SINGAPORE: Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Professor S. Jayakumar said on Sunday the country needs to re-invent and re-position itself early to prepare for the next phase of development.
He continued to say that trade associations such as the Singapore
Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) can play a leading
role to move the country's economy to a higher level.
Professor Jayakumar, who was at the Chamber's annual Lunar New Year
celebration, said he hopes Singapore will be off to a roaring good
start as the country emerges from the recent economic downturn.
He noted that the Chamber has actively contributed feedback on how
the government can shape and improve its policies to help businesses.
Mr Jayakumar said he hopes to see the Chamber continue playing that role.
He also praised the organisation for its efforts in maintaining close ties with other ethnic groups.
"I think SCCCI must also be commended for their efforts to maintain
excellent bonds with other ethnic communities in Singapore, and I think
this is important in our multi-racial society," Professor Jayakumar
said.
"For instance, since 2004, the Chamber has been joining hands with
Yayasan Mendaki in awarding four scholarships yearly to outstanding
Malay-Muslim undergraduates".
- CNA/yb