Debate on President’s speech: Chan Chun Sing on charting the path towards SG100 and beyond
Singapore must earn its place in a rapidly changing and increasingly volatile world, Defence Minister and Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing told parliament on Friday (Sep 26). As tariffs reshape trade and investment flows, Singapore has the opportunity to position itself as a reliable and resilient partner, he said. It will do this by doubling down on its man-made competitive advantages - investing in the entire span of its people’s educational and working years, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring a stable government and forward-looking public service. Mr Chan said Singapore’s strongest defence is its people’s collective will to fight for what they believe in. Noting that neutrality is a dangerous concept for small states, he said Singapore will take positions based on principles that promote its survival and success. “Only when we are successful can we have the right to choose our path and not be held ransom or hostage by others”, he said. On the social front, Singapore will do its utmost to break the cycle of intergenerational transfer of disadvantage. However, Mr Chan said even as the Government rolls out programmes to narrow gaps, every Singaporean can and must contribute in their own ways to support those with less. While economic growth must translate into growing the overall pie for Singaporeans, he reminded them that resources are finite and there will have to be a societal consensus about who to help more. Mr Chan also spoke about how the public service will need capable people with diverse backgrounds, skills and exposure to tackle the challenges Singapore faces. He pledged that the government will chart the way forward with bold policies; at the same time, as needs grow, it must be judicious about spending public funds, clear-eyed about trade-offs and ready to make difficult political decisions. Singapore will need leaders at all levels of society and together, the government will deliver not just for Singaporeans, but with Singaporeans, said Mr Chan, to take the nation to SG100 and beyond.
Singapore must earn its place in a rapidly changing and increasingly volatile world, Defence Minister and Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing told parliament on Friday (Sep 26). As tariffs reshape trade and investment flows, Singapore has the opportunity to position itself as a reliable and resilient partner, he said. It will do this by doubling down on its man-made competitive advantages - investing in the entire span of its people’s educational and working years, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring a stable government and forward-looking public service. Mr Chan said Singapore’s strongest defence is its people’s collective will to fight for what they believe in. Noting that neutrality is a dangerous concept for small states, he said Singapore will take positions based on principles that promote its survival and success. “Only when we are successful can we have the right to choose our path and not be held ransom or hostage by others”, he said. On the social front, Singapore will do its utmost to break the cycle of intergenerational transfer of disadvantage. However, Mr Chan said even as the Government rolls out programmes to narrow gaps, every Singaporean can and must contribute in their own ways to support those with less. While economic growth must translate into growing the overall pie for Singaporeans, he reminded them that resources are finite and there will have to be a societal consensus about who to help more. Mr Chan also spoke about how the public service will need capable people with diverse backgrounds, skills and exposure to tackle the challenges Singapore faces. He pledged that the government will chart the way forward with bold policies; at the same time, as needs grow, it must be judicious about spending public funds, clear-eyed about trade-offs and ready to make difficult political decisions. Singapore will need leaders at all levels of society and together, the government will deliver not just for Singaporeans, but with Singaporeans, said Mr Chan, to take the nation to SG100 and beyond.
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