SM Goh Chok Tong outlines 10 major challenges for next generation
SINGAPORE: Singapore has come a long way in 50 years of
self-government, but Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said Sunday the
city-state's success has created its own set of problems.
Calling them the perils of success, Mr Goh threw down 10 challenges
for Cabinet Ministers and Singaporeans for the next generation to be
equally successful.
Singapore's economy has grown a whopping 125 times in the last 50 years, from S$2 billion to S$250 billion.
However, SM Goh warned guests at the Marine Parade National Day
Dinner that keeping up the pace will be even more challenging for the
next generation, compared to the problems he faced as Prime Minister.
Among 10 major challenges identified by Mr Goh, is keeping up the
pace of high economic growth in an increasingly competitive world.
Mr Goh asked the National Development Minister how much more land
can be reclaimed for Singapore, and how will he deal with the problems
of over-crowding?
For the Health Minister, can lifestyle diseases like diabetes and
heart problems be eradicated like typhoid and polio, while keeping
health care costs affordable?
He asked the Transport Minister if he could satisfy the next
generation's demand for convenient, punctual congestion-free travel
while meeting their expectations of affordable fares and ERP charges.
Overall, while people of different faiths mix well, Mr Goh said
Singaporeans are getting more religious and the society must be wary of
compartmentalisation.
Said the Senior Minister: "The next generation must never forget
that no matter how harmonious our multi-racial, multi-religious society
is today, ours is a society with inherent cracks. We have successfully
glued the various pieces together through purposeful, practical
integration policies but the fault-lines remain."
Mr Goh said he did not intend to spoil the mood of the celebration
with all the questions. Instead he wants people to think about the new
challenges facing the nation which will largely be borne by the next
generation of Singaporeans.
The Senior Minister also expressed some optimism, saying the next
generation has four factors in its favour - ample financial resources,
a growing talent pool, strong political leadership and a cohesive
society.
- CNA/yb