Speeches
Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, at the 2008 National Day Observance Ceremony at MOE HQ on 8th August 2008 at 0900 hrs
CELEBRATING THE SINGAPORE SPIRIT
Colleagues,
Introduction
Singapore today is a vibrant, bustling, world-class city. It is an attractive place for businesses and talents to come to from around the world. For a small country with few natural resources, we have established a strong presence in the international arena. We hosted the Singapore International Water Week in June. The first Formula One night race will be held in Singapore next month and the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010. Our two Integrated Resorts will begin operations in 2009 and 2010. We have a strong inflow of foreign investments, such as Norway’s Renewable Energy Corporation’s S$6.3 billion integrated solar manufacturing plant and the world’s largest ethylene cracker plant by Shell. All these developments over the next few years will make Singapore an even more exciting place to live and work in!
But as a small, open economy and society, Singapore cannot insulate itself from developments in other parts of the world. Even as we celebrate National Day this year on the back of continued strong economic growth, we must be prepared for changes and shocks inthe global environment, which may have great impact on Singapore. Nonetheless, just as we have overcome past challenges such as SARS and the Asian financial crisis, we must face the future with confidence - determined to remain united, not just to survive, but to overcome challenges, thrive and prosper. It is the quality and spiritof our people that has brought us thus far and which gives us confidence in our future. And we can all be proud that the quality and spirit of our people are forged in our schools and institutions of higher learning. This year’s NDP theme of “Celebrating the Singapore Spirit” is therefore very apt.
What then is the Singapore Spirit? The “Singapore Spirit” is a common identity we share that arises from our heritage and way of life. In Singapore, we celebrate our different cultures, but we never let that divide us. While we are a small country, we are a strong society because we stand united, as one people, ready to defend our country and to work together for the common good. We value and maintain our ‘common space’ - institutions such as our schools, National Service and even our hawker centres, where people of different races and religions interact, share common experiences and strengthen our bonds as one people.
We believe in hard work, and treasure the fact that all of us, regardless of background, have the chance to improve our lives based on our own efforts. At the same time, we are a just and compassionate society, where the more successful reach out to help the less fortunate and where we seek to create opportunities and hope for all Singaporeans.
The History textbooks capture the facts of our history and the inspiring roles played by Singapore’s founding fathers. We can take pride in what we have achieved as a nation and where we stand today. But our continuing survival and prosperity rely not just on good leadership but also on the choices and contributions of all Singaporeans.
Conclusion
So as we celebrate our National Day, we do more than celebrate our independence. We also celebrate the Singapore Spirit. We celebrate our pride in our country’s sovereignty, our history and our achievements. We celebrate the qualities of our society that unite us as Singaporeans and the difference that each one of us can make to this island we call home.
I wish you all a happy and meaningful National Day.
