SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said
the government's National Population and Talent Division is
reviewing the country's policies and measures to support citizens
in getting married and having children.
And he is looking forward to suggestions on how the
government can enhance the pro-family environment in
Singapore.
He added that the government division is releasing
an occasional paper on Thursday that will highlight the trends in
marriage and parenthood.
He said creating a supportive environment for Singaporeans to form
families and raise children has been, and remains, a key government
priority in addressing the population challenge.
And the government has put in place measures to support
Singaporeans in getting married and having children.
The Marriage & Parenthood Package has improved over the years,
and has helped many Singaporeans, DPM Teo said.
Addressing the conference participants at the NUS Global Asia
Institute Signature Conference, Mr Teo said two key issues will
shape the destiny of countries in Asia, and of Asia as a
whole.
These are demographics and good governance.
"While there is no universally applicable system that can work
across the wide range of different national circumstances, some key
principles of governance hold true regardless of the political
system or structure in place.
"First, any government has to draw its legitimacy from the absence
of corruption, or minimally to keep corruption in check.
"Second, it has to govern in the interest of the majority of the
people, while protecting ethnic minorities.
"Third, there should be a system of succession that can take the
country forward beyond one or two generations. Leadership is key to
maintaining a sound system of governance.
"In the absence of one or more of these principles, a country will
not be able, in the long term, to sustain its economic and social
development."
Mr Teo added that globalisation and technology, especially the
Internet and social media, have brought about new competitive
pressures, and increased flows of people and information.
Thus, in Asia, and around the world, countries will have to evolve
their systems of governance in tandem with changing societal needs
and demands.
- CNA/ck