Singapore’s future matters to everyone: Heng Swee Keat

SINGAPORE: Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said it’s important to think about the kind of Singapore we want in 20 years’ time.

He said this is because Singapore’s future matters to everyone.

Mr Heng, who is chairing the committee of younger ministers tasked to take a fresh look at current policies, was speaking at the 100th anniversary dinner of Ai Tong School on Friday.

Mr Heng said: "Some have asked me why are we talking about the future when there are present problems such as rising cost of living and influx of foreigners. Should we not be devoting our time to address these?

"These concerns are very real, and my colleagues across the government are looking into them. But it’s important to think about the future — what kind of Singapore do we want in 20 years time."

He added: "The shape of Singapore’s future matters to all of us. How can we prepare our children for the future and ensure that our homeland provides many opportunities for our young people to fulfil their aspirations?"

Mr Heng said Singapore needs to plan ahead so that the country stays relevant and engaged.

This includes adapting to global trends such as breakthroughs in science and technology.

He said Singapore also needs to tackle immediate issues while planting the seeds of future success.

For example, the education policy of today cannot be divorced from the hopes and dreams for the future of Singapore.

Mr Heng said he is looking forward to active and candid contributions from Singaporeans to this national conversation.

— CNA/fa