SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong said youths in the country will have a bright future - where
they will be given ample opportunity to do well in their studies
and jobs, as well as contribute to society.
The message came on the back of his speech in
Parliament on Thursday, which promised a better life for all and an
inclusive society.
At the launch of the inaugural Youths Care movement
on Saturday, Mr Lee said in other parts of the world, youths are
frustrated at the system, and cited the "Occupy Wall Street"
demonstrations as an example.
PM Lee said: "They are unhappy because unemployment is high,
because they see the problems in their country, because they don't
see any hope for themselves or any optimism for the future, and
they are just feeling angst - don't know what to do about it - but
anyway, [they are] not happy."
Mr Lee urged young Singaporeans to pay it forward and do their part
for the community.
The initiative will see youths fan out across the island to do
community service over two weekends.
The community service activities include sprucing up an old
neighbourhood with a colourful mural, and playing sports to raise
funds for charity.
For instance, the Youths Care initiative in Bedok raised more than
S$2,000 for the ComCare assistance fund.
"I hope you will gain something back by contributing. By painting
the wall, by doing the murals, you will make friends. You'll
appreciate what's happening in real life, and you'll build empathy,
connect with people, [gain] some humility to know that others are
working with you. And these are, I think values, and lessons which
should be very valuable to you in life," said Mr Lee.
The People's Association (PA) said the Youths Care movement is also
in line with the call for a more inclusive society.
"We also want to encourage and inspire our youth to do things, not
just for themselves but to do things for others in the community,
for other youth, as well as seniors in the community," said Mr Yam
Ah Mee, Chief Executive of PA.
Mr Khoo Han Zhi, Arts & Culture Secretary of the Teck Ghee
Youth Executive Committee, said: "I think it's a good event to
bridge different groups of people from different parts of the
community - the less privileged and our residents."
As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Mr Lee called on the
People's Association Youth Movement to adapt to new environments
and reach out to more young people.
And to stay relevant, Mr Lee said the movement must continue to
engage youths through social media platforms such as Facebook and
Twitter.
- CNA /ls