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SINGAPORE : Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has urged Singaporeans to re-think their priorities in the search for the Singapore Dream.
Speaking at a National Day dinner on Saturday, Mr Goh said they should not lose sight of the things that are going well for the country.
In the company of residents from his constituency in Marine Parade, Mr Goh used the evening to share and take stock of the year for Singapore.
With growth prospects looking bright, he said it's time for Singaporeans to look at the bright side of things and live their dreams.
"This is far healthier than to live the Singapore Gripe and drone on like vuvuzelas," remarked SM Goh.
Mr Goh recounted how, as a young man, he had dreamed of becoming a professor.
But he was bonded to serve the government and that dream remained a dream.
"However, I did not gripe about it because at that time, to be able to get a job, any job would be considered very lucky," said Mr Goh.
Like most Singaporeans, his dream was built on four things.
"You may ask what the dream was about. It was caricatured as '1, 2, 3, 4' - one wife, two children, 3-room flat and four wheels. Why only two children? Because you may remember at that time, the family planning slogan was 'Two Is Enough'," said Mr Goh.
In the 90s, the economy soared, and it was all about the 5Cs - cash, credit card, car, condo and country club membership. 20 years on, Mr Goh said this dream is within the reach of young Singaporeans, so long as they work hard for it.
But the question is, should Singaporeans still be chasing this same dream today?
Mr Goh said: "My own dream now is not about my own future. It is about the future of Singapore. If I have to reinvent the 5Cs, my dream is to help create the conditions for a generation of Singaporeans to have a good Career, live in Comfort, surrounded by Children, and be Considerate and Charitable."
Mr Goh noted that young Singaporeans value a rounded and fulfilling life.
He said: "Many leave good-paying jobs to pursue their passion or dreams. I have met a couple of young men who left their banking jobs to become chefs. I have a friend whose daughter has just graduated but chose to train as a yoga instructor.
“She wants to specialise in hot yoga, ie: yoga practised in high room temperature. My friend accepts her daughter's choice of career so long as she finds satisfaction in what she is doing."
Many also contribute to charity.
"They are active in NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and are concerned about humanitarian and green issues," said Mr Goh.
But something that used to be an integral part of dreams has taken a back seat - the family.
Said SM Goh: "It should be at the core of every Singapore Dream. When I look back on my life, the happiest moments were playing with my children, bringing them to school and nurturing them.
"I watched them grow, I shared their struggle from teenage to adulthood, I shed tears when they got married and rejoiced when they had families of their own.
And for these dreams to grow, Mr Goh pointed to two essential conditions - a vibrant economy and a quality education system. - CNA /ls
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