Embrace talent, technology to secure Spore's future: PM

Straits Times, 21 August 2006

PM LEE's vision of Singapore is a global city with citizens firmly anchored to the country and welcoming of new immigrants to add to its vitality. I agree very strongly that this vision can only be fulfilled when both individuals and nation learn to adapt together in this rapidly changing society. There is the assessment that our growing nation is facing three long-term challenges: Boosting the population, tackling the benefits and burdens of the digital age, and building the 'heartwave' to root Singaporeans to their land. However, i disagree that 'it's just a matter of having the babies'. Yes, there is the fear of a vanishing population over the years. Our current issue of ageing population is worrying but i believe there are others ways apart from simply having a larger number of children in each family. And i am encouraged that our Singaporean governement is aware of this. Hence, i am proud that there are alternatives that will reach out to other Singaporeans who have different views of enlarging our population. This would benefit mothers such that they will be under less pressure to populate the society and juggle with their careers. In response to PM Lee's key messages, for immigrants, there will be a new citizenship and Population Unit. This will encourage more foreign talent to migrate to Singapore and contribute more. As Mr Lee said, 'people know Singapore is special, they even have heard of the little red dot. But they don't know that Singapore is in search of talent. Indeed, i too believe that to meet these difficult challenges ahead, we must inculcate courage and spirit, make the change, adapt, sacrifice, fight together and win. I feel that this is our duty.