SM Goh Chok Tong outlines 10 major challenges for next generation
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 02 August 2009 2311 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore has come a long way in 50 years of self-government, but Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said Sunday the city-state's success has created its own set of problems.

Calling them the perils of success, Mr Goh threw down 10 challenges for Cabinet Ministers and Singaporeans for the next generation to be equally successful.

Singapore's economy has grown a whopping 125 times in the last 50 years, from S$2 billion to S$250 billion.

However, SM Goh warned guests at the Marine Parade National Day Dinner that keeping up the pace will be even more challenging for the next generation, compared to the problems he faced as Prime Minister.

Among 10 major challenges identified by Mr Goh, is keeping up the pace of high economic growth in an increasingly competitive world.

Mr Goh asked the National Development Minister how much more land can be reclaimed for Singapore, and how will he deal with the problems of over-crowding?

For the Health Minister, can lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart problems be eradicated like typhoid and polio, while keeping health care costs affordable?

He asked the Transport Minister if he could satisfy the next generation's demand for convenient, punctual congestion-free travel while meeting their expectations of affordable fares and ERP charges.

Overall, while people of different faiths mix well, Mr Goh said Singaporeans are getting more religious and the society must be wary of compartmentalisation.

Said the Senior Minister: "The next generation must never forget that no matter how harmonious our multi-racial, multi-religious society is today, ours is a society with inherent cracks. We have successfully glued the various pieces together through purposeful, practical integration policies but the fault-lines remain."

Mr Goh said he did not intend to spoil the mood of the celebration with all the questions. Instead he wants people to think about the new challenges facing the nation which will largely be borne by the next generation of Singaporeans.

The Senior Minister also expressed some optimism, saying the next generation has four factors in its favour - ample financial resources, a growing talent pool, strong political leadership and a cohesive society.

- CNA/yb