" Set your own goals & strive for them"

People are Singapore's only resource. They matter not only in the collective sense, but also at the individual level.

Every Singaporean is unique. It is not only those who score a dozen "As", or those who are important, or make a lot of money, who are an asset to our country. Each one of us has a place in society, a contribution to make and a useful role to play. We should therefore strive to do our best, and to reach our full potential. Everyone who does so is worthy of praise.

We must widen our definition of success to go beyond material wealth or academic achievements. Traits like character, courage, commitment, compassion and creativity are equally, if not more, important. Success is also not so much whether we live up to other people's expectations, but whether we live up to our own.

Every Singaporean should therefore set his own goals, based on an honest estimation of his own potential and strive to achieve them. We should also respect and applaud others who are doing the same, no matter what role they play.