Constant effort to improve lives, share fruits of progress points the way forward, he says
By Royston Sim, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2020
Singapore must stay open and connected to the world even as many societies lose faith in globalisation, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Having benefited enormously from globalisation, it must resist the temptation to turn inwards, he cautioned in his annual New Year message yesterday. "A Singapore turned inwards cannot survive."
He noted that the current state of the world worries Singaporeans, as the global slowdown has affected the economy. In November, the Trade and Industry Ministry said the economy is expected to have grown by 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent last year.
But PM Lee assured Singaporeans that the upcoming Budget will have measures to help businesses, workers and families, as well as the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable.
While companies will get help to raise their productivity and build new capabilities, workers, especially mid-career PMETs - professionals, managers, executives and technicians - will be given a hand to retrain, find new jobs and stay employable, he added.
Social safety nets will be improved, and "we will help households with their cost of living", PM Lee said in his message recorded at the Bicentennial Experience exhibition in Fort Canning.
The showcase of important moments in Singapore's history was a key event to commemorate the country's bicentennial year, which he said provided a vivid reminder of how much the island has changed over the centuries, and how far the Republic has come.
"Recounting this history has enhanced our collective consciousness of the past, strengthened our sense of togetherness in the present, and boosted our confidence in a shared future," he said.
One lesson to be drawn from history, he noted, is that while the Government has to stay on top of bread-and-butter issues, the intangible ethos of a society is even more vital in the long run.
In Singapore, the aim is to build a fair and just society, where growth and prosperity benefit everyone, and the human spirit can flourish, he said, citing the values and qualities that impelled the country's forefathers to stay rather than return to their land of birth.
"Here, pathways of progress are open to all, and every Singaporean can chase his or her dreams.
"Here, we are building a society where everyone is equal, regardless of race, language or religion.
"Here, we will uplift the most vulnerable amongst us, and leave nobody behind whatever the vicissitudes of life.
"Here, each generation never stops thinking of tomorrow, so that our children can look forward to exciting opportunities, and in their turn build a better Singapore."
PM Lee said the bicentennial also helped put into perspective what is happening now in the world and in Singapore, which had many ups and downs in the past 200 years.
Today, serious frictions exist between the United States and China, he noted.
Despite economic growth, societies such as Hong Kong, Chile and France are under stress and beset with protests. Their people worry about such basic needs as housing and jobs. They are also angry that the fruits of economic growth have not been shared equitably, with income gaps widening, said PM Lee.
Large parts of their populations have lost faith in their systems, and are pessimistic about the future. "This is fuelling nativism and chauvinism, and sectarian strife."
Singaporeans, too, are anxious, but "we are in a better position than most countries because for decades, we have toiled to improve our people's lives", PM Lee said. "And we continue to make steady progress, year after year."
He pointed to Singapore reforming its education system by changing the PSLE scoring system, and opening more post-secondary education pathways. The quality of pre-schools is being raised, and fees are being made more affordable.
In housing, first-time buyers are getting more subsidies, while healthcare is improved for more seniors with the new Merdeka Generation Package. In transport, the MRT system is now one of the most reliable in the world, with fewer than one breakdown every one million km travelled on average, he noted.
PM Lee said that ideals such as uplifting the vulnerable and building a fair and just society will enable Singaporeans to remain "one united people" and prevail despite the odds.
There was never any guarantee of success at any time in Singapore's history, he noted.
"But if we stand together and keep making the effort, I am confident Singapore can continue to shine brightly in the world."
In a separate New Year message yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said the Government is looking at measures to tackle the economic slowdown.
By Royston Sim, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2020
Having benefited enormously from globalisation, it must resist the temptation to turn inwards, he cautioned in his annual New Year message yesterday. "A Singapore turned inwards cannot survive."
He noted that the current state of the world worries Singaporeans, as the global slowdown has affected the economy. In November, the Trade and Industry Ministry said the economy is expected to have grown by 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent last year.
But PM Lee assured Singaporeans that the upcoming Budget will have measures to help businesses, workers and families, as well as the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable.
While companies will get help to raise their productivity and build new capabilities, workers, especially mid-career PMETs - professionals, managers, executives and technicians - will be given a hand to retrain, find new jobs and stay employable, he added.
Social safety nets will be improved, and "we will help households with their cost of living", PM Lee said in his message recorded at the Bicentennial Experience exhibition in Fort Canning.
The showcase of important moments in Singapore's history was a key event to commemorate the country's bicentennial year, which he said provided a vivid reminder of how much the island has changed over the centuries, and how far the Republic has come.
"Recounting this history has enhanced our collective consciousness of the past, strengthened our sense of togetherness in the present, and boosted our confidence in a shared future," he said.
One lesson to be drawn from history, he noted, is that while the Government has to stay on top of bread-and-butter issues, the intangible ethos of a society is even more vital in the long run.
In Singapore, the aim is to build a fair and just society, where growth and prosperity benefit everyone, and the human spirit can flourish, he said, citing the values and qualities that impelled the country's forefathers to stay rather than return to their land of birth.
"Here, pathways of progress are open to all, and every Singaporean can chase his or her dreams.
"Here, we are building a society where everyone is equal, regardless of race, language or religion.
"Here, we will uplift the most vulnerable amongst us, and leave nobody behind whatever the vicissitudes of life.
"Here, each generation never stops thinking of tomorrow, so that our children can look forward to exciting opportunities, and in their turn build a better Singapore."
PM Lee said the bicentennial also helped put into perspective what is happening now in the world and in Singapore, which had many ups and downs in the past 200 years.
Today, serious frictions exist between the United States and China, he noted.
Despite economic growth, societies such as Hong Kong, Chile and France are under stress and beset with protests. Their people worry about such basic needs as housing and jobs. They are also angry that the fruits of economic growth have not been shared equitably, with income gaps widening, said PM Lee.
Large parts of their populations have lost faith in their systems, and are pessimistic about the future. "This is fuelling nativism and chauvinism, and sectarian strife."
Singaporeans, too, are anxious, but "we are in a better position than most countries because for decades, we have toiled to improve our people's lives", PM Lee said. "And we continue to make steady progress, year after year."
He pointed to Singapore reforming its education system by changing the PSLE scoring system, and opening more post-secondary education pathways. The quality of pre-schools is being raised, and fees are being made more affordable.
In housing, first-time buyers are getting more subsidies, while healthcare is improved for more seniors with the new Merdeka Generation Package. In transport, the MRT system is now one of the most reliable in the world, with fewer than one breakdown every one million km travelled on average, he noted.
PM Lee said that ideals such as uplifting the vulnerable and building a fair and just society will enable Singaporeans to remain "one united people" and prevail despite the odds.
There was never any guarantee of success at any time in Singapore's history, he noted.
"But if we stand together and keep making the effort, I am confident Singapore can continue to shine brightly in the world."
In a separate New Year message yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said the Government is looking at measures to tackle the economic slowdown.
Government looking at measures to tackle economic slowdown, global uncertainty: DPM Heng Swee Keat
In 2020, it will also boost aid for businesses to transform and help workers get new skills, says DPM
By Royston Sim, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2020
As the Government builds for the longer term, it is also looking at measures to tackle the economic slowdown, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
In a message released by the People's Action Party (PAP) on New Year's Eve, he acknowledged Singaporeans' concerns about the sluggish domestic economy and growing global uncertainty.
"We are committed to investing in and creating opportunities for Singaporeans to make a better life, and ensuring that no one is left behind if they put in effort," said Mr Heng, who is the ruling party's first assistant secretary-general and the Finance Minister.
Mr Heng, who will announce the Budget next month, said that in 2020, the Government will also step up support for businesses to transform and help workers acquire new skills, plus support families and care for seniors.
Mr Heng's year-end message to Singaporeans on behalf of the party is a first, and it reflects his standing as the leader of the PAP's fourth-generation (4G) team and the presumptive future prime minister.
Traditionally, only Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - the party's secretary-general - gives a New Year message.
Mr Heng, in his message, noted that the PAP's mission is to build a fair and just society, with the benefits of progress spread widely to all. Generations of PAP leaders and members have served with conviction, compassion, integrity and distinction, he added.
"We have always done what is right by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans. The 4G leadership will do the same. We will continue to win and honour the trust and support of Singaporeans, with all our heart and strength."
Reflecting on the past year, he highlighted sharper political polarisation and social unrest in different parts of the world, with people driven apart by differences of race, religion, class or generation.
These divisions feed distrust and suspicion, hurting societies and their people, he said.
Singapore must not allow differences to divide society, but instead harness its diversity as a strength, he added.
Mr Heng also said he is glad that the Singapore Together movement, which he launched last June to work more closely with Singaporeans to shape policies and the country's future, is gaining momentum.
"We have heard the concerns and aspirations of Singaporeans. We engaged our people on what we want to achieve for our country," he said.
"More importantly, we are working with Singaporeans to put plans into action."
Building a shared future must also mean giving every Singaporean a sense of hope and possibility, he noted.
Mr Heng also outlined initiatives that have been rolled out, from the Merdeka Generation Package for seniors, to making home ownership and pre-school education more affordable for young families.
Also, rail reliability has been improved, and more emphasis placed on environmental sustainability.
On the economy, the country has pressed on with industry transformation, he said. And while growth has slowed - the economy is projected to have grown by 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent last year - Singapore avoided a recession, he added.
Looking ahead, he said the PAP, which marked its 65th anniversary last year, will continue to be guided by its values of honesty, multiracialism, meritocracy and self-reliance.
"They give us the strength of conviction to do what is right for Singaporeans and ensure that we progress as a nation," he said.
Mr Heng ended his message with a call on Singaporeans, saying he is counting on them to translate their vision for the country into action, under the Singapore Together movement. "Let us bring Singaporeans together to work as one, and build an even better Singapore for all," he said.
In 2020, it will also boost aid for businesses to transform and help workers get new skills, says DPM
By Royston Sim, Deputy Political Editor, The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2020
As the Government builds for the longer term, it is also looking at measures to tackle the economic slowdown, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
In a message released by the People's Action Party (PAP) on New Year's Eve, he acknowledged Singaporeans' concerns about the sluggish domestic economy and growing global uncertainty.
"We are committed to investing in and creating opportunities for Singaporeans to make a better life, and ensuring that no one is left behind if they put in effort," said Mr Heng, who is the ruling party's first assistant secretary-general and the Finance Minister.
Mr Heng, who will announce the Budget next month, said that in 2020, the Government will also step up support for businesses to transform and help workers acquire new skills, plus support families and care for seniors.
Mr Heng's year-end message to Singaporeans on behalf of the party is a first, and it reflects his standing as the leader of the PAP's fourth-generation (4G) team and the presumptive future prime minister.
Traditionally, only Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong - the party's secretary-general - gives a New Year message.
Mr Heng, in his message, noted that the PAP's mission is to build a fair and just society, with the benefits of progress spread widely to all. Generations of PAP leaders and members have served with conviction, compassion, integrity and distinction, he added.
"We have always done what is right by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans. The 4G leadership will do the same. We will continue to win and honour the trust and support of Singaporeans, with all our heart and strength."
Reflecting on the past year, he highlighted sharper political polarisation and social unrest in different parts of the world, with people driven apart by differences of race, religion, class or generation.
These divisions feed distrust and suspicion, hurting societies and their people, he said.
Singapore must not allow differences to divide society, but instead harness its diversity as a strength, he added.
Mr Heng also said he is glad that the Singapore Together movement, which he launched last June to work more closely with Singaporeans to shape policies and the country's future, is gaining momentum.
"We have heard the concerns and aspirations of Singaporeans. We engaged our people on what we want to achieve for our country," he said.
"More importantly, we are working with Singaporeans to put plans into action."
Building a shared future must also mean giving every Singaporean a sense of hope and possibility, he noted.
Mr Heng also outlined initiatives that have been rolled out, from the Merdeka Generation Package for seniors, to making home ownership and pre-school education more affordable for young families.
Also, rail reliability has been improved, and more emphasis placed on environmental sustainability.
On the economy, the country has pressed on with industry transformation, he said. And while growth has slowed - the economy is projected to have grown by 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent last year - Singapore avoided a recession, he added.
Looking ahead, he said the PAP, which marked its 65th anniversary last year, will continue to be guided by its values of honesty, multiracialism, meritocracy and self-reliance.
"They give us the strength of conviction to do what is right for Singaporeans and ensure that we progress as a nation," he said.
Mr Heng ended his message with a call on Singaporeans, saying he is counting on them to translate their vision for the country into action, under the Singapore Together movement. "Let us bring Singaporeans together to work as one, and build an even better Singapore for all," he said.
2020 New Year Message by PM Lee Hsien Loong
The intangible ideals that propel Singapore
From building a fair and just society to ensuring no one is left behind, Singapore will build on the ideals that has brought it thus far. This is the text of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's New Year Message 2020, which was recorded at The Bicentennial Experience at Fort Canning.
The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2020
Hello everyone! 2019 was our Bicentennial. We organised activities and exhibitions throughout the year, both in the city and in the heartlands, to commemorate our history. Three-quarters of a million people of all ages and walks of life visited the Bicentennial Experience, here at Fort Canning, some more than once.
The Singapore story resonated deeply with us, because it reminded us vividly how much our island has changed over the centuries, and how far we have come, even within our own lifetimes.
Recounting this history has enhanced our collective consciousness of the past, strengthened our sense of togetherness in the present and boosted our confidence in a shared future. Unlike the ancient civilisations of our forefathers, Singapore lacks a long, continuous history. But the Bicentennial has strengthened our conviction that Singapore will have a bright future.
The Bicentennial also put into perspective what is currently happening around the world and in Singapore. Over 200 years, we have experienced many ups and downs, including riots and war, depression and economic crises.
Today, the outlook is again fraught with uncertainty. Serious frictions have developed between the US and China. Their recent trade deal has partially relieved tensions, but it will not resolve the fundamental differences.
Meanwhile, many societies - including most recently Hong Kong, Chile and France - are under stress. Despite economic growth, their peoples feel anxious, discouraged and upset. They worry about basic needs like housing and jobs. They are angry that the fruits of growth have not been shared equitably, and income gaps are widening.
Consequently, large parts of their populations have lost faith in their economic and political systems, and are pessimistic about the future. This is fuelling nativism and chauvinism, and sectarian strife. Everywhere, globalisation seems to be in retreat.
Singaporeans, too, are worried about the state of the world, and we also have our own domestic concerns. But we must resist the temptation to turn inwards. Instead, we must stay open and connected to the world.
Globalisation has benefited Singapore enormously. A Singapore turned inwards cannot survive. We are in a better position than most countries, because for decades we have toiled to improve our people's lives. And we continue to make steady progress, year after year.
We are reforming our education system. We are lowering fees of pre-schools and raising their quality, to give every child a good start in life. We are changing the PSLE scoring system to reduce pressure on our students. We are opening more post-secondary education pathways to bring out the best in every student. When our young people start work, SkillsFuture will support their lifelong learning journey.
In housing, we have enhanced subsidies for first-time buyers, to help more young families own their homes. The first residents of the new Bidadari estate have started to move in, and flats in Tengah new town are now open for booking.
HDB upgrading programmes continue apace. We are refreshing our heartland so every town is spruced up and up-to-date, with active communities and modern amenities.
In healthcare, we are honouring senior Singaporeans through the Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation packages. We are also expanding capacity significantly with new healthcare facilities. The Sengkang General Hospital and Community Hospital are open, and Outram Community Hospital has started admitting patients. Redevelopment of the Outram, Tan Tock Seng and NUHS campuses is ongoing.
In transport, after much hard work, rail services have dramatically improved. The MRT is now one of the most reliable train systems in the world. On average, we have less than one breakdown every one million kilometres travelled.
Meanwhile, we continue to build more rail lines and extensions. Stage 1 of the Thomson-East Coast Line opens this month. We have just settled the alignment of the Cross Island Line, deep under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. And at Changi Airport, Jewel - that we are all so proud of - opened last year.
At the same time, we are keeping a close eye on more immediate risks and pressures. The global economic slowdown has already affected us. Last year we avoided a recession. Our economy is still growing, but less vigorously than we would like.
In the upcoming Budget, we will support businesses to raise their productivity and build new capabilities. We will help workers, especially mid-career PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians), to retrain, acquire new skills, find new jobs and stay employable. We will help households with their cost of living. We will improve social safety nets that protect the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable.
These are all practical measures to improve the lives of Singaporeans. But one lesson from history is that while we must stay on top of bread-and-butter issues, in the long run the intangible ethos of a society is even more vital.
Here, in this island-nation, we aim to build a fair and just society, where growth and prosperity benefits everyone, and the human spirit can flourish.
Here, pathways of progress are open to all, and every Singaporean can chase his dreams.
Here, we are building a society where everyone is equal, regardless of race, language or religion.
Here, we will uplift the most vulnerable amongst us, and leave nobody behind whatever the vicissitudes of life.
Here, each generation never stops thinking of tomorrow, so that our children can look forward to exciting opportunities, and in their turn build a better Singapore.
These values and qualities impelled our forefathers to remain in Singapore, rather than return to the lands of their birth. These values gave us the grit to survive the Japanese Occupation, the courage to fight for self-determination and independence, and the will to build a nation where none stood before. These same values will enable us to remain "one united people", and to prevail despite the odds.
In a troubled world, few societies can devote themselves to such intangible ideals, much less act upon them. But here in Singapore, thanks to the heroic efforts of several generations, we can all realistically aspire to live by these values, and turn our vision into reality.
There can be no guarantee of success. But there never was, at any time during our history. As before, every step forward will take daring and determination. But if we stand together and keep making the effort, I am confident Singapore can continue to shine brightly in the world.
This is our life, our future, our Singapore.
I wish all Singaporeans a Happy New Year!
The intangible ideals that propel Singapore
From building a fair and just society to ensuring no one is left behind, Singapore will build on the ideals that has brought it thus far. This is the text of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's New Year Message 2020, which was recorded at The Bicentennial Experience at Fort Canning.
The Straits Times, 1 Jan 2020
Hello everyone! 2019 was our Bicentennial. We organised activities and exhibitions throughout the year, both in the city and in the heartlands, to commemorate our history. Three-quarters of a million people of all ages and walks of life visited the Bicentennial Experience, here at Fort Canning, some more than once.
The Singapore story resonated deeply with us, because it reminded us vividly how much our island has changed over the centuries, and how far we have come, even within our own lifetimes.
Recounting this history has enhanced our collective consciousness of the past, strengthened our sense of togetherness in the present and boosted our confidence in a shared future. Unlike the ancient civilisations of our forefathers, Singapore lacks a long, continuous history. But the Bicentennial has strengthened our conviction that Singapore will have a bright future.
The Bicentennial also put into perspective what is currently happening around the world and in Singapore. Over 200 years, we have experienced many ups and downs, including riots and war, depression and economic crises.
Today, the outlook is again fraught with uncertainty. Serious frictions have developed between the US and China. Their recent trade deal has partially relieved tensions, but it will not resolve the fundamental differences.
Meanwhile, many societies - including most recently Hong Kong, Chile and France - are under stress. Despite economic growth, their peoples feel anxious, discouraged and upset. They worry about basic needs like housing and jobs. They are angry that the fruits of growth have not been shared equitably, and income gaps are widening.
Consequently, large parts of their populations have lost faith in their economic and political systems, and are pessimistic about the future. This is fuelling nativism and chauvinism, and sectarian strife. Everywhere, globalisation seems to be in retreat.
Singaporeans, too, are worried about the state of the world, and we also have our own domestic concerns. But we must resist the temptation to turn inwards. Instead, we must stay open and connected to the world.
Globalisation has benefited Singapore enormously. A Singapore turned inwards cannot survive. We are in a better position than most countries, because for decades we have toiled to improve our people's lives. And we continue to make steady progress, year after year.
We are reforming our education system. We are lowering fees of pre-schools and raising their quality, to give every child a good start in life. We are changing the PSLE scoring system to reduce pressure on our students. We are opening more post-secondary education pathways to bring out the best in every student. When our young people start work, SkillsFuture will support their lifelong learning journey.
In housing, we have enhanced subsidies for first-time buyers, to help more young families own their homes. The first residents of the new Bidadari estate have started to move in, and flats in Tengah new town are now open for booking.
HDB upgrading programmes continue apace. We are refreshing our heartland so every town is spruced up and up-to-date, with active communities and modern amenities.
In healthcare, we are honouring senior Singaporeans through the Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation packages. We are also expanding capacity significantly with new healthcare facilities. The Sengkang General Hospital and Community Hospital are open, and Outram Community Hospital has started admitting patients. Redevelopment of the Outram, Tan Tock Seng and NUHS campuses is ongoing.
In transport, after much hard work, rail services have dramatically improved. The MRT is now one of the most reliable train systems in the world. On average, we have less than one breakdown every one million kilometres travelled.
Meanwhile, we continue to build more rail lines and extensions. Stage 1 of the Thomson-East Coast Line opens this month. We have just settled the alignment of the Cross Island Line, deep under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. And at Changi Airport, Jewel - that we are all so proud of - opened last year.
At the same time, we are keeping a close eye on more immediate risks and pressures. The global economic slowdown has already affected us. Last year we avoided a recession. Our economy is still growing, but less vigorously than we would like.
In the upcoming Budget, we will support businesses to raise their productivity and build new capabilities. We will help workers, especially mid-career PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians), to retrain, acquire new skills, find new jobs and stay employable. We will help households with their cost of living. We will improve social safety nets that protect the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable.
These are all practical measures to improve the lives of Singaporeans. But one lesson from history is that while we must stay on top of bread-and-butter issues, in the long run the intangible ethos of a society is even more vital.
Here, in this island-nation, we aim to build a fair and just society, where growth and prosperity benefits everyone, and the human spirit can flourish.
Here, pathways of progress are open to all, and every Singaporean can chase his dreams.
Here, we are building a society where everyone is equal, regardless of race, language or religion.
Here, we will uplift the most vulnerable amongst us, and leave nobody behind whatever the vicissitudes of life.
Here, each generation never stops thinking of tomorrow, so that our children can look forward to exciting opportunities, and in their turn build a better Singapore.
These values and qualities impelled our forefathers to remain in Singapore, rather than return to the lands of their birth. These values gave us the grit to survive the Japanese Occupation, the courage to fight for self-determination and independence, and the will to build a nation where none stood before. These same values will enable us to remain "one united people", and to prevail despite the odds.
In a troubled world, few societies can devote themselves to such intangible ideals, much less act upon them. But here in Singapore, thanks to the heroic efforts of several generations, we can all realistically aspire to live by these values, and turn our vision into reality.
There can be no guarantee of success. But there never was, at any time during our history. As before, every step forward will take daring and determination. But if we stand together and keep making the effort, I am confident Singapore can continue to shine brightly in the world.
This is our life, our future, our Singapore.
I wish all Singaporeans a Happy New Year!
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