Debate on President’s speech: Tin Pei Ling on Singapore defying the odds

Singapore has always defied the odds to thrive and it must do so again at a pivotal moment in its history, as the global order shifts and the economic climate becomes ever more uncertain. Making this point in parliament on Monday (Sep 22), MP Tin Pei Ling called for Singapore to remain a stable node in an unstable world - a place where investors can trust the rule of law, where talent knows merit is valued and where citizens feel secure amid global disruption. It must also continue to be among the world’s most open and connected hubs in air and sea transport, trade and finance, talent, data flows and digital networks, she added. Meanwhile, domestic demographics are changing as the population ages and younger generations face vastly different challenges. Ms Tin said that as Singaporeans live, work and play differently, government policies, approaches and national infrastructure also have to evolve. Technological changes and climate risks mean existing infrastructure must be refreshed more intensively and new future-ready ones built, to sustain living standards.