Heng Swee Keat: Maiden Speech in Parliament at the Debates on President's Address, 21 October 2011

Singapore needs to get three relationships right, says Heng Swee Keat

TODAY, Ong Dai Lin, 22 Oct 2011

A day after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke on the need for good governance and to deepen the trust between the Government and Singaporeans, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat (picture) suggested three approaches to take the country forward on these aspects.

Speaking on the debate to the President's address, Mr Heng said yesterday Singapore would have to get three key relationships right: The relationship of self to others, the relationship of Singapore to the world and the relationship of the future to the past.

"We need to build a consensus about the values, ideas and ideals that underpin these relationships as they will frame our policies and national dialogues," he added.

To get the relationship of self to others right, Mr Heng felt Singapore must "respect the individual and affirm the worth of each citizen in an inclusive way". The education system now "provides different pathways to allow each (student) to go as far as possible", he said. "We must have good schools in every neighbourhood. For children with special needs, let us help them to achieve their best and to lead meaningful lives."

On the relationship between Singapore and the world, Mr Heng said that the Republic "must stay open in learning from others, but equally, we must be bold to be different and unique where that would be right for Singapore".

And while Singapore looks outward to learn from the best the world has to offer, it should promote its local cuisines, arts and music, said Mr Heng. He also hoped to see teachers and writers creating stories for students that they can "instinctively resonate with".

On the relationship of the future to the past, Mr Heng said: "To live well in the present, we need to know the past and have a sense of the future."

Noting that Singapore should do more to understand its history, Mr Heng said the present generation must seek to leave a legacy for the children and the best gift to them is a good education.

In her maiden Parliamentary speech yesterday, Dr Intan Mokhtar (Ang Mo Kio GRC) called for resources to be "more equitably distributed" to neighbourhood schools. She also hoped that the introduction of two new specialised schools for normal technical students "will not mean that all normal technical students will be taken out of mainstream schools and hot-housed separately".

She applauded the education ministry's move to place emphasis on value driven education, but noted that the implementation would need careful planning as "values are not as easily taught as they are called".

Dr Intan also suggested that the ministry works closely with teachers to see how the new emphasis can be more effectively weaved into the curriculum "and it is not an additional item for appraisal, or additional work load for teachers".

Speech by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education at the Parliamentary Debates on President's Address, 21 October 2011

Preamble

1 Mr Speaker Sir,

2 I speak in support of the motion.

3 In the last few days, Members have highlighted issues of concern to Singaporeans—housing, healthcare, education, transport, the care of the elderly, and the low income among others, and made important suggestions on the way forward.

4 I also thank the many MPs who spoke in support of MOE’s focus on a student-centric, values-driven education. I appreciate your many good suggestions which MOE will study together with other input. I was tempted to name every one of you who have spoken, but on the last count, it was 20. I am encouraged by your support, and I want to share with the honourable Minister for Finance, that I will not ask for a bigger budget unless it’s necessary. We’ll do what is best for Singapore.

5 In the last few months, I have met many parents, teachers and students. I have learnt a great deal. Please allow me to share some of these. I was encouraged to see students at our Pre-University seminar so engaged in “Re-imagining Singapore” while those at the recent Polytechnic Forum freely shared their ideas and aspirations about the “Singapore Dream”. I have met many different groups of students, including those in my constituency and at the Kopi-chat.

6 They asked me deep questions—how do we fulfil our aspirations; how can we contribute to Singapore; what kind of society will Singapore become; what is Singapore culture; what is the ideal Singaporean. I am very heartened by their passion and thoughtful questions. As many members here have pointed out, the success of our education system is vital to Singapore’s success. But the students’ questions raised an even more fundamental point—they cannot fulfil their aspirations unless Singapore succeeds as a nation. And success has to go beyond the material, to providing a deeper sense of fulfilment and well being for all Singaporeans.

7 So while this House has been and will continue to debate the specifics of many policies and programmes, the fundamental question remains: How can we best ensure the survival and success of Singapore, and improve the lives of Singaporeans?

8 This is not a question that can ever be answered once and for all. It is a question we need to keep answering from one generation to another, from one government to another, from one year to another.

9 Yesterday, the Prime Minister highlighted key challenges ahead, and expressed deep confidence in our future, if we continue to work towards an inclusive society, build a vibrant economy and have constructive politics.

10 Listening to the Prime Minister, I think the best words to describe the style of government we seek is “citizen-centric government”, which engages and works with citizens to improve the lives of all Singaporeans, based on values such as meritocracy, multi-racialism, hard work and self-reliance, creating opportunities for all to succeed. Economic growth, never the end goal, has enabled us to achieve holistic development as a nation—in our people and our social bonds, our defence and security, our environment and our heritage.

11 Taking a step back, the most critical challenge that the Prime Minister raised is for Singapore to embark on a new creative phase in our nation building journey.

12 This involves drive and vision, a spirit of innovation and imagination, a spirit of excellence and teamwork, a spirit of hard work and inclusion, so that we may continue to find and create new opportunities and make new breakthroughs in order to continue to improve the lives of Singaporeans.

13 This also involves forging a new consensus about the core values and ideals that we subscribe to as a nation. We are a plural people. A modern, urban, multi-ethnic, multi-religious society on a small island. Our diversity can be a tremendous strength, but do we have a sense of unity as Singaporeans tied to a common destiny—even though our views and our concerns, our doubts and our fears may be different? It is critical that we do.

14 Indeed, this question of shared values and ideals and common purpose may be the more important enterprise in our nation-building because if we do not get our domestic ship in order, there is little hope of our succeeding to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a volatile world.

15 The Prime Minister has spoken at length on the critical need for good government and to deepen the trust between the government and our people.

16 Implicit in what he said, and what many Members of this House have said, is also the importance of getting three key relationships right, the relationship of self to others; the relationship of Singapore to the world; the relationship of the future to the past. We need to build a consensus about the values, ideas and ideals that underpin these relationships as they will frame our policies and national dialogues.

17 Please allow me to elaborate.

Valuing the individual, valuing the collective

18 Over the centuries, societies have grappled with how to value the individual and how to value the collective.

19 Some societies regard the individual as supreme, and indeed, some believe that societies exist to enable the individual to fully express himself. This allows diverse views and creative individuals to flourish. This respect for the individual underpins key social institutions such as the rule of law, the rights to property, democracy and the market economy.

20 Yet, an excessive focus on the individual—his rights, his needs, his wants, his aspirations, his achievements—will ultimately be detrimental both to the individual as well as to society. Such a person is self-absorbed and self-centred. He attributes his achievements to his own brilliance or diligence. As one cosmetic advertisement puts it “因为我值得”or “Because I deserve it” or “I’m worth it”.

21 Such a cult of individualism also breeds an “us versus them” mentality. Because while the successful in such a society may look at the weak or unsuccessful as “losers” who deserve their fate, the unsuccessful will resent and feel unfairly disadvantaged. This may give rise to a culture of envy, blame and a mentality of entitlement.

22 A society of self-centred individuals is one which must in the end be highly stratified, fragmented, with a culture of cynicism and instant gratification. Such a Singapore would lose its exceptional quality of discipline and unity, which since independence has allowed us as a nation to take difficult and tough choices in the near term in order to succeed and prevail over adversity in the longer term.

23 Matters are even more serious when we deal with groups. A close-minded focus on the uniqueness and rights of certain groups or causes will trigger and provoke deep divisive forces within a plural society. The risks of conflicts along lines of race, language or religion will never go away. As our society becomes more diverse, there may be new cleavages based on the advent of different interest groups, each holding different views, advocating for different causes, clamouring to advance their beliefs—often at the expense of others. The line which separates vibrant diversity and fractious fragmentation is a thin one.

24 We must therefore embrace both the individual and our collective.

25 We must respect the individual and affirm the worth of each citizen in an inclusive way. Each of us is unique—in temperament, strengths and abilities. Singapore society must harness the unique strengths of each individual and protect the weak and vulnerable; our values and ideals must include a commitment of the successful to help the less fortunate, to leave no man behind.

26 Let us recognise and enable bright and creative individuals to do their best works—the visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists, thinkers, writers, artists, whose ideas lead to breakthroughs in society.

27 Let us also recognise the different aspirations, strengths and abilities of our people. As the Malay proverb goes, “Tukang tidak membuang kayu”—“A craftsman never throws away any piece of wood”. Just as every piece of wood has its character, everyone has his strengths and intrinsic worth.

28 In our education system, we recognise the different potential and abilities of all our students, provide different pathways to allow each to go as far as possible. We celebrate their achievements, big or small; in different arenas.

29 I recently met students from our polytechnics and ITE who had just returned from the World Skills Competition in London. It is also known as the Olympics of Skills. I am very proud of their achievements. One student, Shunner Leong, won the Gold Medal in Beauty Therapy, while another student, Noel Ng, won the Medallion for Excellence in the Hairdressing category. Talking to them, I am deeply impressed by their knowledge, self-confidence and aspirations.

30 We must have good schools in every neighbourhood. For children with special needs, let us help them to achieve their best and to lead meaningful lives.

31 Beyond recognising individual differences and strengths—we must find practical ways to make our diversity positive and productive.

32 A good school is one that develops each child according to his strengths. A good organisation makes individual strengths productive and weaknesses redundant. A good society harnesses the diverse strengths of each individual to enable each to be more than he can ever be alone; and at the same time protects the weak and vulnerable.

33 How do we achieve this?

34 First, let us celebrate teamwork. While heroic acts of individuals capture our imagination, it takes a team to accomplish anything significant. Steve Jobs could not have brought the iPhone or iPad to the market without the collective efforts of designers, engineers, technicians and others who toiled behind the scenes. No football team has ever won by fielding only one super player.

35 I believe Singapore will continue to throw up unique and outstanding individuals who will make a disproportionate impact on the world stage. But Singapore goes beyond individuals. We are well positioned as an innovative nation because we can harness the power of large scale innovation that requires collaboration and teamwork and a drawing together of sophisticated systems. Yesterday Prime Minister spoke about the premium that comes with excellence at a systems level.

36 Second, we must enlarge and deepen our common space, and have a unifying purpose based on shared ideals and values. Diversity is a strength only when our common space is not only large but also growing. When it is based not only on shared experiences and daily interaction, but also on shared purpose, ideals and values as well as inter-personal and trusted bonds woven through mutual respect and consideration between individuals, groups and communities.

37 Third, let us cheer and spur each other on. We must celebrate success not just of ourselves and our own children, but also that of fellow Singaporeans and their children. We must not begrudge those who have worked hard and done well, or seek to cut them down like tall poppies. Instead, we should find avenues for our children, and ourselves, to be the best we can be, and at the same time, encourage and recognise others when they in turn try to be the best they can be.

38 As Confucius said, 己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人—“The benevolent man establishes for others, achievements he wishes for himself; He brings others to reach goals which he wishes to achieve for himself.”

39 Fourth, those who are successful should not forget what they owe their success to and give back to the broader society. Let us promote a spirit of giving, and make volunteerism, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility and social enterprises a way of life, a part of the Singaporean DNA. For in giving, we receive.

40 I thank the many individuals and foundations who have so generously donated to our schools, institutions of higher learning; and to the thousands of professionals who served on their boards, councils and school advisory committees. Tens of thousands of parents are serving in our parent support groups. Their efforts will help us make every school a good school. Many others serve as community and grassroots volunteers, in various special schools, volunteer welfare organisations and other charitable causes. Many Singaporeans donate generously to Community Chest and other causes.

41 They have a sense of joint stewardship for Singapore society. The success of Singapore and the character of our society depends not just on the Government, but on every Singaporean. This is why MOE seeks not just to develop each child to his or her full potential, but also to prepare the active citizen, concerned about the public good and for others in society.

42 Fifth, as Mdm Halimah Yacob reminded us yesterday, we must not treat those we help as helpless beneficiaries, but to look to what they can contribute. We must not diminish their sense of worth and dignity. A few days ago, I was delighted to present a certificate of service to a 72-year-old lady who was serving those more elderly than her at the Kg Senang Home. One of my Tampines residents in his 50s, struggling to bring up his grandchild as his daughter had just lost her husband, declined any help despite my persistence. I was glad that he eventually accepted a bursary for his other child for his study because the child had done well. These Singaporeans remind me of the moving image of the Japanese quake victim who apologised to her rescuers for the inconvenience she caused. I admire their sense of personal responsibility and ruggedness, which we must cultivate even as we grow a society that aspires to leave no one behind. A caring society and rugged individuals must go hand-in-hand.

43 Finally, let us temper our competitive instincts with an abundance mentality. There are some goods which are ‘exclusive’—if I have it, you cannot have it. Yet there are many others where my enjoyment not only does not deprive you of it, but actually enhances yours. A telephone system is valuable when many more people have access to it. There are many areas where we can all enjoy more—good books, music, knowledge, nature. Civic virtues, like keeping our streets clean, raise the standard for all.

44 The more gracious, kind and giving our society is, the greater our sense of joy and well being. There is something in the spirit of man which derives its greatest pleasure by contributing to the lives of others. Indeed, this is what makes teachers so special—the further in life their students get to, the greater is the evidence of their own success and their sense of joy!

45 In short, let us open our hearts—to respect and appreciate everyone, to strive and cooperate with others, to celebrate our collective achievements, to create new opportunities for the future, and to cultivate new sources of fulfilment in life. Let Singaporeans be known to be a people with an abundance mentality—an abundance of thinking not just of the self, but of others; an abundance of helping others succeed; an abundance of kindness and giving, and an abundance of gratitude. In this way, we can value the individual, affirm his worth, as well as value the collective and build a cohesive society.

Valuing the global, valuing our local

46 The second set of relationships is that between Singapore and the world. We need to value the global, and value what is ours, what is local.

47 Lord Palmerston, English statesman of the 19th century, once said, “Nations have no permanent friends or allies, they only have permanent interests.” It would do us well to take this to heart and understand that independence and success for Singapore lies in being uniquely able to remain relevant to the world. Our existence as a country and a people must be beneficial to the world.

48 We must stay open in learning from others, but equally, we must be bold to be different and unique where that would be right for Singapore. We must think through issues thoroughly, and not just copy and say, “let’s do what country X is doing”. Certainly, we must be humble and learn, but surely, Singaporeans must be the ones who understand Singapore’s context, constraints, vulnerabilities, capacities, capabilities and opportunities best?

49 What will make us distinctive? In essence, it is about building on and turning whatever we have into strengths.

50 In earlier years, we promoted tolerance and understanding in our multi-racial, multi religious, multi cultural society. We have important safeguards against extremist elements. Today, few nations have achieved our level of racial and religious harmony. Let us continue to harness this heritage, so that our children can connect comfortably with every race and culture in the world. Let our Inter-faith Dialogue be a model, let us be a voice of reason and responsibility. Let us strive to be a nation where diverse people and good ideas can flourish, because we are not torn by deep vested interests or sectarian conflicts.

51 Because we are small, we naturally look outwards, learning from and appreciating the best the world has to offer—whether it is in cuisine, music, the arts or the sciences. We access the great ideas of science and the great works of art that speak to the human condition, across time and space. It connects us with people of the world, past and present. By encouraging our children to learn their mother tongue and other languages, they acquire another window to access their cultural heritage of the past and the cultural offerings of the world.

52 Building on this, let us celebrate and promote our local cuisines, our local arts, music and literature; give opportunities to our budding writers and artists to capture the idiosyncrasies and flavours of Singapore. I would love to see our teachers and writers creating stories for our students, stories that they can instinctively resonate with. I applaud what the NAC will be doing to develop our arts.

53 Let us encourage our companies, to transcend the constraints of our small markets, by innovating. The old adage that necessity is the mother of invention is perhaps illustrated in our water constraints. Our water problem has stimulated innovative companies. Our architects are well placed to design for compact living, our engineers well positioned to provide green urban solutions. Let us make Singapore a city that works, so that it may be a crucible for innovation.

54 And small though Singapore is, let us value and preserve our natural heritage—our Bukit Timah nature reserves have more species of trees than even the whole of North America, unbelievable that may sound. I am glad our Bt Timah Nature Reserves are now part of the ASEAN Heritage.

55 By embracing our local heritage and by staying open to what the world can offer, we can deepen the Singaporean’s sense of identity and self-confidence. It allows us to be a Singaporean rooted in our country, yet global in outlook, equipped to reap opportunities in the world. It makes us different and distinctive.

Valuing the Past, valuing the Future

56 The third set of relationships is with respect to time. To live well in the present, we need to know the past and have a sense of the future.

57 There is an ancient saying by the famous poet Avaiyaar, “தொன்மை மறவேல்.” The literal meaning is ‘Do not forget the past’. We should value the past treasure our culture, have a sense of where we come from.

58 Our fortunes and our history are inextricably intertwined with those of our neighbours and our world. The likely shift of the economic centre of gravity towards Asia will bring about new changes, and our young must understand our past to appreciate the broader forces at work.

59 In 1840, when Singapore was thriving as a port, pundits predicted, including our own business leaders, its decline when Hong Kong was ceded to the British. In the 1960s, critics called the Jurong Industrial Estate ‘Goh’s Folly’. Yet, we have defied the odds.

60 I opened the MOE Heritage Centre in August. It was touching to see how, despite the meagre resources, clans, missionaries, and local Malay and Indian communities did their best to support parents and educators to give the children a good education. It was instructive to see how our education system evolved as our economic and social circumstances changed. One teacher told me she could not believe we raised the achievements in mathematics for our students within a few short years, once we all put our minds to it. Many teachers came away feeling very inspired.

61 A sense of history gives us not only the perspective of how we got here but also the confidence to forge ahead. I applaud MICA for embarking on a collective memory project to celebrate our 50th anniversary of independence, and MICA and MND for preserving and conserving our heritage sites. These are critical, for emotional bonds among our people come from shared memories, especially memories of happiness, of crises and of triumphs. We should do more to understand our history and honour our pioneers and the earlier generation, as Mr Seng Han Thong and many others reminded us.

62 At the same time, we must seek to leave a legacy for our children. We must leave enough resources for them, and the best gift we can give them is a good education. As a small nation, we have to make our way in the world as it is, not what we wish it to be. Globalisation, technological advancements, changing demographics and shifting expectations will profoundly transform the world around us. We can expect new challenges but also new opportunities.

63 The future belongs to the nations that can stay ahead and respond effectively to the rapidly changing environment, and are ready for the future. This demands deep thinking and sound long-term policies. So even as we work through immediate issues, let us not lose sight of the future.

64 Let us build our capacity, as a society, for long-term planning, for the sake of our future generation. It is not good enough that we have survived and succeeded up to now.

Conclusion

65 Survival and success are inextricably intertwined in the case of Singapore. We have to keep working the ingredients and adjust the formulas that will assure survival and success for the coming generations.

66 I am optimistic that we will succeed in our next creative phase of nation building, with a citizen-centric government, driven by shared values, committed to working with citizens to improve the lives of all Singaporeans. At the same time, Singapore’s success in the next phase also depends on the character of our society and what citizens do to uphold the public good. I believe Singapore will succeed if we have both good government and exceptional Singaporeans.

67 Singaporeans with the determination and creative impulses to succeed, a sense of responsibility and appreciation for others, a mentality of abundance; Singaporeans with a strong identity, rooted in Singapore, yet global in outlook; Singaporeans with a sense of their own history, and a sense of confidence and optimism about the future.

68 I call on Singaporeans to boldly open our hearts, and expand our vision; and to embrace seemingly contradictory values in framing these three key relationships.

69 When we have trust between our government and our people, and the right relationships between self and others; our nation and the world; our past and our future, we will have an inclusive and supportive society, an enterprising and creative people, and a resolute and resilient nation. We will have created the conditions for all Singaporeans to continue to pursue their dreams and aspirations.