Loh
Regular Member
UPHOLDING SOLIDARITY AND BEING RESPONSIBLE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
Finally, on our solidarity — how we can unite our people and build a better home, and steward our resources equitably across generations.
Some things should not, cannot, can never change — like our fundamental principle of multi-racialism.
Our diversity is a source of strength, but it also requires constant adjustments to make sure we get the balance right: To progressively expand our common space, while allowing each community as much room as possible to go about its way of life.
Crucially, a strong social compact must provide not just for this generation’s needs, but it must also provide across generations.
We are fortunate to have inherited a well-endowed Singapore. We owe this to the foresight and prudence of past generations.
And this was why we were able to pass successive Budgets to fund critical schemes, and help workers and families tide over Covid-19.
It is our sacred duty not to squander what we have inherited.
If we were to use up more than our fair share of fiscal resources today, or neglect taking care of the environment, our children and our future generations will end up paying the price: They will be left with bigger challenges down the road.
So even as we tackle the challenges of today, we must consider the needs of tomorrow — the social compact we forge must be one that is fair and equitable across generations.
PARTNERING ONE ANOTHER TO REALISE VISION
Forward Singapore will be a major undertaking of the 4G team. It is an exercise that we are both excited and honoured to lead.
You have my word that we are sincere and committed to listening to and partnering with Singaporeans
We will build on the momentum we have gained, and apply the lessons we have learnt over the years
We will engage in good faith; consider all ideas; and work alongside Singaporeans to achieve our shared aspirations.
Some of you may ask me: What is it that I want to see in the Singapore of tomorrow?
I would say I want to see a Singapore where opportunities are open to all, no matter who they are or what their background is.
Where all are assured of access to basic needs like education, healthcare and housing, and everyone can chart their own path to live a fulfilling and dignified life.
Where we can build the best home, not just for ourselves but for generations of Singaporeans yet unborn.
Where all Singaporeans contribute their fair share to the common good, with those who are fortunate to do well in life willingly contributing more to uplift their fellow citizens with less.
Where every man and woman is valued, every child treasured, and every senior respected.
This is my hope for the future.
But I cannot make this happen by myself.
Today, I seek your full support and participation.
I am counting on all of you — as unionists, as business leaders, but most importantly as fellow Singaporeans, to offer your ideas and energies, to shape our vision so they reflect the aspirations and concerns of all Singaporeans and to work hand in hand with the Government to turn our common vision into reality.
This journey to take Singapore forward will not be easy.
It will require us to reflect not only on our aspirations, but also our anxieties.
And to see things not just from our own lens, but also from the lens of those with different backgrounds, different needs, and different priorities from us.
I hope we can all approach this with open minds and big hearts.
Be willing to give and take, as we negotiate difficult trade-offs.
So we may arrive at where we want to be, stronger and more united than when we started.
I have every confidence that by engaging and partnering one another, openly and sincerely, we will be able to build a better and stronger Singapore.
So let us all strive for:
Finally, on our solidarity — how we can unite our people and build a better home, and steward our resources equitably across generations.
Some things should not, cannot, can never change — like our fundamental principle of multi-racialism.
Our diversity is a source of strength, but it also requires constant adjustments to make sure we get the balance right: To progressively expand our common space, while allowing each community as much room as possible to go about its way of life.
Crucially, a strong social compact must provide not just for this generation’s needs, but it must also provide across generations.
We are fortunate to have inherited a well-endowed Singapore. We owe this to the foresight and prudence of past generations.
And this was why we were able to pass successive Budgets to fund critical schemes, and help workers and families tide over Covid-19.
It is our sacred duty not to squander what we have inherited.
If we were to use up more than our fair share of fiscal resources today, or neglect taking care of the environment, our children and our future generations will end up paying the price: They will be left with bigger challenges down the road.
So even as we tackle the challenges of today, we must consider the needs of tomorrow — the social compact we forge must be one that is fair and equitable across generations.
PARTNERING ONE ANOTHER TO REALISE VISION
Forward Singapore will be a major undertaking of the 4G team. It is an exercise that we are both excited and honoured to lead.
You have my word that we are sincere and committed to listening to and partnering with Singaporeans
We will build on the momentum we have gained, and apply the lessons we have learnt over the years
We will engage in good faith; consider all ideas; and work alongside Singaporeans to achieve our shared aspirations.
Some of you may ask me: What is it that I want to see in the Singapore of tomorrow?
I would say I want to see a Singapore where opportunities are open to all, no matter who they are or what their background is.
Where all are assured of access to basic needs like education, healthcare and housing, and everyone can chart their own path to live a fulfilling and dignified life.
Where we can build the best home, not just for ourselves but for generations of Singaporeans yet unborn.
Where all Singaporeans contribute their fair share to the common good, with those who are fortunate to do well in life willingly contributing more to uplift their fellow citizens with less.
Where every man and woman is valued, every child treasured, and every senior respected.
This is my hope for the future.
But I cannot make this happen by myself.
Today, I seek your full support and participation.
I am counting on all of you — as unionists, as business leaders, but most importantly as fellow Singaporeans, to offer your ideas and energies, to shape our vision so they reflect the aspirations and concerns of all Singaporeans and to work hand in hand with the Government to turn our common vision into reality.
This journey to take Singapore forward will not be easy.
It will require us to reflect not only on our aspirations, but also our anxieties.
And to see things not just from our own lens, but also from the lens of those with different backgrounds, different needs, and different priorities from us.
I hope we can all approach this with open minds and big hearts.
Be willing to give and take, as we negotiate difficult trade-offs.
So we may arrive at where we want to be, stronger and more united than when we started.
I have every confidence that by engaging and partnering one another, openly and sincerely, we will be able to build a better and stronger Singapore.
So let us all strive for:
- A fairer and more equal
- A more just and inclusive
- And a more generous, big-hearted and greener Singapore — for many more generations to come