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SINGAPORE: Speaking in Mandarin, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong listed multi-lingualism as one of the key reasons for Singapore's success in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday.
Besides nurturing more bilingual and bicultural talents in school, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) is also helping to promote Mandarin.
The Chamber is setting up a new club called 'Business China', which will bring together businessmen, professionals, young entrepreneurs and students who are interested in China, to network, interact and discuss important issues in Mandarin.
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has agreed to be its Patron and Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng and other ministers will serve as advisers.
The government will also provide more incentives for non-Malays to learn Malay as a third language.
In his speech, Mr Lee urged families to stay together so that the young could care for their parents and keep them company.
He also touched on other key points of widening income gap and the challenges of an ageing population.
Older Singaporeans are encouraged to change their mindset towards work and retirement.
PM Lee said: "I know some older Singaporeans feel that their retirement is getting further and further away. The government encourages our people to work longer. They worry that they will need to work for their whole lives. They blame this on the government, saying that high cost of living gives them no choice.
"But we need to change our mindsets because times have changed. To be 70 years old today is like being 60 or even 50 in the past. So if you should continue to work at 50, then all the more so at 70!"
- CNA/so
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