Singapore- "Forever Young"

In regards to Our Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, he had raised some interesting topic related to our Singapore’s future - Forever Young? It concerns us and every citizen in Singapore. To keep Singapore “Forever Young”, we must keep ourselves socially and economically energetic, competitive and attractive. PM Teo has listed the 5 main points which affect the Singapore’s future. Personally i feel the three points are important in this Singapore’s path to forever young - a strong culture of education and learning, a culture of seeking knowledge, innovation and ideas and lastly a strong and forward-looking leadership.

A strong culture of education and learning- In Singapore, our education standard and expectation are high. In comparison with international countries, it is surprising that our students do well in Science and Mathematics also in English. It is all due to the parents and students’ mindsets and government cooperation in making it possible with having the World-class Universities, polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education. Singapore Government has played an important role in every student and school by providing them with better quality of education. However, it is not only the quality of education that mainly matters. Our very own mindset is the main key to keeping Singapore forever young. It is true in my life as i always have a strong mindset of getting good grades with the highest possible education in Singapore, keeping myself socially and economically.

A culture of seeking knowledge, innovation and ideas- In an economically place, Singapore has grown into an “attracting place” as research and development hub with many areas of different sectors. In this way, Singapore has constantly been creating many opportunities for us and open the path for us to pursue our dreams. To be at forefront of knowledge and innovation, we should discard old skills and progress to a new level where we can create our ideas and technologies instead of depending on imported products and old skills. In addition, our working population contributes mainly to the growth of Singapore. That is why many Singaporeans are encouraged to upgrade their skills and be more reliable. If not, Singapore will fall behind and will not be “forever young”.

A strong and forward-looking leadership- Singapore had gone through many past experiences such as British Colony, Japanese Occupation, Merging with Malaysia. We have learnt the most important lesson from these and what we really lacked is this strong and forward-looking leadership. Enduring many setbacks with blood bled, Singapore has finally evolved into a stable country with good leadership thanks to our hard work of our government.
What we fear is in future is that who can keep Singapore forever young. It is all depended on our voices and efforts. As a Singapore citizen, we have the right to elect a group who has the ability to lead us to the future. We have to look out for leaders who are good, capable and have forward-looking attitude. Most importantly, one has to be utmost loyal and committed to Our Mother, Singapore. In my opinion, i will not want to go through our forefathers’ sufferings and not be in the same boat as the venetians who fell in the wrong hand of leadership before. If we can find this kind of strong and forward-looking leadership through our hands, our future path will look bright. Not also, it will keep Singapore forever young.

I can feel the hard work and effort of government in building casino and integrated resorts. Also, Singapore won the bids in Youth Olympics and especially Universal Studios@Singapore. Singapore is able to be recognised throughout the world as a vibrant global city. It attracts many tourists who want to visit Singapore and also these new integrated resorts. Although we as Singapore citizens are charged $100 for playing in casino, Government is actually helping us by controlling us not to be addicted to gambling. In addition, Universal Studios is well known especially in USA, Japan. Here right now, we are overjoyed to hear that Singapore government won the bidding to have the next new Universal Studios built in Singapore. It will be a great attraction for tourists and singapore citizens who have not go there before. All the things that government had done, help to keep Singapore young.

To stay young forever, we must not be embarrassed, scared, shy and not be like a little mouse. We MUST have forward-looking and positive attitude. We must also have a courage to challenge ourselves and go further beyond our current abilities and also not be intimidated by other biggest countries than Singapore. “We, as a citizen of Singapore...”shows we have the power to change Singapore. It depends on our hands especially choosing reliable leaders who can lead us and make the right decisions. If we have these abilities to do, we can make Singapore “forever young”!
Among these statements, Singapore is able to be YOUNG all thanks to the five factors especially strong and forward-looking leadership. This factor is the most important key to keeping Singapore forever young.