Globalisation also leads to new transnational public spheres, to new communities which often transcend national and regional boundaries (global Hinduism, Latino communities, youth cultures, the professional cultures of businessmen or artists to name just a few). At the same time national communities become increasingly pluralized and fragmentized, in the course of which less people in a neighbourhood share the same cultural inventory: fight for the same values and speak the same language. 

          The term "globalisation" was first coined in the 1980s, but the concept stretches back decades, even centuries, if you count the trading empires built by Spain, Portugal, Britain, and Holland. Some would say the world was as globalised 100 years ago as it is today, with international trade and migration.

          But the 1930s depression put paid to that. Nation states drew back into their shell on realising that international markets could deliver untold misery in the form of poverty and unemployment. The resolve of Western states to build and strengthen international ties in the aftermath of World War II laid the groundwork for today's globalisation. It has brought diminishing national borders and the fusing of individual national markets. The fall of protectionist barriers has stimulated free movement of capital and paved the way for companies to set up several bases around the world. The rise of the internet and recent advances in telecommunications have boosted the already surging train. 

          The engines of globalisation are foreign investments, information technology, modern transport (jet planes, high speed trains, automobiles) and communications (satellites, fibre-optics networks), mass media (BBC, CNN), multinational companies (Intel, Microsoft), modern science and technology, and modern financial systems. Globalisation has also resulted in the spread of modern ideologies such as democracy and the free market (including practices and ideas such as liberalisation, privatisation, open markets, attracting foreign direct investments). In a globalised environment companies think of global markets; politicians focus on world problems; individuals adopt international life styles. 

          Competition between countries, companies and individuals is no longer simple and bilateral but because of globalisation, has become more complex and multi-dimensional. Because capital, talent and ideas are more mobile, countries must try much harder to attract them and make it profitable for such assets to stay. 

          Singapore has embraced globalisation and prepares the people, institutions and the economy to meet the challenges. The world economy is crucial to our survival and existence. As a country without any resources, Singapore is reliant on world exports and imports. It is in the global market that we find opportunities to sell our goods, expertise and services. It is also the window of opportunities where our local entrepreneurs and businessmen attract international investments and carve out a niche in the international markets. Take Mr Sim Wong Hoo, whose Creative sound blaster products have made an imprint in the international markets. Today's market has no boundaries. Few countries are so strong or blessed with rich resources that they can afford not to be integrated into the global system. Singapore is no exception. The global village that dictates inter-dependence will be even more entrenched and given this scenario, no country can live on its own. This is the economic reality. 

          These developments shape our environment and has an impact on social cohesion and rootedness. Singapore is aware of the downside of globalisation : influx of information through the Internet, of foreigners, and the liberalization of the financial and other services sectors such as telecoms and banking sectors. The influence of globalisation can weaken national identity and disrupt social cohesion within the country. The young are especially vulnerable to foreign values and life styles as a result of globalisation. The world has become borderless. People can travel readily and the ease of communication has made it even easier for people all over the world to communicate with each other. Our own citizens comprising the young mobile professionals and budding entrepreneurs no longer think in terms of Singapore alone. They have stretched their talents into the global arena in their attempt to achieve the global dream. Many Singaporeans who are entrepreneurial in spirit have set up businesses in countries like USA, India, Malaysia, and also in the rapidly emerging market, China. 

          The point to note is that we can longer afford to operate on the old practice of just attracting foreign investments into our country alone. A two-prong approach is indeed more viable. More and more Singaporeans are likely to travel overseas to work and set up businesses. 

          Thus, will this phenomenon result in a divisive and disruptive people call Singaporeans or will Singaporeans remain socially cohesive wherever they are? That is the challenge. 

          Globalisation thus will result in people, including Singaporeans, leaving their homeland to work elsewhere. They will have to uproot themselves to the country where their services are required, where their talents are needed. Whilst Singaporeans leave for overseas jobs, businesses and assignments, foreigners will come to work here as we need their talents and expertise. With foreigners working here and some settling down, the equilibrium will invariably change as these foreigners bring with them their own lifestyles and values. This could have an impact on social cohesion as the foreigners continue to work here and some who will eventually become Singapore citizens. 

          The recent debate by some Singaporeans with regard to the gold medal haul by foreign athletes in the Commonwealth Games is an example. The bone of contention was that the medals were won by foreign players who were given Singapore citizenships. They would have preferred to see home -grown local born athletes win. Only then would this give them the feeling of national pride and the sense of national identity. Some of these Singaporeans also noted that the foreign born athletes were not able to sing our National Anthem. 

          With globalisation, we will invariably have foreign talents and we cannot insulate ourselves from the outside world. Foreigners and foreign talents will continue to come here to work, study, set up businesses etc. How will this then impact on social cohesion? 

          Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his dialogue with undergraduates asked the pertinent question, "Will the new opportunities that globalisation brings outweigh the fiercer competition? Will globalisation bring prosperity or disorder?" Deputy Prime Minister Lee mentioned that whilst globalisation provided many opportunities, it also meant that competition is fiercer. China is not only a market but also a competitor. Furthermore, with globalisation, shocks and crises are transmitted around the world faster than ever. This brings disruptive change, and countries can find it difficult to handle. 

          In his National Day Rally Speech, Our Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong talked about quitters and stayers to remind us of our identity and our need to contribute to our homeland. How can Singaporeans sink their roots and remain Singaporeans even if they are overseas? How can we build social cohesion in the midst of globalisation? These are pertinent questions. 

          In order to foster and strengthen a strong Singaporean identity among the youth, the government has implemented the National Education programme which aims to develop national cohesion, the instinct to fight for Singapore's survival and instill confidence in its future. It aims to foster a sense of identity, pride and self respect as Singaporeans, to understand Singapore's unique challenges, constraints and vulnerability. A strong national identity, healthy values and racial and religious harmony are needed to withstand the divisive impact of globalisation and the attractions of imitating the West. 

          A Seminar of this nature is to spark the awareness of national Issues and provide cross-fertilization of ideas to be discussed. After all, you are the next generation of leaders. So, I would like to encourage all participants to take this opportunity to contribute your ideas and reflect insightfully on this important National Education issue. 

          I wish all of you an enriching time at the Seminar. 

          Thank you.