Youths rank demographic trends as key issue that would
impact Singapore
SINGAPORE: Singapore youths have ranked the ageing
population as a key issue that would impact the
country.
More than 500 students at this year's pre-university
seminar were asked to participate in a poll and were given four
options: the economic rise of asia, climate change, urbanisation,
and demographic trends.
A majority went for the last option.
This was one of many quick polls conducted during a keynote speech,
given by Minister in Prime Minister's Office S Iswaran.
He sought their views on issues ranging from the economy to new
media. The students were then invited to respond by answering the
multiple choice questions on a mobile keypad.
The opening event, which lasted some two hours, also saw students
asking a wide spectrum of questions to the minister during the
dialogue, with topics ranging from entrepreneurship to
politics.
And Mr Iswaran, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs and
Trade & Industry, said he was impressed.
"I think the students were very engaged, the questions were very
thoughtful. Clearly they were seized with trying to find out what
is important from their point of view for Singapore and what are
the broader issues they need to understand."
The seminar was started in the 1970s with the aim of creating
awareness among students on issues important to Singapore.
The 500 participants hail from the polytechnics, integrated
programme schools, junior colleges and the centralised
institute.
17-year-old Nickolas Teo from Temasek Junior College found the
polls to be a good effort to engage his peers.
He said: "I think it's an innovative move in order to engage the
audience because we are very receptive to technology; it'd be good
for us to interact with the keynote speaker."
The dialogue session had students asking a wide spectrum of
questions, with topics ranging from entrepreneurship to
politics.
"You discussed the necessity of change in response to challenges
that arise. What happens however, when change meets resistance from
the people? For example, the opening of the casinos in the IRs was
not well-received by a significant portion of Singaporeans,"
questioned Joanna Lee, a student at Anglo-Chinese School
(Independent).
Mr Iswaran said the government is aware of the concerns.
"Some people have objections to it from a conscience point of view,
others have objections to it from a social consequences point of
view, and the government is keenly aware of it. We also had a very
extensive process of consultation with the ground, various
constituencies and religious groups before coming to this decision.
So it was not just something that was decided impetuously," said Mr
Iswaran.
Mr Iswaran explained that there were clear economic objectives,
with social safeguards in place.
- CNA/ac/ls