SINGAPORE: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said
it's important to think about the kind of Singapore we want in 20
years' time.
He said this is because Singapore's future matters
to everyone.
Mr Heng, who is chairing the committee of younger
ministers tasked to take a fresh look at current policies, was
speaking at the 100th anniversary dinner of Ai Tong School on
Friday.
Mr Heng said: "Some have asked me why are we talking about the
future when there are present problems such as rising cost of
living and influx of foreigners. Should we not be devoting our time
to address these?
"These concerns are very real, and my colleagues across the
government are looking into them. But it's important to think about
the future - what kind of Singapore do we want in 20 years
time."
He added: "The shape of Singapore's future matters to all of us.
How can we prepare our children for the future and ensure that our
homeland provides many opportunities for our young people to fulfil
their aspirations?"
Mr Heng said Singapore needs to plan ahead so that the country
stays relevant and engaged.
This includes adapting to global trends such as breakthroughs in
science and technology.
He said Singapore also needs to tackle immediate issues while
planting the seeds of future success.
For example, the education policy of today cannot be divorced from
the hopes and dreams for the future of Singapore.
Mr Heng said he is looking forward to active and candid
contributions from Singaporeans to this national
conversation.
- CNA/fa