The next 50 years

What should be the main issues of focus in the 2015 National Day Rally on August 23?

I see four main issues facing Singapore. Firstly, protection and enhancement of the culture that has developed over the last fifty years. A maturing country must adjust the balance between society and the individual to the advantage of both. Singapore has created something special. It must now keep it.

Secondly, preparing to deal with technology, which offers opportunities to a country short of people. Robots will increase the productivity of local industries, both material and digital. Thirdly, enabling latent creative talent to grow and flourish. Singapore’s creativity in the world of banking and business, the virtual world, and the arts has made impressive progress in the last ten years. It must improve further and faster if we are to remain nimble. And lastly, stable relations with our neighbours require stable government. In today’s volatile world we need to continue to show strength, depth and stability to those who would see opportunities in any instability.