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i	Their output has gone down, but not headcounts
ii	Alright for short term, but not clear how long they can hold on to extra workers
iii	If the recovery is delayed, they may eventually have to downsize

We will also see some job losses from restructuring

i	As companies move upstream, they will shed old jobs
ii	But as they upgrade their ops here, they will also create new, good jobs to replace the ones lost
iii	e.g. Seagate is closing its hard disk drive assembly factory by the end of next year
iv	However, Seagate will still employ some 6,000 workers in Singapore in high-value work, e.g. hard-disk media manufacturing, R&D and international HQ operations
v	It will continue to invest in high-value activities here

Assessment

Resilience Package introduced in January has worked

No need for a new prescription now

Before the end of the year, we will review and decide what we need for next year

Beyond this year, we expect a global recovery, but a subdued one

But this does not mean that Singapore cannot grow

We are small

Even if world markets are not expanding fast, we can grow by sharpening our skills and enlarging our market share

Even now, can see

Local companies doing well

New areas of business blossoming nicely

MNCs continuing to invest here

Workers re-skilling and upgrading

LOCAL COMPANIES

Local companies with strong capabilities are building and expanding to gain a march on their competitors

e.g. Hyflux

Met an engineer last month, who said company was finding new opportunities to build water facilities all over the world

I asked which was their most difficult project, and he said it was one in Algeria

i	World’s largest seawater desalination plant
ii	At a small village next to the Mediterranean Sea, in the middle of nowhere
iii	Nearest large town is three hours’ drive away on a bad road
iv	22 Singaporeans there, including 2 women
v	They live in dorms, and play basketball and computer games for leisure (alcohol is banned)
vi	Here they are

Because of this and other projects, Hyflux is doing well, and hiring engineers

Shows there is work to be had, if we are prepared to rough it out

NEW BUSINESS SECTORS

We are also growing entirely new activities here, e.g. interactive digital media (IDM)

Games, visual effects and animation

Leading players have established significant operations here

i	Electronic Arts (world’s largest game company, produces The Sims)
ii	Lucasfilm from US
iii	Also players from Europe and Japan

Growing pool of local talent

All five Polytechnics, as well as NUS, NTU, NAFA and Lasalle offer IDM programmes

Students do good work, e.g. Nanyang Poly final year students created a PC racing game of our F1 Marina Bay race circuit

Game programmers, visual effects artists, CG (computer graphics) artists all in demand

Though nascent, industry has produced impressive work

“Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance” was made in Singapore, from concept to completion

This should grow into another interesting segment of our economy

MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANIES

We are attracting MNCs to Singapore too

Many MNCs using downtime to think deeply about their future

They are keen to do more in Asia, which they see as a key growth region

EDB has engaged these companies in strategic dialogue

Encouraging them to put their high-end manufacturing, HQ and “control tower” functions here to service the region

EDB is working out 5 to 10-year plans with them

e.g. Rolls-Royce

Moved their marine division global HQ to Singapore earlier this year

Also building a facility to test and assemble Trent aero engines, and manufacture the fan blades

Will add more than 500 mostly skilled jobs when fully operational

Very advanced factory – first Rolls Royce plant outside UK doing this

One key strength is the Singapore brand-name

Benefits local companies when they venture overseas

Also gives overseas companies confidence to invest here

Never compromise or lose this advantage

This depends on good leadership and a united people

When companies like Rolls Royce decide to site major projects here, they are really betting on Singapore for the next 20 years and beyond (i.e. at least 4 general elections)

PREPARING OUR WORKFORCE FOR NEW WORLD

As we transform our economy, workers will need to adapt and upgrade themselves

Government spending millions on programmes to help workers to do this

i	To upgrade workers in their jobs
ii	To help those out of work to become job ready, to learn new skills, to find new jobs

Do take full advantage of these opportunities, even while working; do not wait till you are unemployed

Not always easy to make mindset change

e2i and CDCs have programmes to help workers rebuild self-confidence, improve their interview skills, give one another encouragement and moral support

Emotional experience, but worthwhile

Let me quote Mr Mohd Amin, 48, a retrenched technician who got help from Northwest CDC career centre:

“… After the retrenchment, I feared I can’t find another job because of my age. … all interviews I attended were unsuccessful for three months. I was very worried as I am sole breadwinner with three schooling children. The career centre coached me to learn a skill and start a new career path. I felt supported… I successfully found a job as an Enforcement Specialist. I am so happy now as I am earning more than before. I will ask my friends to go to career centre for support and help. Tell them to be flexible and not choosy.”

Government will enhance the training infrastructure to support continuous training and re-training

Currently, we have almost 50 training centres scattered all across the island, many bursting at the seams

We will establish two national CET campuses

i	East Campus in Paya Lebar Central
ii	West Campus in Jurong Lake District

Next to MRT stations, hence convenient for workers

Campuses will be one-stop shops for training and retraining, and job matching

Minister for Manpower will release more details later

CONCLUSION

Because of our comprehensive, decisive response to the downturn, we can be confident of our future

This is a deep trough, but we are coping with it

It will take some time, but eventually the global economy will turn around, and Asia will sustain its recovery

By then, our new strategies, investments, and workers’ upgrading will have taken effect

We will be all set to pick up strongly.

OUR PEOPLE

We are preparing for our long term future by strengthening social safety nets

After food and shelter, good health is one of the most important basic human needs

Singaporeans know that we have good doctors and hospitals. Their worry is whether they can afford it, especially in the future when they grow old and retire

We have done many things to mitigate this worry

Our 3M (Medisave, MediShield, Medifund) system is precisely designed to keep healthcare affordable to all, even the low income group

We have regularly improved and extended it

i	Medisave covering long term out-patient treatment
ii	MediShield providing higher insurance payout
iii	Medifund giving more help to the needy to settle outstanding bills

Result:

i	MPs see fewer cases of residents unable to afford healthcare
ii	Medical social workers report that Medifund is adequate to cover hospital bills

Will widen 3Ms progressively, but carefully

But Singaporeans are still concerned

We see medical science advancing, enabling people to live longer but costing more

Those in their 50s, looking after aged parents, feel the burden, and wonder what will happen when their turn comes

They ask: I am alright now, but what about in future?

The Government is gearing up our healthcare system to prepare for an ageing population

Explain implications of ageing population

How we are preparing our healthcare system to cope

NEEDS OF OLDER PATIENTS

More demand on healthcare, but also different pattern

Younger patients

Are admitted to hospital less often

When they are admitted, it is for an acute problem, e.g. appendicitis or dengue fever, which can be treated within a few days – average length of stay 5 days

Then they can be discharged, and go home healthy

Older patients

Are admitted more frequently, with multiple complaints

After a few days, the acute condition has stabilised

They no longer need intensive, complex treatment, but they are still not well enough to go home

They still need several weeks to recuperate and get better before discharge

After they go home, they may still need continuing medication for underlying long term conditions, e.g. diabetes, heart disease

They are at risk of being re-admitted

DEVELOPING INTEGRATED, STEP-DOWN CARE

Response to this – putting in more resources

Building new hospitals – Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Jurong General Hospital

Recruiting and training more healthcare professionals

Increasing Government health budget

Strengthening 3Ms for an older population

Necessary, but “more” by itself will not be the solution

Must also structure the whole system properly

And adapt it to cater to an ageing population

We need to build up step-down care for this

Step-down care – community hospitals, nursing homes, GPs, and home care

Suitably organised, they can provide competent, appropriate care for most elderly patients

Today, step-down care is largely provided by volunteer welfare organisations, who do an excellent job but will need government help to deal with larger numbers of elderly patients

One key step is to link up acute hospitals and community hospitals

Acute hospitals – e.g. TTSH, KTPH, for patients who are acutely ill, and need “fast medicine” – ICUs, MRIs, surgery etc

Community hospitals – e.g. RenCi, St Andrew’s Community Hospital, have doctors and nurses to look after patients in wards, physiotherapy and occupational therapy centres for rehab, but not the high-end medicine

Once patients are stabilised, they can move from an acute hospital to the “sister” community hospital next door, and receive “slow medicine”, and take more time to get well

If later he needs acute treatment again, he can be moved back to the acute hospital

This way patients get more appropriate care, save money, and we also free up beds for acute cases

Recently visited the new RenCi Hospital, co-located with TTSH

New management at RenCi working with TTSH to realise this arrangement

TTSH will guide the medical care of patients at RenCi

The two hospitals will soon be connected by a bridge, so patients can be wheeled between them, without needing an ambulance

RenCi will maintain its community outreach, e.g. volunteers to help to keep patients active and happy

Other acute hospitals should also tie up with community hospitals in the same way

CGH is already partnering St Andrew’s Community Hospital in the East

We will build “sister” community hospitals next to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Jurong General Hospital (to be run in partnership with St Luke’s Hospital)

This arrangement draws on strengths of both parties

i	Government’s professional teams deliver high quality care
ii	VWOs good at pastoral care and community outreach

Must also “step-down” beyond community hospitals

Patients can stay longer in the community hospitals, but not indefinitely

Best to discharge patients home as soon as possible to be with their families, in familiar surroundings

More comfortable, happier, much better and cheaper than leaving them for weeks in hospitals

But families may need help and support at home

Care givers and maids looking after the seniors at home can benefit from some professional training

More nurses to visit periodically, check the patient’s condition, and refer back to doctors and specialists in hospital if necessary
i Home Nursing Foundation doing good work

GPs can also play a larger role in monitoring and supervising care rendered

MOH is working on upgrading home care

Doctors and patients must think about it as a whole system, providing the right treatment, at the right place to patients with different needs

Hope doctors will give full support, and help maintain system discipline

Step down care sector and VWOs are crucial, and must work together to deliver good healthcare to patients

Patients too – please do not insist on getting acute or specialist care for minor ailments, or remaining in hospital for the entire period of recuperation

Cooperation from everyone essential to deliver good, affordable health care to benefit all patients

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

For individuals, especially older people, the best way to keep health costs down is to keep well, by maintaining healthy lifestyles

Eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, do not smoke, keep your weight down

Such a change in attitude and lifestyle requires discipline and perseverance

Lectures and speeches will not work

Best way is to harness social links and interests to help individuals stick to good habits

Hence community programmes which combine fitness and social elements, like brisk-walking clubs, qigong etc

One innovative scheme is Lim Boon Heng’s Wellness Programme

Three components:

i	Medical check-ups
ii	Regular exercise
iii	Social networking

The Wellness Programme is piloting in 12 constituencies, and has been successful and popular

Visited centre in Jurong

Most striking thing was that all the seniors were cheerful and happy

We will progressively expand this to cover the whole island

TACKLING INFLUENZA A(H1N1)

Before I leave healthcare, let me talk about A(H1N1)

It has been a big challenge for us these four months

Glad that Singaporeans have responded well

Very worried when news first broke in April of Swine Flu in Mexico

Knew it would soon reach Singapore

But knew very little else – How dangerous? How treatable?

Hence we reacted strongly at the onset

Raised alert status to Orange

Temperature scanning at entry points, masks and gowns in hospitals and clinics, home quarantine for suspects

Soon became clear that A(H1N1) was different from SARS – more contagious but much less deadly

So stepped down to Yellow, but kept up efforts to block virus, delay community spread, to buy time

Whole of Singapore – Government and people – responded

Succeeded in delaying community spread, and slowing the impact on us

Thank everyone involved – doctors and nurses, hospital staff and GPs, those taking temperatures at entry points, school and kindergarten principals and teachers, health officials and many more

You were under considerable stress

Yet you did not shirk from your duties, but continued to perform under pressure – e.g. one neurosurgeon performed brain surgery wearing full PPE!

Singapore owes you a debt of gratitude

CONCLUSION

This is how our healthcare system must work, not just against flu, but for our long term well-being

We have a good healthcare system, universally available and affordable to all

The envy of many other countries

We are improving it to be ready for an ageing population

Each of us must also play our part to stay healthy and well

So Singaporeans will enjoy not just long life, but also good health and active golden years

OUR SOCIETY

Critical to our long term success is maintaining social cohesion

Particularly racial and religious harmony

We have discussed potential fault lines in our society

i	Between rich and poor
ii	Between Singaporeans and new-arrivals

But the most visceral and dangerous fault line is race and religion

People may assume that we do not have a problem, since we have lived in harmony for so long

Or possibly they realise that the subject is sensitive, so shy away from discussing it

Indeed we are in a good position

But from time to time must discuss it, sensitively but honestly, to assess progress, recognise trends, and remind ourselves where we must do better

We have made much progress over 40 years

Integrated our people

Enabled all communities to move ahead

Built a stronger sense of Singaporean identity

Religious groups have contributed much to this progress

Religious leaders have guided their flocks wisely

They help set a wholesome and moral tone to our society

They do much good work, not just for their own flocks, but for all groups

They respected and accommodated one another and made practical compromises, so that all could live harmoniously together in a uniquely Singapore way

We may take this for granted, but visitors are often astonished

Grand Mufti of Syria (Sheikh Dr Ahmad Bader Eddin Hassoun) was here in May to deliver the MUIS Lecture

i	He told me that racial and religious diversity was a great treasure for a nation-state, and was deeply impressed with how we have embraced our diversity
ii	He told a parable of a mother who had four children: a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew, and a Buddhist. The Grand Mufti asked rhetorically which child the mother would prefer. The mother, he said, would not choose one over the other but would love the one who cared for the other siblings the most

I replied that we did not feel Singapore had arrived, and racial and religious conflicts can still pull us apart

i	Explain why this is so – from both a micro and a macro point of view

Last week, I saw an episode of “Lonely Planet Six Degrees” on the Discovery channel

Crew was in Toa Payoh, going to film a Malay wedding held at a void deck

They noticed a Chinese funeral nearby

The leader of the band playing at the wedding tells Discovery that a void deck can be used for weddings, funerals, and also to play soccer

He added: “Malays, Chinese and Indians, we stay together in the same block, so when you have your cultural events, it all comes together”

This is what usually happens. But occasionally things go awry

As I explained in my Chinese speech, sometimes two families both want the same place

e.g. Malay family for a wedding, Chinese family for a funeral, then there is a tussle

In this incident, fortunately the Malay family graciously agreed to move to a nearby void deck, even though they had first claim, after mediation by grassroots leaders and the MP

Town Council facilitated by waiving charges and putting up posters to inform wedding guests of the change in venue

Hence everything ended amicably, but it could easily have been otherwise

I cite this incident not to criticise one group or the other

But to point out that such sensitive incidents are bound to arise from time to time

Very rare – maybe 1 case in 300 funerals. Usually handled uneventfully by TCs. Sometimes the Malay wedding moves, other times the Chinese funeral. This case was unusual because at first both parties stood firm

But wrongly handled, one case that escalates into racial or religious conflict is bad enough

We need good sense and tolerance by all sides, and a willingness to give and take

Otherwise whatever the rules, there will be no end of possible causes of friction – noise, parking, joss sticks, stray ashes, dog hair, etc.

WORLDWIDE SURGE IN RELIGIOSITY

From a macro point of view, we see a global trend of rising religiosity

Religious groups have become more organised and active; adherents have become stronger in their faiths

This is true of all faiths, all over the world

In the US

Strong religious faith – 92% of Americans believe in God, and consider religion important in their lives; 78% are Christians

A wave of revival and rise of mega-churches, both physical and virtual, with growth powered by tele-evangelism

US politics is strongly influenced by religion

i	Christian right a major force in the Republican Party
ii	Democrats too vie for Christian support (1) In last election, Obama’s middle name (Hussein) became an issue

Fierce struggle between the conservatives and liberals over moral and cultural issues

i	Culture Wars over abortion, stem cell research, gay marriages, etc

With Muslims, intense revival worldwide

Stronger sense of a global umma (Muslim community)

Worldwide, and visible in Southeast Asia too

i	Malaysia
	(1) Major change in one generation (2) Stricter observance of rules on dress, food, alcohol, contact between men and women (3) Islam is a major factor in Malaysian politics
ii	Indonesia (1) DPR now considering a law to require businesses to seek halal certification for their products (2) When Xinjiang riots happened, the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) issued a statement in support of the Muslim Uighurs

South Korea

Christianity has become a major religion in a Buddhist country

Christians occupy important positions in business and in politics, including the Presidency (Lee Myung-bak is a Presbyterian elder)

This raised concerns within Buddhist community

Last year, thousands of Buddhist monks staged a protest against what they saw as the government favouring Christians and discriminating against Buddhists

President Lee subsequently expressed regret that the Buddhists had been offended, which the Buddhists took positively

Singapore is carried along by this global tide

Mosques over-flow on Fridays

Churches are filled on Sundays

Buddhists too are reaching out to a younger, English speaking generation. Some have introduced music to spread their teachings

Hindus celebrating more religious festivals and events

In itself, nothing wrong with people becoming more religious

Religion is a positive force in human societies

It provides spiritual strength, guidance, solace and a sense of purpose to many, especially in our fast-changing and uncertain world

But stronger religious fervour can have side effects which must be managed carefully, particularly in a multi-religious society

RISKS

Risks:

Aggressive proselytisation – Pushing one’s religion on others, causing nuisance and offence

i	Recent case of a couple who surreptitiously distributed Christian tracts offensive to other faiths
	(1) Charged and sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment
ii	But less extreme cases can cause problems too
	(1) Complaints about groups trying to convert very ill patients in hospitals

Intolerance – Not respecting the beliefs of others, or accommodating others who belong to different religions

i	Sometimes even within same families
ii	Children who have converted from their parents’ religion, and decline to fulfil funeral rites of parents, or even stay away from the funerals – the ultimate unfilial act

Exclusiveness – segregating into separate exclusive circles, and not integrating with those of other faiths

i	Could be a direct preference to stay within own group
ii	Or indirect result of intolerance (1) e.g. preferring not to share meals with others (2) Or disapproving of yoga and taiji practices, because they allegedly contain religious elements

We foresaw these trends and dangers 20 years ago

In 1989, we presented a White Paper on Maintenance of Religious Harmony, and in 1990 Parliament passed the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act

Then PM Lee Kuan Yew and the key Ministers met religious leaders and explained the government’s concerns

The religious leaders supported the Government’s action

We have continued to meet our religious leaders regularly

We exchange views and discuss how to maintain harmony

Once or twice, I have had to meet them over specific difficult cases

i	No publicity
ii	Relied on mutual trust and wisdom of our religious leaders to defuse tensions
iii	Very grateful for this

Because of this active work behind the scenes, we have not had to take any action under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act

BASIC RULES

But never take our racial and religious harmony for granted

Some basic requirements must be observed to keep Singapore peaceful and harmonious

First, all groups must exercise tolerance and restraint

Christians cannot expect Singapore to be a Christian society, ditto Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other groups

Many faiths share this island. Each has different teachings and practices

Rules which apply only to one group cannot be made into laws that apply to everyone

Muslims do not drink alcohol, but alcohol is not banned; ditto gambling, which several religions disapprove of

All must adopt “live and let live” as our guiding principle

Second, religion must stay separate from politics

Religion cannot play the same role in Singapore politics as it plays in countries with predominantly one faith

i	We are different from the US, which I described earlier
ii	We are also different from e.g. Iran, where in the recent struggle between Ahmadinejad and Moussavi, both sides invoked Allah. (Moussavi’s supporters’ battle cry was Allahu Akbar.) But Iran is an Islamic society, and nearly everybody is Shia Muslim

In Singapore, if one group invokes religion in the political arena, e.g. mobilises its supporters to campaign for a party or policy, other religious groups will push back, and also invoke their faith

i	If one insists he is doing his God’s work, and the other says he is doing his God’s work, and both take these as absolute imperatives, result will be a clash between different religious groups

So the PAP reminds its candidates

i	In elections not to mobilise members of their church, or temple, or mosque, to campaign for them
ii	Once elected, MPs represent their constituents of all faiths, and not just their own religious group

Third, Government must remain secular

Government authority derives from the mandate of the people

Laws are not based on divine authority, but enacted by Parliament based on the public interest

Government remains neutral and fair

i	Upholds sound moral values
ii	Holds the ring for all groups
iii	Ensures all religions can be practised freely, without infringing on other groups

You may ask: Does this mean religious groups cannot have any views on national issues? Or that religious individuals cannot participate in politics? Obviously not

Religious groups are free to propagate their teachings on social issues and moral questions, and have in fact done so, e.g. on the IRs, the Human Organ Transplant Act, s377A

And obviously many Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims do participate in politics

When they approach national issues, their views will often be informed by their own religious beliefs

But they should accept that other groups may have different views, informed by different beliefs, which they should respect

The public debate (and decision) cannot be between different religious perspectives, but must be based on secular, rational considerations of public interest – what makes sense for Singapore

Fourth, we must preserve the common space that all Singaporeans share

This space must be secular and neutral, because it is the only way all groups can feel at ease and share it

We often share meals together, even though we have different dietary rules

i	We provide different food for different groups, instead of serving halal (or vegetarian) food for all
ii	If we served everyone halal food, it would an imposition on the non-Muslims
iii	It would discourage Muslims and non-Muslims from eating together, and shrink our common space

Our schools are an important common space where all races and religions interact

i	Even in schools run by religious groups, MOE has clear rules, so students of all faiths will feel comfortable
ii	Some ask: Why not allow mission schools to introduce prayers or Bible classes in school assemblies, or as compulsory activities? Why not let those who do not wish to participate to go to a government school instead?
iii	But then we would have Christians, Buddhists, Muslims etc all attending different schools, and our common space will shrink
iv	Hence rules to keep all schools secular, which religious authorities understand and accept
v	e.g. SJI (1) A Catholic brother school, but has many Malay students (2) Josephian of the year in 2003 was a Malay – Salman Mohamed Khair (3) He told BH that initially his family were somewhat worried about admitting him to a Catholic School. He himself was afraid because he did not know what to expect. But he still went because of SJI’s good record. “Now I feel fortunate to have been in SJI. Although I was educated in a Catholic environment, religion never became an issue.” (4) Indeed Malay students from SJI often attend Friday prayers at Baalwie Mosque nearby, wearing school uniforms

At work, the office environment also should be one which all groups will feel comfortable with

i	Staff must be confident that they will get equal treatment even if they belong to a different faith from their managers
ii	Especially in Government departments, but also in the private sector too
iii	Even religious community service organisations often have people of other faiths working for them
iv	One aspect of our meritocratic society

Whatever other countries do, these basic rules must apply in Singapore

Basis for this is practical reality of our society, not abstract political theory or divine revelation

This is the only way for all groups in Singapore to live in peace and harmony

AWARE

This is the background against which the Government looked at the leadership tussle in AWARE

Not concerned over who controlled AWARE, which is one of many NGOs in Singapore

On homosexuality policy or sexuality education in schools, there can be strong differences in view; but government’s position on these issues is clear

However, this was an attempt by a religiously motivated group, who shared a strong religious fervour, to enter civil space, take over an NGO it disapproved of, and impose their agenda

This was bound to provoke a push back from groups who held the opposite view, as indeed happened, vocally and stridently

Media coverage at times got caught up in the drama, amplifying the strong opposing views

This was hardly the way to conduct a mature public discussion of issues where views were deeply divided

Most critically, this also risked a spillover into broader relations between different religions

Many Singaporeans were worried about this, including Christians

Therefore grateful for responsible stand taken by church leaders

Statement issued by the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) that it did not support churches getting involved

Also statement by the Catholic Archbishop

Had it not been for these statements, we would have had a serious problem

Government stayed out of the tussle

But after the dust had settled, I spoke to the religious leaders

i	First with the Christian leaders as a group
ii	Then with all the religions together

So that everyone understood where we stood, and why we were concerned

So we can continue to work together to maintain our racial and religious harmony

CONCLUSION

This is an unusually serious and sensitive subject for NDR

Cabinet discussed it at length, and agreed I should talk about this

Crafted the points carefully, including how to pitch the message in the different languages

Cannot afford any misunderstanding

Hence also invited religious leaders to be here with us tonight

i	Help your flocks to understand our limitations and guide them to practise their faith taking our context into account
ii	Please teach them accommodation, as this is what all religions preach
iii	I look forward to religious communities continuing to do good for Singapore

Let me share a recent article in a Indian newspaper, The Asian Age (picked up by Straits Times)

Story of a young Muslim Gujarati, Mohammed Sheikh (pseudonym), who decided to come to Singapore after the Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat in 2002

i	Train carrying Hindu pilgrims was stopped and set on fire in Ahmadebad, burning 58 men, women and children alive
ii	Hindus rioted in retaliation, and at least a thousand people were killed, mostly Muslims

Quote article:
“During the bloody clashes, he watched three of his family members, including his father, getting butchered… His family had to pay for being Muslim.

“Besides losing his family and home, Mohammed lost confidence and faith in the civil society.

“He did not want to spend the rest of his life cursing his destiny… He wanted to move on.”

So seven years ago, Mohammed came to Singapore to get a diploma in hospitality management. He is now working in an eatery and hopes to open his own eatery business.

He told the interviewer that if he had stayed in Gujarat

“I would have been hating all Hindus and baying for their blood, perhaps.”

Now “he loves when his children bring home Hindu friends and share snacks. He told the interviewer proudly: “My children have Christian, Buddhist, Hindu friends.”

He even hopes to bring his mother to Singapore so that she can “see for herself that people of different faiths can be friends and can co-exist peacefully”

Asked what Muslim sect he belonged to, and which mosque he went to in India, he said:

“I don’t want to get into all that. Now I am just a Singaporean. And I am proud of it.”

This story reminds us that while we must not neglect to strengthen our harmonious society, we are in fact in a good position

The Grand Mufti of Syria as well as many overseas visitors and diplomats have made the same point

Let us rejoice in our harmony, but let us also never forget what being a Singaporean means

Not just tolerating other groups, but opening our hearts to all Singaporeans

OUR FUTURE

If we stay cohesive, then we can:

Overcome our economic challenge and continue to grow

Strengthen our social safety nets

Shape Singapore together

This is how we have transformed Singapore over the last half century

Solving problems together

Growing stronger

Improving our lives

Best to see the changes through pictures

Assembled them from the archives, media, ministries and agencies

Also some from the “Then and Now” contest organized by Today newspaper

PROGRESS OVER FIVE DECADES

Singapore River

Used to be a filthy river. All sorts of trash floated past

The smell was unforgettable too

Crowded with coolies slaving away loading and unloading tongkangs, striving for a better life for themselves, and creating prosperity for the entrepôt

Today the water is clean. In place of tongkangs, we have electrically powered river taxis

Boat Quay is vibrant with pubs and restaurants

Coolies are gone, but bronze sculptures remind us about life in the past

Housing

Living conditions were terrible

People were desperately poor. Families often squeezed into tiny cubicles

i	Mr Lim Kim San met a man living in such a cubicle during his visit
ii	He was seated on the bed and covering himself with a blanket. Mr Lim asked if he was sick
iii	The man said no, but he and his friend shared a pair of trousers, and his friend had worn them to work, so he was covering himself with a blanket out of respect for Mr Lim!

The PAP was determined to move the people out of the slums into proper housing

It built flats in Duxton Plain to show Singaporeans what the PAP government would do

Helped MM win Tanjong Pagar constituency in 1963

Duxton Plain today again breaking new ground, with the Pinnacle, which will be the tallest HDB flats in Singapore

New Towns

The Government built entire new towns

Among the earliest was Toa Payoh. Originally, Toa Payoh was vegetable farms and kampongs

We cleared the land and built high-rise flats

Singaporeans kept their kampong spirit when they moved in to the flats

But some kept their kampong chickens too!

HDB and MPs worked hard to improve the estates, and raise standards of social behaviour

With continuous upgrading, Toa Payoh now has a vibrant Town Centre

The new housing blocks look good too

As our economy prospered, lives of Singaporeans improved

See how kitchens have improved, through a pair of photos sent in to the “Then and Now” contest

From Mr Ivan Kang, who used to live in a kampong house at Jalan Sembawang Kechil

Here he is trying to start a cooking fire the old way

This new photo is in his current HDB flat in Yishun

Toilets tell an even more dramatic story

Used to be outhouses – Photo C17. This one was sent in by a lady who lived in a zinc-roofed house until 1985. It was 50 metres from the house. Inside was a tiny space, a hole in the ground with a bucket inside

For bathing, families would sometimes just use an open area with a tap and “century egg jar”

Contrast the new standard issue HDB toilet

Community Centres

To build a nation, we not only housed the people, but also strengthened their ties with one another

So the Government built community centres all over Singapore

The early community centres were very basic

The black and white television set was often the star attraction

Now, our CCs are architectural icons, with many facilities located together

With a colour TV in every home, CC activities have also upgraded, e.g. line dancing, wine tasting

Mosques

Mosques in Singapore have been transformed too

Suraus in the 1960s were simple, primitive structures (Surau at Jalan Angkap)

Through the Mosque Building Fund, new and modern mosques were built, like the rebuilt Muhajirin Mosque at the Singapore Islamic Hub

Greatly admired by overseas visitors, as they are not just places for prayers but also social centres for the community (Rahmatan Lil Alamin, at Al Amin Mosque, Bukit Panjang)

Opportunities

In the past, youngsters had to find their own ways to amuse themselves. So when there was a flood, it was a good time for a swim

Our young people still love swimming. Now they train and excel and win medals

Next year at YOG our young athletes will have another opportunity to shine, and I hope many more young people will become YOG volunteers

Our youths are also fulfilling their ideals. They are venturing out to help other young people around the region

SAF

The SAF - has kept Singapore safe and secure, enabled us to prosper in peace, and underpin all that we are building

In the past, it seemed as though a soldier had only the firepower he could carry (soldiers man-packing 120 mm mortar)

Now in the 3G SAF, a soldier with the Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS) can call upon the firepower of the entire SAF

We are investing in hardware, but the key is the man – his training, courage, and commitment

Regulars and NSmen have served the nation well

Particularly grateful for the service and sacrifices of generations of NSmen

We regularly convene the Committee to Recognise the Contributions of Operationally Ready NSmen to Total Defence (or RECORD)

Past RECORDs had good ideas to recognise NSmen, e.g. SAFRA clubs

RECORD V, chaired by Koo Tsai Kee, has been meeting this year. Committee is finalising its recommendations and should have some good news to announce soon

SHAPING SINGAPORE TOGETHER

We are continuing to renew our city, to build our future Singapore

Working hard at it, in the midst of this recession

Not just the hardware, but also creating the opportunities, the institutions, the memories and heartware

Here is an update

Delivering a First-Class Education System

We have made huge investments in education at all levels

Building new schools, well equipped with new facilities, like

i	Media Production studios
ii	Indoor sports halls

We are also investing in our ITEs and polytechnics to provide first class post-secondary education

i	ITE College East
ii	Republic Polytechnic

Singaporeans must continue to seek out and absorb knowledge long after they leave school. Hence we are building modern libraries in our new towns

i	Like this one in Bishan
ii	Offering a conducive environment for reading

Convenient Public Transport for All

Clean, efficient, reliable, safe

5 Circle Line stations just opened in May(Serangoon station)

By 2020, MRT lines will more than double

Best place to Live, Work and Play

Fresh air, green spaces

i	Parks and gardens all over the island linked by Park Connectors
ii	ABC Waters so Singaporeans can appreciate and enjoy our reservoirs and canals – Photo D10 (Kolam Ayer on Kallang River)

Vibrant city centre

i	Orchard Central – Photo D11
ii	Buskers playing music along Orchard Mall

The centrepiece of our New City is the Marina Bay

Last time I described this, it was just artists’ impressions

Now the new skyline is taking shape

Show you how the Bay will look like soon

CONCLUSION

From the Singapore River to Marina Bay, we have totally transformed our island over the last five decades

1959 was a moment of great change, but nobody imagined then the change to today’s Singapore

We will continue to improve our lives, provided we work together and remain a harmonious, cohesive society

So that in another 50 years, we will have built something equally beyond our imaginations today

Key is to stay united through rain or shine

We just celebrated a special National Day

Not just at the floating platform, but all over Singapore

Even on the web, where 100,000 Singaporeans left birthday wishes for the nation

Many memorable moments

e.g. first NE show last month

They showed a clip of me recounting how it had rained on the 1968 parade, but the participants marched on

Then it really poured. But not even the rain could dampen the Singapore spirit

The young participants and audience stayed through the show and braved the storm together

Show was impressive

But most impressive is what it takes to put on such a show, and what the show says about the sort of nation we are

i	The imagination and creativity to conceive the show
ii	The ability to organise, execute and make it happen
iii	The commitment to excellence in all that we do
iv	The spirit of one people, celebrating our nationhood together

All this was epitomised in the Pledge Moment

i	Singaporeans from all walks of life, all over the island and overseas, said the Pledge together at 8.22 pm on National Day
ii	All united in one voice, saying what it means to be Singaporean

As “One United Nation”, we can continue to upgrade and build our city, and make this place our Home, Our Future and Our Singapore