Adjournment motion on creating opportunity for youth to thrive

Youth are the foundation and key to society’s future survival and Singapore must nurture a strong core of youth who will be leaders of tomorrow and create opportunities for the youth of tomorrow to thrive in turn. Moving an adjournment motion in Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 2), NMP Syed Harun Alhabsyi proposed four areas to focus on. First, redefine what success means for youth; second, build confidence in them; third, give opportunities for them to express their views; and fourth, ensure they continue to have a strong sense of rootedness in Singapore. Dr Harun said the sustainability of a growing cultural and mindset shift on redefining success will hinge on the lived experience of youth - especially those less privileged, for whom taking risks or making missteps may cost a lot more in relative terms for themselves and their families. He also elaborated on why there is scope for Singapore to develop greater confidence and optimism in its youth when it comes to their ability and standing in the world today. Dr Harun called for a youth agenda to “percolate” through the curation of policy and be made part of the nation’s sustainability plan for the future. Responding, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Alvin Tan said he agreed that it is okay for youth to try, tumble and even fail. However, Singapore does not want to provide “a fail-safe environment” which “does not exist in the real world”. Instead, the best thing it can do, is doing and will continue to do is to equip youth with the tools they need to thrive, said Mr Tan. He cited examples including Outward Bound Singapore, Mentoring SG and the National Youth Council youth panels which are equipping young people with tools to solve the societal challenges of the day.