Budget Speech
PART V: NEW CHALLENGES, FRESH
GOALS
Mr Speaker, Sir
We cannot predict how the international security situation
will evolve, nor do we know for sure when the global and regional
economy will regain its health. But we can and will use our resources
and strengths to give ourselves the best chances to succeed, whatever
the circumstances.
In this spirit, the Government accepts the ERC recommendations
to revitalise the economy in the immediate future and sustain growth
over the longer term. Vigorously implemented, over a decade these
strategies will make Singapore a leading global city, a hub of talent,
enterprise and innovation, and one of the best places in Asia to
live and work. We will be host to both global MNCs and emerging
business networks linking up China, India and Southeast Asia. Our
broad economic base will have services complementing manufacturing
industries, start-ups operating alongside established companies,
and Singaporean companies reinforcing MNCs. These diversified activities
will provide a wide range of rewarding jobs for Singaporeans, either
as knowledge workers, skilled technicians, or semi-skilled workers.
Change will not be effortless. There is no safe harbour
where our ship can shelter to rebuild and refit, before heading
out to sea. In a rapidly unfolding situation, all work must be done
onboard ship while we are sailing and battling the elements. The
Government will act to bring about and facilitate these structural
shifts, but success ultimately depends on the resourcefulness and
resilience of Singaporeans.
We must shake free of our old mindsets, and adjust
our positions to better face a changed world order out of which
new opportunities will arise. Some of us may not find this easy
to do. But everyone who makes the effort will find a place in the
new Singapore economy. And all will get focused assistance from
the Government and support from employers and unions. Through our
joint efforts, our economy will bounce back.
At the end of the day, the purpose of restructuring
is more than finding new growth sectors and creating new jobs. It
means forging a bond between all Singaporeans, in a spirit of joint
endeavour, to secure our common future. In an uncertain and volatile
world, we have to overcome new challenges and set fresh goals for
ourselves. We have to grow as a united people, to create a better
tomorrow for ourselves and our children, regardless of race, language
or religion. And we must bring to this task tough minds and warm
hearts.
Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move.
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