Beyond staying open, Singapore must remain ‘relevant and useful’ to thrive: DPM Heng
TO CONTINUE thriving, Singapore must not only stay open and connected, but remain “relevant and useful” to the world as a global-Asia node, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in Parliament on Friday (Apr 21).
This is how the country can reap the full benefits of government-led efforts to deepen collaboration in free trade, investment and research, he added.
On the final day of the debate on the President’s Address, he stressed that Singapore requires unity – a theme raised by several other speakers – to secure its place in the world.
He further listed three things Singapore must get right: staying open and relevant, continuing to grow a vibrant and innovative economy, and developing every Singaporean to their fullest potential.
First, he noted that some have asked if Singapore should move beyond growth to focus on other pressing issues, not least as the economy is almost at full employment. “This is a false choice,” he warned. “Growth is critical for giving us the means to build a better Singapore, and better lives for Singaporeans.“
As sustaining growth and creating good jobs become harder, the country must address structural changes – an ageing population, rapid technological advancements and a fragmenting supply chain – and press on with economic transformation.
One major change is artificial intelligence (AI), highlighted by Sembawang MP Mariam Jafaar, who called for policies to ensure its effective and ethical development and deployment. This includes anticipating how jobs will change, developing and attracting talent for AI-related roles, and engaging Singaporeans to embrace the changes brought about by it.
Heng’s second point was that, since “economic growth is about creating tangible benefits for all”, Singapore must enable its citizens to maximise their potential and seize opportunities.
This goes beyond the schooling years, he added: “Success in a more disruptive world requires continuous reskilling throughout life.”
But government-led efforts alone are not enough to keep Singapore thriving, he noted. “We must continually think about how Singapore and Singaporeans can be relevant and useful, and what special role we can play.”
He added: “Our value proposition is building connections across cultures and economies, and we must strengthen this.”
Noting that many local firms and Singaporeans have been venturing overseas, he said that “the value of being a Singaporean will rise” if the Republic remains dynamic, outward-looking and effective in building connections with people around the world.
Yet, even as Singaporeans go abroad, frictions at home must also be addressed, pointed out Heng. Local norms and behaviours may differ from those of new citizens or foreign workers, and these differences might be uncomfortable.
There may also be concerns about wealth inequality, competition for jobs, and unfair workplace practices, he added.
Earlier in the debate, Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh warned that family offices and the growth of foreign wealth are a “tinderbox” that, if left unaddressed, could stoke divisions in society. He noted a “murmuring of discontent” among Singaporeans over the mass buying of properties by wealthy foreign individuals.
To prevent xenophobia, the government should provide concrete evidence on how foreign talent helps Singaporeans, he added. If it does not “fill this information vacuum”, things could turn ugly.
To this, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng replied that the government has given statistics “to the best extent that is possible”, as some of the data requested by MPs is confidential. Chiming in, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that releasing data may not completely prevent animosity towards foreigners.
In his speech, Heng said that the government is addressing the anxieties about foreign competition by adjusting policies, strengthening frameworks and “developing Singaporeans fully”.
“Our commitment to openness remains unchanged, but we too can refine our approach to openness, to ensure that it is fit for the times,” he added.
Those who share the Republic’s convictions and values should be encouraged to contribute, and invited to grow Singapore together, he said, noting that many are already doing so.
At the same time, newcomers to Singapore should adapt to local norms and behaviours, while Singaporeans must have the patience and empathy to help foreigners settle in and integrate better. “This is how we can remain open yet cohesive as a society,” said Heng. “Open-minded, yet proud of our Singapore identity, and successful as a nation and people.”
Safeguarding unity among Singapore’s diverse groups was also raised by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and People’s Action Party MP Sitoh Yih Pin.
While diversity has become one of Singapore’s strengths, the country must not take harmony for granted as it can “quickly become a point of vulnerability”, cautioned Tong. “It is something that we must constantly work on to jealously guard, and to be always fearful that it is taken from us.”
He noted various ways in which Singapore is strengthening social harmony and inclusion, from encouraging mixing across income groups and ages, to providing more opportunities for groups such as people with disabilities.
As the country explores its basis for unity in the “Forward Singapore” exercise, youth – who are an important part of this journey – must have a stake in shaping the future, according to Tong.
To this end, the government will introduce “youth panels”, through which young people can help develop policy recommendations. The proposals will be taken seriously, he added. Those which merit further discussion may be presented in Parliament, through a paper sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The government will consult youth on the key issues they wish to see under such panels. More details will be shared later, said Tong.
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