Untitled Document

Speech by Mr David T E Lim, Minister of State for Defence and Information & The Arts At the Singapore 21 Conference "The Singapore 21 Vision: Moving Forward" at Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre (Suntec City), Level 2 on 31 July 1999.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

1. It has been 3 months since Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong launched the Singapore 21 Vision. Since that time, Parliament has debated and given the report its strong endorsement. I was tasked by the Prime Minister to chair a committee to facilitate the realisation of the Singapore 21 Vision.

2. I am pleased to inform today that the Singapore 21 Facilitation Committee has been formed. It comprises 21 members. They are drawn from different segments of our society, but each one shares a strong belief in the Singapore 21 Vision, and a commitment to do his or her part to bring it about.

3. Let me say from the outset that the role of this Committee is not to implement the Singapore 21 Vision. Singapore 21 is what Singaporeans want Singapore to be like in the 21st century. The Committee cannot decide this, nor cause it to happen. What happens next depends on what Singaporeans do, what choices we make, what lifestyles we adopt.

4. Realising Singapore 21 is a process made up of many steps. The role of the Committee is to facilitate this process. This will involve changes to mindsets, attitudes and behaviours. We cannot force a change of mind, much less a change of heart. What we can do is to inform, encourage and wherever possible, lend a hand. What we want to see as the outcome are active citizens, each doing what he can and wants to, to help build a better community.

5. The starting point for our work is to look at how Singaporeans have responded to the Singapore 21 Vision. What do Singaporeans think of this clarion call to build better future and a more vibrant society?

6. Frankly, the responses have been mixed.

7. Some have been negative. They say that Singapore 21 is just a collection of motherhood statements. They think that all this is just talk that will amount to nothing, and that life will go on as usual - a hectic rush to earn more money, and get ahead materially.

8. Some others blame government policies and tight-fisted budgets for why we are not already a Singapore 21 society. They feel that the fault lies with the government for not spending enough to provide welfare for the disadvantaged, or to nurture the arts, or to support other worthwhile causes.

9. Those who take such negative attitudes are, I think, a small minority. Of greater concern are those who are just indifferent. They don't know and don't care much about Singapore 21. It doesn't impinge directly on their jobs nor affect immediately their welfare. So it's not important to them. Or they feel that it's too complicated or too abstract to understand. They cannot see what relevance it has in their daily lives.

10. Then, there are some who are undecided. They ask many questions - like whether the government is serious about change, or whether it is possible to bring about such a big change in attitude and behaviour. They want to see Singapore 21 realised, but have doubts whether it can be done. Their doubts make them hesitate, and lulls them into inaction.

11. Finally, there are those who are willing to give Singapore 21 a try. They haven't got all the answers, but recognise that they have to make a start somewhere. Some are still working out their priorities and goals, and preparing to get involved. Others are already active and committed to making a contribution to the community. They know that the task is enormous, and want to do their part.

12. This wide range of responses is not entirely unexpected. After all, the spirit of Singapore 21 is about people making their own choices about the future.

13. But we cannot move forward together as a society unless we find some common ground to unite our efforts. As individuals, we can each have different dreams, different ideas about what makes life interesting and meaningful. But for a nation to grow, we must have some collective values and goals. Otherwise, we would have no national identity or purpose. We would then be a place, but not a people. This is why we have the Singapore 21 Vision.

14. We cannot say today that this is the Vision of all Singaporeans, or even of most Singaporeans. But the 5 ideas set out in this Vision reflects the hope of many Singaporeans for what our society will be like in the future. These ideas are not exhaustive, and they are not the be-all and end-all of Singapore in the 21st century. But the 5 ideas focus our attention, and point to the general direction we want our society to go in.

15. It is therefore important that we address the different responses, so that we can build support and consensus for this Vision.

16. The cynics who say that all this Singapore 21 talk is just homilies and hogwash miss the point - it will remain so unless each Singaporean decides that it should not be so. Negative attitudes can be self-fulfilling. But what good will that do them, and society? If, as citizens, we say that we want a part in shaping our future, then we have to be involved. Each citizen must contribute to our society's transformation, and not just by words, but also by actions.

17. This is not to say that the government does not play a role. Government support for Singapore 21 is important, both by way of providing funds to support community initiatives and through its various policies and regulations.

18. But there are limits to what government can or should do. For example, government adopts a policy of co-funding when we support volunteer organisations. This often draws criticism that the government is not doing enough, and suggestions that the government should provide more funding to deserving organisations.

19. Such requests can be discussed. But the principle of co-funding is sound and must form the basis of such discussions. By only providing partial funds, this means that organisations must raise funds from the public to meet their remaining needs. This has the important effect of making sure that there is public support for the cause as well.

20. This is an important point. It is quite natural for any group to feel that its own needs deserve priority. One group may think that the environment deserves more funding. Another feels that the money should go into better infrastructure for the handicapped. Resolving these competing demands means that every group or individual must be prepared to rally public support for his case, and not just make a demand on government for more resources. Only in this way can we be certain that both government, as well as corporate and individual resources, are fairly and productively distributed across the multifarious demands of society.

21. The government can and does play a part to develop our communities. But the essence of Singapore 21 is that each citizen must also be actively involved.

22. This is also the message that we must convey to those who are indifferent. Society cannot flourish and grow unless we each care about more than just ourselves and our material needs. If we chase only economic goals, we should not be too surprised if one day we wake to find our society fractured and divided. And if that happens, economic progress will also end.

23. The importance of paying attention to social and not just economic development is not just a theory. Nor is it something that we have just discovered. When we look back over the last four decades, we see amazing changes that have transformed our nation. In a single generation, we moved from the lowly status of underdeveloped country to what some say is the most competitive economy in the world. What made this economic miracle possible was the parallel progress we achieved in social development.

24. When we started out, we had all the ingredients for social strife. The racial riots in 1964 sparked off a fireball that nearly set the whole country on fire. But the racial riots in Indonesia just a year ago reminds us that after 35 years, these risks have not entirely disappeared.

25. Our success today is therefore as much an outcome of our social policies as it is of our economic ones. This is our rebuttal to those who say that our society today is unwell and blame the government for it. The peace and stability we enjoy in our society today did not just happen. It is the product of our past social policies, administered by an honest government, and upheld by a fair and just legal system.

26. Singapore 21 looks forward to a more lively and vibrant society. In many areas, we can do better. For example, we do not have many entrepreneurs or artists or designers. Our strength at this time lies more in analysis and problem solving than in creativity and innovation. That is why we are now changing our education policies, promoting the arts, and encouraging technopreneurs.

27. But this does not mean that our past policies were failures. Our past policies have brought our present success. Only our present success is not everything we want our society to be.

28. Needs and expectations change at every stage of development. Each policy solves a problem, and creates a new situation. Each new situation develops its own problems. We learn from the past useful lessons for the future. But to dwell on the past, and to quarrel and lay blame on each other, is to fritter away energy. To move ahead, we need to formulate new strategies that are in keeping with our aspirations and hopes.

29. This new thinking is Singapore 21. Essentially, it is the spirit of wanting to be involved, and to contribute in meaningful ways. It is both a way of thinking, and a change of behaviour.

30. Singapore 21 is about thinking "we, rather than me". When we say that "everyone counts", it means that everybody's hopes and aspirations are important, and we want to help everyone achieve their potential. But it also means that every person's contribution counts. We need everyone to be involved in building the community.

31. We cannot have one without the other. If we only focus on meeting each person's hopes or the wants of particular groups, then we are focusing only on the "me". But when we focus on both aspirations as well as contributions, then we have the right balance between the individual and the community. Each person's well being is looked after, when every one of us looks after the well being of our community.

32. Ladies and gentlemen: If the full report of Singapore 21 is too complicated or the 5 ideas too abstract, then consider this: Singapore 21 is every Singapore citizen doing what he can to build a better community.

33. It takes a great deal of effort to rebut the cynic, or to arouse the indifferent, or to win over the undecided. But we can do this by harnessing the energy of those who already believe in and are committed to the cause of Singapore 21.

34. When the Committee held its first meeting 3 weeks ago, we discussed this. We came to the conclusion that the most effective method to get the message across to everyone was to demonstrate how Singapore 21 is relevant in our lives.

35. Today, many individuals and groups are already doing their part. They work quietly in the community for the causes they believe in - whether it is helping the sick or infirm, aiding the handicapped, promoting the arts, or looking after the environment. Many of you belong to such groups.

36. What we want to do as a Committee is to recognise these efforts - but not competitively. Singapore 21 is not a beauty contest or a baby show. It is not a competition to see who has the greater interest of our future society at heart. Everyone has a role, no matter how big or small.

37. What we need to do is to find ways to identify and acknowledge the efforts already made. These will serve as examples of what Singapore 21 can mean in practical terms in our lives, and inspire and encourage others to also do their part.

38. Some have asked whether we will run campaigns or provide incentives. We can consider this, but they have some drawbacks. Running a campaign on Singapore 21 can at best only create awareness. And incentives can create the wrong motivation for people to volunteer their time, and cause others to question their motives. The Facilitation Committee welcomes practical suggestions and feedback on what else we can do.

39. Today's conference takes a step in this direction. I was quite heartened, reading through the pre-conference submissions, that many individuals have taken time and effort to put their thoughts on paper. Some of the ideas I found thought provoking. Some I had difficulty with the arguments put forward.

40. But in any case, I am most encouraged to see that Singapore 21 has kindled interest and brought out new ideas. I am glad that this conference has created an opportunity for many to affirm their commitment to serve the community, and to share their efforts with others.

41. I hope that in your deliberations today you will also come up with many suggestions for the Committee on how we can encourage more Singapore to be active citizens.

42. Some of you come from the people sector. Others are from corporations or the civil service. The roles that the people, private and public sectors play are different.

43. For the private sector, funding support is an immediate way by which you can help to support groups and individuals that want to do their bit for the community. And I am pleased to see that you have been generous in the past in supporting community efforts. But perhaps you can consider doing more. In the conference papers, one employer suggested incorporating the Singapore 21 values into their corporate creed. Another said that they offer part-time employment to enable their staff to spend more time with their families. These are commendable efforts. In another one paper, a participant voiced a hope that employers will actively encourage employees to be involved in community work, and give appropriate recognition to such efforts in the way you reward your staff. I hope employers will consider these ideas.

44. For the public sector, you need to deal both with perceptions and realities. I am glad that many Ministries have begun to respond to the Singapore 21 Vision, and some have articulated this in your submissions for today's conference. Your responses will need to take in the changing expectations in society. It is important that you signal your willingness to change, as well as demonstrate real and effective changes in your policies and processes. Whatever some critics may say, Singaporeans still look to the government to provide leadership in many spheres of their lives. This reflects the trust that they have in an able administration. But at the same time, I know that you receive more criticisms than compliments. This unfortunately is in the nature of things. But you must not let this derail you from your efforts to improve. You must not take a back seat. You should strive to win over the sceptics, by demonstrating that you are willing to consider new ideas and approaches, and to work in partnership with the private and people sectors.

45. For the people sector, you are the pivotal channel for change. The most fundamental changes are the changes to the way each person thinks and behaves. You need to work out ways and means to draw people into your ranks, give them meaningful roles, and help them see that they too have a role to play in realising Singapore 21. There will be areas where you will feel that the government or corporations can do more. I encourage you to continue to pursue these areas constructively. By all means champion your ideas and your ideals, but recognise at the same time that there are competing demands within our society for time and resources. You may not always get what you want. But look for common ground - you will achieve much more this way than if you adopt a "them and us" adversarial approach.

46. I would like to thank the five organising parties for your effort in putting together today's conference. You have matched your words with action. You have shown by your example what a concerned group of people can do.

47. I would like to encourage all participants today to likewise focus your discussions on specific actions which each of you can do. Resist the temptation to prescribe roles for others to act, rather than actions that you yourself can take up. Let us each contribute what we can to build a broader consensus for Singapore 21. By such actions, we will encourage others to play their part in realising the Singapore 21 vision.

48. Ladies and Gentlemen: Our future is an exciting one. The new millennium will see Singapore transformed physically. We will have a new Arts centre to add vitality to our city, and a new university and a new public library to build us into a learning nation. A new seaport will anchor our position as a global hub. We will even have a new island to plant our process industries. A new science habitat will help us grow our research community, and a new financial district will better plug us into the world.

49. But even more important is the new spirit that will transform our society, and make us a vital and vibrant community, and a distinctive and distinguished people. Let us all be determined to do our part to build our nation. This is what Singapore 21 is all about.

50. I wish you a productive and enjoyable seminar, and look forward to hearing your ideas later this afternoon.