Economic growth should move closer to centre stage in 2015

A NEW year brings fresh hopes and aspirations, especially after the tumultuous 12 months of 2014. While far from the epicentres of many of the tensions and tragedies that unfolded over the past year, Singapore has nonetheless not been untouched by the geopolitical conflicts, military flashpoints, economic perils, natural catastrophes and other calamities that rocked the world in the past months - and that will, in many cases, reverberate for a long while.

For Singaporeans, those news events are sobering reminders not to take for granted the stability, security, safety and prosperity that the country enjoys. This bears saying even (or perhaps particularly) at the start of a highly auspicious year, one ushered in with great anticipation in view of Singapore's golden jubilee this year. Indeed, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has set the tone for the country's 50th birthday celebrations, which kicked off with a colourful New Year's Eve extravaganza over Marina Bay. SG50, said Mr Lee in his New Year message, "will be a time to look back, give thanks for what we have achieved, and to loo…