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SINGAPORE : Education, immigration and the economy were among the topics raised at the National Day Rally (NDR) forum for youths on Wednesday.
Many turned up at the NDR Youth Forum held at the Singapore Institute of Management to share their take on the recent rally with cabinet minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
The forum was attended by some 160 students from secondary schools, polytechnics, the ITE, and universities.
Questions were raised on the newly-introduced through-train option for Normal (Academic) students.
The top 10 per cent of Normal (Academic) students now have the option to skip the 'O' levels and do a foundation programme in their chosen diploma course.
But some were concerned if students would be forced to make a choice at a premature stage.
"We're trying to improve the system, to give more options and to make it more flexible for people whom we are confident would have made it anyway," said Dr Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports.
On immigration, a part-time student asked if the influx of immigrants would change Singapore's identity.
But the minister said Singapore is anchored on meritocracy and equality.
"We say Singapore is multi-racial. We all have the equal right to belong and call ourselves Singaporeans. Yes, there will be competition, but it will be fair competition. There may be inequality of outcomes, but we will still look after each other," said Dr Balakrishnan.
And in light of the recent Youth Olympic Games, one student asked if there will be more funding for non-Olympic sports, such as canoe polo.
The minister said he could not fund all sports equally, but promised to look into the matter.
Other topics raised included Singapore's society and economy.
The forum aims to engage youths on current issues that concern the well-being of the country. - CNA /ls
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