SINGAPORE: Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has warned
about wanting slower growth for Singapore in the hope that social inequality
might be reduced.
He said if the country does not
seize growth opportunities, it could mean fewer and poorer quality jobs for
people.
Dr Balakrishnan was asking
Singaporeans to think carefully about what they want for their future, in a
dialogue with residents on Sunday.
Should Singapore hold on to the
values which brought the nation to where it is today?
Environment Minister Vivian
Balakrishnan posed this question to Bukit Panjang residents in the ongoing
National Conversation.
He said the rapidly evolving
global landscape means values in Singapore are also changing.
But the anchor, he suggested, is
a fair and just society, so Singaporeans should have their chance to speak up.
Issues raised by residents at the
session included overcrowding on public transportation, the adequacy of
healthcare facilities, and stress brought about by the education system.
Some also suggested solutions to
the problems.
"Subsequently, what the
government is going to follow up on these issues are what I would be very
concerned about," said resident Alice Lo.
"Because we don't want it to
be empty talk, (with) no action or no follow up."
Dr Balakrishnan said there is
good reason for Singaporeans to be anxious about the future, as the country is
facing intense global competition not witnessed before.
He added that people have to be
equipped through education, to take on the jobs of tomorrow.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "The
fact that the changes are occurring so rapidly is very unsettling for many of
us. So that's the backdrop behind the anxiety which we can feel on the ground.
It's important that the conversation, however, leads to a positive conclusion
and brings us forward."
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore
has to ensure its family structures and social safety nets are ready, for a
future where the population is ageing and communal relations may not be as
strong as before.
- CNA/xq
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