral to being Singaporean.

12. What do I mean by taking ownership? It is recognising that an issue is mine, not somebody else’s. It affects my life and my community, and I want to do something about it. We take ownership everyday. We set goals and expectations for ourselves in all our roles in daily life. Every man is a son, husband and father in his family. In his community, he is a friend, a neighbour or a member of his company. He may also belong to social groups in his religious community. At the national level, he is an NSman and a citizen. He chooses his government carefully to safeguard his and his children’s future, and is prepared to lay down his life for his country. In each of our roles, we know that someone else is counting on us and we set expectations for ourselves. Each of us wants to be good in all our roles, to make a difference because we care about our responsibilities.

13. I would like to ask you to focus now on your role as a citizen, a Singaporean, a member of your community. What are your expectations for your community, your society, your country? Are you prepared to act on your expectations and assume your civic responsibilities? Mr David Lim in his speech to the MBA Alumni Dinner on 29 August 1998 asked whether Singaporeans had become armchair critics, backseat drivers, tenants in their own home, complaining loudly but unwilling and uninterested to do anything themselves. I read with interest the reactions to his speech. Some people asked "Is there a need to get involved?". Others said that Government should give the green light.

14. Is there a need to get involved? Yes. Not just to fix some particular problem, but to lay claim on the future that we want. Unless Singaporeans get actively involved , we will not become the "Singaporeans of the Future" that we want to see, and we will not realise our Best Home. These are not things the Government can build alone.

15. Should Government give the green light? But where is the red light? The question is whether you have the will and initiative to create and make the difference. Are you ready to take ownership and exercise leadership? Does leadership need to be welcomed or cajoled? Does leadership require that a path be beaten for us before we are prepared to go the distance? Leadership is not about being in high office or having authority. It is about commitment to our beliefs, our values, our identity or an idea, and taking the initiative to see it through. Everyone can exercise leadership.

Contribution: Making the Difference

16. We can take ownership and exercise leadership at all levels. For the ablest and the most successful, I would argue that there is a special responsibility. They have the capacity to make the difference for more of us and there is a special obligation to serve the nation and to give back to the community.

17. But leadership is not confined to the national level. All Singaporeans can take ownership of issues that concern their lives. I am pleased to note that three-quarters of respondents to the Polytechnic survey felt that they had a role to play in the success of Singapore. The respondents said they were able to give feedback and comments, volunteer, serve National Service, "contribute to society", "educate the young" and "be a good citizen and work for the best of Singapore". I would like to see more Singaporeans seize the choices that are open to them:

the choice to take ownership instead of doing nothing.

the choice to make constructive contributions rather than complain and make demands of someone else

the choice to take action, organise like-minded people, rather than merely talk about it.

18. In many instances, structures and mechanisms already exist so you do not need to start from scratch. There are various volunteer groups, professional bodies, school alumni and community bodies like the CDC, CCCs, RCs. You can join these organisations or work with them. I have hundreds of examples of Singaporeans who have done so. I am told that there are lawyers, who despite their busy schedules volunteer their time to mediate community disputes. I am also told of a businesswoman who is working with the Marine Parade CDC to set up a day-care centre for elderly residents in the neighbourhood. I would encourage more Singaporeans to come forward and work with their community organisations.

19. Of course you can also start activities of your own. I will cite you a few examples of what young men and women of your age have done to exercise leadership. A group of young overseas Singaporean students initiated a fund-raising project to send humanitarian aid to Indonesia. Their project supplemented similar efforts by the Singapore Red Cross as well as the Singapore Government’s $12m humanitarian assistance. The Youth Council also tells me of a group of 18 year-old students who regularly visit the elderly on public assistance in their neighbourhood. These are good projects and I wish these active young people well. I also read with interest about the businessman who wanted to start a "Restroom Association" and aims to take over the "Keep Public Toilets Clean" campaign from the Environment Ministry.

20. Leadership and civic responsibility can be exercised at every level, every day by everyone. It could include gestures as simple as calling up the radio stations in the morning to tip off fellow motorists of traffic jams and accidents. I have also heard of motorists who write to the LTA giving suggestions for putting traffic signs and yellow boxes at various places to improve traffic flow.

21. By taking ownership and leadership and making a contribution, together, we can make the difference for Singapore.

The Singapore Heartbeat

22. Singapore 21 is about engaging all Singaporeans to envision the kind of Singapore and "heartware" we want for the future. Our vision must flow from the issues that we face as a people, hence overlapping discussions were started on the five dilemmas. Our vision must also flow from the values and beliefs that Singaporeans themselves hold, which again were drawn out through the discussions on Singapore 21.

23. With an active citizenry and a vibrant People Sector, we can realise our vision. However, a vibrant People Sector does not mean a cacophony of single-interest groups, each pulling in their own direction. Without a shared vision or unifying national goals, communal or special interest groups can be a divisive force.

24. In Singapore, our society would be all the more resilient if three million hearts could beat as one. Not beating at different paces and pushing blood in different directions, but working in concert towards a common enterprise. Singapore 21 aims to forge a consensus about this common vision and common enterprise. But ultimately, it is up to you, the youth of Singapore, to engage the vision, and to exercise the ownership and leadership which will make Singapore 21 a reality. I am confident that you will rise to this challenge.