S’poreans to be involved in "national conversation" on future of country

SINGAPORE: Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat said he will form a team to engage Singaporeans, through different platforms, in what he described as a "national conversation" on the future of the country.

The aim of the initiative is to foster a shared understanding of the country’s challenges and opportunities, hopes and aspirations.

In a statement, Mr Heng said domestically, Singapore is at a more mature stage of development.

Externally, he said many new developments will affect Singaporeans in profound ways.

So by thinking ahead and acting together, he said Singaporeans can create a better future for themselves, their children and communities.

Mr Heng said the country needs to rethink its approaches to many issues, examine what remains relevant and change what needs to be changed.

"That’s why a broader process, a broader consultation process, a broader conversation on where Singapore should be in the future should be the starting point, and not just the specific tweaks to particular policies," the minister said at a community event.

Mr Heng said he will be forming a team of younger ministers for the consultation.

So far, Senior Minister of State for Education Lawrence Wong has confirmed that he is part of the team.

More details will be provided in the coming weeks.

— CNA/wm