Dear Editor,
I read the report in a somber and calm mood, “PM Lee urges Singaporeans to stay united and resolute amid rising inflation, geopolitical uncertainty” (TODAY, Aug 8).
I am glad to know PM Lee earnestly stressed that “we must also brace ourselves and be psychologically prepared that in the next decades, our region may not be as peaceful and stable as it has been thus far”.
Although there are regional and international tensions, conflicts between the superpowers, and geopolitical uncertainty as well as the ever-changing world order are beyond Singapore’s control, but certainly, Singapore’s destiny is within the hands of our political leaders, and her people.
Singapore must be firm and determined to stand by its persistent foreign policies of non-alliance, without choosing sides and friendliness, so that Singapore can safely sail through any terrifying, stormy waves and have a solid foothold in the unpredictable world order.
A small country like Singapore should always be equipped with acute consciousness and preparedness to deal with unpredictable, ever-changing crises. Hence, our wise political leaders should understand the times of the global political situation and grasp the world order thoroughly in order to formulate and implement policies that drive the country to chase after the rainbow and achieve another economic height.
It is heartening to learn that Mr Lee also spoke of the need to sustain economic progress and social resilience.
Singapore should set its strategic economic foresight on establishing/developing its multidisciplinary and multidimensional manufacturing industries, such as advanced semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and defense manufacturing, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, electrical car manufacturing, etc. These steps will drive Singapore to excel and achieve economic prosperity.
In order to consistently maintain social stability and resilience, the Government and its agencies such as NTUC, PUB, EDB, HDB, hospitals, and IE should advise, encourage, collaborate, integrate, or mobilize respective ethnic community social service organizations (like CDAC, SINDA, and MUIS) and respective Chinese Clan Associations to identify, understand, tolerate, absorb and cope with the current and potential common social challenges or difficulties and environmental threats encountered by all Singapore residents such as issues on Covid-19, dengue fever, Monkeypox, aging of the population, climate change, soaring global inflation, rising costs of living, shortages of food supplies, and weaker and disruptive global supply chains, as these are the most valid and concerning worries remained in the hearts and minds of all citizens.
PM Lee mentioned that more will be rolled out in the coming months to help Singaporeans offset the rising costs of living while each individual puts in his/her best efforts in making a decent living, and constantly upgrading his/her knowledge, skill, and productivity.
Teo Kueh Liang
news@theindependent.sg
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