Singaporeans to be involved in "national conversation" on future of the country

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

The aim - 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. 

" Before getting into the specifics of policies, we should have a broader conversation about ourselves: What do we want our country, Singapore, to be in 2030? What are our ideals? What principles should underpin our public policies and what values should guide us as a people? What attributes will enable us to attain our ideals?" said Mr Heng.

More details on this will be provided in the coming weeks.