SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said
that Singapore must ensure that it has a sustainable population to
face future challenges.
Mr Teo said as a small country, Singapore faces many
uncertainties and emphasised the need for residents to remain
united to overcome such challenges.
"This is the way that we have been able to make
progress, in our four to five decades of history as an independent
country," he said.
"We continue to face big challenges for the future, and one of the
big challenges we have for the future is how to build a sustainable
population for ourselves. Our population is slowly ageing and
eventually, over the next 15 years or so, will even start to
shrink."
"Having a sustainable population is one of the most important
things for the future because it will help to keep our country and
our people vibrant, alive, lively and one of the most exciting
cities in the world," he added.
Mr Teo also highlighted the importance of building a sustainable
population.
"(We have to) help to make sure that our population continues to
remain sustainable so that we can continue to have a stable
Singapore for the future," he said.
"(We have to have) people to look after our elderly, a country and
economy that's growing, and also very importantly, a place where
young people, your children and your grand children, will want to
make their home because there are exciting things going on,
interesting jobs, cutting-edge opportunities and also many
interesting things to do in their free time, in their leisure. And
also, a very good place to bring up children.
"So there are many things we need to do for the future. And having
a sustainable population is one of the most important things for
the future because it will help to keep our country and our people
vibrant, alive, lively and one of the most exciting cities in the
world."
Mr Teo was speaking to some 1,000 Pasir Ris residents at a National
Day Observance Ceremony held at Elias Park Primary School.
Participants include members of the Pasir Ris West Grassroots
Organisation, teachers and students from schools and kindergartens
in the area.
Around 300 took part in a community parade, comprising contingents
ranging from uniformed groups to senior citizens.
Deputy Prime Minister and Advisor to Pasir Ris-Punggol Grassroots
Organisation Mr Teo Chee Hean inspected the parade as the Guest of
Honour.
Guests were also treated to cultural performances, including a
Silat or Malay martial arts performance and Chinese orchestra
pieces, to celebrate Singapore's multi-racial, multi-religious
society.
- CNA/wm