As the world around us changes rapidly, Singapore must keep on improving, adapt to changes and exploit new opportunities to thrive, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Rally speech last evening.
In what is considered the biggest annual political address, Mr Lee stressed that the future - or the "next chapter in the Singapore Story" - is for Singaporeans to create, and a clear direction must be set to avoid drifting with the tide.
In what is considered the biggest annual political address, Mr Lee stressed that the future - or the "next chapter in the Singapore Story" - is for Singaporeans to create, and a clear direction must be set to avoid drifting with the tide.
"Think seriously about our future, contribute your ideas and work together to make it happen," he said. "If we stand still, we are going to fall behind."
Speaking in Malay, Mandarin and English over 130 minutes, Mr Lee addressed many issues, including the country's declining birthrate as well as relations between Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans.
Speaking in Malay, Mandarin and English over 130 minutes, Mr Lee addressed many issues, including the country's declining birthrate as well as relations between Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans.
The Government "cannot give up" on getting Singaporeans to marry and have children, he stressed. A new package of measures will hopefully be worked out by the time the Government's White Paper on population is published in January, said Mr Lee. Among some of the ideas that have been raised is paternity leave.
"We've said no for a very long time but I think it's time we changed...so please use your paternity leave for the purpose it is given," Mr Lee quipped.
"We should give some consideration to giving couples with young kids priority when they book HDB flats...it may encourage them to have a kid so that the flat will come faster."
On the topic of foreign talent, Mr Lee expressed concern about the double standards faced by foreigners here. When a foreigner says or does something wrong, especially to a Singaporean, the response is overwhelming.
"We should give some consideration to giving couples with young kids priority when they book HDB flats...it may encourage them to have a kid so that the flat will come faster."
On the topic of foreign talent, Mr Lee expressed concern about the double standards faced by foreigners here. When a foreigner says or does something wrong, especially to a Singaporean, the response is overwhelming.
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