EVOLVING SINGAPORE DREAM
Moderated by NUS’ vice-provost of undergraduate life Leong Ching, the discourse was attended by about 900 students from various schools of higher learning.
The conference was held under Chatham House laws, which dictate that members are free to use the data received but may reveal the identity of the speech.
On queries about the Singapore vision, Mr Wong noted it has evolved from the notion of the 5Cs – cash, car, credit cards, apartment, and state club membership – to about pursuing one’s unique way.
That had emerged during the Forward Singapore training, with people’s thought of a better career going beyond material success to include a sense of goal.
“ I believe the rejuvenated Singapore dream is one where we pursue individual route… and we realise our own aspirations and dreams, ” said Mr Wong.
He noted that contrast with others may be part of human nature, but it can get annoying when overdone, leaving one feeling trapped in an “endless mouse race ” or “chasing one else’s dream”.
Moving away from that to an environment where people recognise they have unique talents and abilities can help people to find objective in what they do, he said, adding that doing so may help young people to “seize options enthusiastically”.
He said : “It’s one where it’s more receptive, never thus prescribed. It’s one where we want you to choose your own way of success, and there will be various processes, unique aspirations, different objectives.
“Ultimately, we also hope that Singaporeans, in realising your own possible, have a care to look out for one another and support all of us succeed up. I think that’s a Singapore wish we can all look forward to realising up. ”
Asked by a student on the help given to people with disabilities and special needs to achieve their Singapore dream, Mr Wong said the government has been doing so through special education ( SPED ) schools and is studying ways to address concerns about what these students can do after graduation.
“We often hear issues around post-education … We are looking at ways in which we can strengthen some of the processes for them to work, or at least do something with their life that will be meaningful and fulfilling, ” said the prime minister, adding that he hopes to share some of these programs at the Budget speech next month.