According to Mr. Wong, Singapore is becoming more diverse in terms of opinions, life experience, and world views.
” Variety enriches our world, but if it is not managed well, it can also tear us off.”
He claimed that diversification does not necessarily translate to division or division, and that unification does not necessarily translate to erasing our differences.
Alternatively, there can be a balance where there is room for lively debates.
The state will provide direction and management, according to Mr. Wong. It will do its element to maintain equitable policies, balance competing demands, and create spaces where Singaporeans can come up regardless of background.
However, he claimed that plan may mandate cohesion, and that Singaporeans will feel more at home when they contribute to formulating solutions.
When Singaporeans choose to stand up and watch out for one another, there will be unity.
He said that you can do that by going to neighborhood activities, checking on your neighbors, or making friends with someone who isn’t your kind, he said.
” These little acts of care and generosity add up over the course of a year, but we may not see the changes immediately.”
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CHANGES POLLICY
Mr. Wong claimed that the government’s dedication to engaging Singaporeans has changed as REACH has grown in scope and reach over time.
He said,” It’s not just about engaging more widely and having more numbers.” Your ideas have immediately influenced key policy changes over the past one to two years, and we listen to you, we listen to every opinions, and we listen to you.
He gave cases of changes, such as new recommendations for flexible work arrangements, more shared parental leave, and changes to educational plans, such as the Gifted Education Programme’s redesign.
In some situations, more time is needed to work through the trade-offs.
MediShield, which was introduced in 1990, covered people until they were 90 years older.
There were tips to expand insurance, but it would have raised prices and made it costly.
The state thoroughly considered the effects before finally introducing MediShield Life in 2015.
In other situations, the state may disagree with the suggestions and may explain its reasoning.
Mr. Wong cited proposals for implementing cost controls to stop inflation.
” We understand the concerns about cost of living, but the practice everyday shows that rate caps are ineffective and can have detrimental effects,” he said.
Instead, the government makes other efforts, such as through cash payouts and Community Development Council ( CDC ) gift cards.