Mrs Marian Chia, N5 Cluster Superintendent,

Principals, teachers and students of Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges in the North Zone,

Ladies and Gentlemen

INTRODUCTION

1        I am delighted to be here this morning at North Zone's National Education Seminar. I am also pleased to note the launch of the Singapore Political Leadership Corridor later today.

2        The theme for today's seminar is "A Nation's Journey: From Third World to First." Having celebrated our nation's 38th birthday recently, this is indeed an opportune moment for all of us to reflect on our journey as a nation and recount the challenges we had faced.

CHALLENGES OF A NEW NATION

3        When we were thrust into independence in 1965, tremendous challenges from various directions confronted us. The political and economic situation was uncertain, and the social problems disquieting. With no natural resources or hinterland, it was a big question mark if we were even viable as a country. There were problems of high unemployment and an expanding population with a low literacy rate. The security of our young country was also uncertain, as we grappled with the impending withdrawal of the British military forces. As a young child, I remembered the racial riots and communal tensions between the ethnic groups in Singapore. Indeed, by all accounts, we were an improbable nation.

4        But overcome the odds we did, as 38 years of nationhood have shown. Our leaders gritted their teeth and set themselves to the task, taking tough measures to steer the country out of the economic doldrums and setting up the state apparatus. Labour laws were amended and proper infrastructure put in place. Our vision was for every Singaporean to have a roof over their heads and a school for their children to go to. So, we invested heavily in public housing and education. In the process, we made the improbable probable. Some said Singapore went from a Third World Country to a First World Country overnight. But this was accomplished with hard work and sheer determination of the people of Singapore.

NEW CHALLENGES

5        Today, we are confronted by strong challenges from various directions once again. On the economic front, we are undergoing the painful process of economic restructuring as we seek to thrive in the volatile knowledge-based economy. Competition from new emerging economies, especially those of China and India, is stiff. These countries can offer what we have at a much lower cost. Just like how we attracted investment in the 1970s by providing quality labour at a low cost and a conducive business climate, these countries are doing the same. Our economic competitiveness would be compromised if we do not adopt new strategies and look for new niches.

6        Terrorism continues to be a real security threat. The Jemaah Islamiyah arrests in Singapore and the Bali bombing demonstrate that these threats exist at our door-step and we cannot ill-afford to take the peace we now enjoy for granted. The recent explosion outside the Mariott Hotel in Jakarta is a sobering reminder of this need to be vigilant. Even more alarming is that these incidents threatened our social fabric and raised concerns of the true strength of racial and religious cohesion in Singapore.

MANAGING THE CHALLENGES

7        We must have the confidence to surmount these challenges. As a nation, we have crossed even choppier waters when we were thrust into independence. There is more now that we can take heart from. We have a stable and responsible government at the helm. Foreign investors have expressed confidence in our political system, in the business climate we provide and in the quality of our workers. Our economic fundamentals are strong and we have an educated population that can help see us through the challenges.

8        The government is doing its part to manage these challenges. Tough times call for tough measures, as our early years of independence have shown. We have put in place various measures to strengthen our economic footing and ensure Singapore's competitiveness in the new knowledge-based economy. We revised our corporate tax structure last year. We continue to make revisions to our wage structure. Last Thursday, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong presented in Parliament the changes to our Central Provident Fund (CPF) structure. These changes may not affect you directly, but it affects the rice-bowl of many Singaporeans. But most heartening is the fact that Singaporeans have understood the necessity for these tough measures and have given their full support. On the government's part, we will look into how we can minimise the impact of these changes for that segment of Singaporeans that would be most hit by them.

9        On the social front, the Remaking Singapore Exercise is one way we have helped to strengthen social bonding amidst the new challenges that could threaten our social fabric. Singaporeans from all walks of life have supported this endeavour as they contributed feedback and shared with us their vision for Singapore. We hope that this exercise will engender new attitudes and mindsets so as to propel us to greater heights.

10        Nevertheless, this role of steering Singapore into the 21st century cannot be the sole responsibility of the government. Every one has a part to play. It is important that Singaporeans be self-reliant and seize the opportunities as they arise.

11        As our young leaders-to-be, it is important that you are well acquainted with the challenges facing Singapore. I urge you to make use of this seminar to better appreciate the lessons of our past and see how best we can position ourselves for the future. The recent SARS crisis has shown us that in the face of adversity, the nation came together to overcome the challenges. Every one contributed to our successful triumph over the virus - from the heath-care workers combating the virus in the hospitals to students like yourselves doing your part by taking your temperature daily in schools. This bodes well for our continued success as a nation.

CONCLUSION

12        In conclusion, we can take pride in the fact that over the short span of 38 years, Singapore has been transformed from a small third-world island-nation to a vibrant city-state with first-world standard of living. We must build on our strengths for a brighter future. What would you like this future to be?

13        The Prime Minister outlined his vision for Singapore in his recent National Day Rally speech.

"My destination for Singapore is a country full of activity, where new ideas are born every day, and long-held dreams are fulfilled. It will be a safe and warm home to raise our children. It will be a place where Singaporeans can always find comfort and encouragement. It will be diverse, with Singaporeans and foreign friends, of different races, religions, cultures, creeds, living, working, playing together. It will be a fascinating city, competitive yet compassionate, busy and yet with time to enjoy friendships and recreation. It will be a nation overflowing with laughter, confidence, life."

14        Is this your dream for Singapore too? I will leave you to think about it. I wish all of you an enriching NE seminar.

Thank you.