Singapore - S'pore will provide bright future for youths to do well: PM Lee

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said youths in the country will have a bright future - where they will be given ample opportunity to do well in their studies and jobs, as well as contribute to society.

The message came on the back of his speech in Parliament on Thursday, which promised a better life for all and an inclusive society.

At the launch of the inaugural Youths Care movement on Saturday, Mr Lee said in other parts of the world, youths are frustrated at the system, and cited the "Occupy Wall Street" demonstrations as an example.

PM Lee said: "They are unhappy because unemployment is high, because they see the problems in their country, because they don't see any hope for themselves or any optimism for the future, and they are just feeling angst - don't know what to do about it - but anyway, [they are] not happy."

Mr Lee urged young Singaporeans to pay it forward and do their part for the community.

The initiative will see youths fan out across the island to do community service over two weekends.

The community service activities include sprucing up an old neighbourhood with a colourful mural, and playing sports to raise funds for charity.

For instance, the Youths Care initiative in Bedok raised more than S$2,000 for the ComCare assistance fund.

"I hope you will gain something back by contributing. By painting the wall, by doing the murals, you will make friends. You'll appreciate what's happening in real life, and you'll build empathy, connect with people, [gain] some humility to know that others are working with you. And these are, I think values, and lessons which should be very valuable to you in life," said Mr Lee.

The People's Association (PA) said the Youths Care movement is also in line with the call for a more inclusive society.

"We also want to encourage and inspire our youth to do things, not just for themselves but to do things for others in the community, for other youth, as well as seniors in the community," said Mr Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive of PA.

Mr Khoo Han Zhi, Arts & Culture Secretary of the Teck Ghee Youth Executive Committee, said: "I think it's a good event to bridge different groups of people from different parts of the community - the less privileged and our residents."

As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Mr Lee called on the People's Association Youth Movement to adapt to new environments and reach out to more young people.

And to stay relevant, Mr Lee said the movement must continue to engage youths through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

- CNA /ls


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