EVOLVING SINGAPORE DREAM
Moderated by NUS’ vice-provost of student life Leong Ching, the dialogue was attended by about 900 students from various institutes of higher learning.
The session was held under Chatham House rules, which dictate that participants are free to use the information received but cannot reveal the identity of the speaker.
On questions about the Singapore dream, Mr Wong noted it has evolved from the notion of the 5Cs – cash, car, credit card, condominium, and country club membership – to about pursuing one’s own path.
That had emerged during the Forward Singapore exercise, with people’s idea of a better life going beyond material success to include a sense of purpose.
“I believe the refreshed Singapore dream is one where we pursue own path … and we realise our own aspirations and dreams,” said Mr Wong.
He noted that comparison with others may be part of human nature, but it can get frustrating when overdone, leaving one feeling trapped in an “endless rat race” or “chasing someone else’s dream”.
Moving away from that to an environment where people recognise they have different abilities and strengths can help people to find purpose in what they do, he said, adding that doing so can help young people to “seize opportunities enthusiastically”.
He said: “It’s one where it’s more open, not so prescribed. It’s one where we want you to choose your own path of success, and there will be different pathways, different aspirations, different goals.
“Ultimately, we also hope that Singaporeans, in realising your own potential, have a care to look out for one another and help all of us succeed together. I think that’s a Singapore dream we can all look forward to realising together.”
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 always hear concerns around post-education … We are looking at ways in which we can improve some of the pathways for them to work, or at least do something with their lives that will be meaningful and fulfilling,” said the prime minister, adding that he hopes to share some of these plans at the Budget statement next month.
