Conclusion – Forging Ahead

1.             Focussed tonight on the widening income gap, and especially ageing

a.             Explained major strategies to tackle it

i.               Upgrading education

ii.             Working longer

iii.           Improving CPF

iv.           Upgrading and renewing our housing estates

b.             Brought them together tonight, so that Singaporeans understand the whole picture

2.             These are difficult challenges, but we have worked out solutions for each one

3.             Strength lies in our people 

a.             Dedicated workers and capable leaders

b.             Not just individual stars, or a small group at the top

c.             But a cohesive society and a strong Singapore Team  

i.               Each giving his best for the nation

ii.             Doing things together that none of us could have achieved on our own

iii.           This is our greatest asset

iv.           This is the secret of our success

4.             We are all set to surge ahead

a.             After SARS, estimated Singapore’s sustainable growth at 3-5%

b.             MTI has reviewed this in the light of last few years

c.             Raised the growth estimate to 4-6% for the next 5-10 years

d.             At our stage of development, this is an ambitious target

e.             But we can do it provided we continue to adapt, stay open, and ride the wave

f.               Then we will grow with the whole of Asia, and not just based on what is physically in this island

5.             For the next few years, conditions are favourable

a.             We should strive to do better than the long-term estimate of 4-6%

6.             Wind is filling our sails

a.             Let’s catch the wind 

b.             Set the course ahead

c.             Go for it

7.             Last year, our sailors at the Asian Games in Doha won 5 gold medals

a.             Watched final keelboat match against India

b.             Both teams used identical boats, but Singa­pore won

c.             What made the difference?

i.               Our people – 5-man crew of Justin Wong, Renfred and Roy Tay, Ivan Tan and skipper Teo Wee Chin 

ii.             Their abilities and skills

iii.           Their training and teamwork

iv.           Their determination and will – never giving up, thinking coolly under pressure, battling tenaciously and finally prevailing

8.             This is the Singapore spirit which will see us through as we remake our nation and build our home 

a.             Whatever the challenges, we will tackle them one by one, and sail through 

b.             Over the next decade, we have a unique opportunity to transform Singapore

c.             Together, let us make this truly a City of Possibilities, and a home for all of us