国庆群众大会 2012
各位亲爱的同胞，大家晚上好
转眼之间，新加坡独立已经快五十年了。今天的新加坡，跟半个世纪前的新加坡，是两个截然不同的世界。我们整体上还不能算是一个发达的国家，但是我们平均的国民收入已经达到先进国家的水平。我们解决了基本的生活需要，现在更加讲求生活素质。
寻找新的发展策略
问题是：在这个相当高的平台上，我们应该怎么做，才能继续攀上新的高峰？
这好比是登山，随着山势越来越高，路途就越来越险峻曲折。我们的处境跟台湾，香港和韩国有相似的地方。我们是“亚洲四小龙”，在经过三、四十年高速的发展之后，已经到了一个关键的转折点。快速增长的时代已经过去了。我们现在都在寻找一条平稳前进的新道路。这需要新的策略，新的秘诀。没有一个国家能够十分肯定的说：我们已经找到了秘诀。因此，东亚各地社会都普遍看到一股焦虑、不安的情绪，成了新闻媒体追踪和报道的现象。有一位台湾女评论员，最近在《亚洲周刊》写了一篇文章，分析了台湾人的焦虑感。她说，台湾经济走下坡，就业机会萎缩，台湾人非常担心下一代的生活不如自己。作者说，有趣的是，许多到台湾旅行的外地人，都很赞赏台湾的经济和社会成就。不过台湾人本身却像是“独眼龙”，只用一只眼睛看台湾，而且只看到台湾不好的一面。她还说，其实，中国人，香港人和新加坡人也都有类似的焦虑。不久前，《联合早报》记者吴庆康也写了一篇文章，发表了颇为相似的看法。他说，新加坡人的牢骚和怨气越来越多，总觉得其他国家比我们好，而且是有选择性地只往别人好的一面看。他说：“新加坡不是十全十美。我们是比上不足，比下有余。”
我赞同吴先生的看法；我们的确不是十全十美。不过，我希望大家用两只眼睛看新加坡。其实，相对来说，我们的处境比很多国家来得好。在中港台三地的媒体、政府或民众眼中，新加坡仍旧值得借鉴；他们还是很羡慕我们。他们近年来派遣考察团或采访队，到新加坡研究我们的经济和社会策略；他们早期注意我们的经济策略，现在更关注我们的社会发展。他们的结论往往是：新加坡比他们走得快，走得稳健。新加坡可以做的，他们没办法同样做到。
满足年轻一代的期望
因此，我深信新加坡还有很大的发展空间和潜能。让我简单的举几个例子说明这一点。
第一，新加坡人不愁没有工作。我们仍旧是优越的投资地点，就业机会良好。我们的失业率很低，其实缺乏的不是工作，而是工人。很多行业都面对员工短缺，这点中小型企业业主最清楚。
第二，新加坡人不愁没房子住。年长的新加坡人，住过往日牛车水的陋屋，或者甘榜里的亚答屋，像这样的环境他们还记忆犹新，居住环境相当恶劣，根本没什么卫生设备，可能只有茅厕。当他们搬到全新的政府组屋时，深切地感受到生活的巨大改变和改善。早期的组屋不算很美观，不过环境干净，设备现代化，还有现代化的厕所。这是东陵福的政府组屋；组屋周围还有儿童游乐场。年轻一代是在这样的政府组屋里长大的，居住环境相当完善，所以从这个水平上可以提升的空间不可能像以前那么大。不过，政府对大家的承诺是：我们将为新一代提供高素质的、负担得起的组屋。比如这些美轮美奂的新一代组屋 -- 这是德义景，不过每个选区都有这样的屋子。而现在的儿童游乐场 -- 这是在盛港的，也比以前更多姿多彩。
除了不愁工作和住屋，年轻人也不愁没有教育机会。五十年前，当我还是一名小学生的时候，三个小学生中，只有两个可以升上中学，三分之一的学生小六会考不及格；最终有机会念大学的人非常少，20个人之中，可能只有一个。现在，小学生每一个都有机会升上中学，而几乎所有的学生都修完中学；而每三个年轻人，就有一个能够升上大学。此外，大学以外还有很多种升学途径。理工学院和工艺教育学院都造就了各行各业的人才，所谓行行出状元。
力求成为有远见、有活力的社会
新加坡的发展已经上了轨道，但是我们必须继续奋发前进。我们应该维持一种前瞻性的思维，同时不断自我更新，使我们年年进步； 使我们能够在新时代里有立足点。
我们希望为人民带来施展才华和抱负的机会，并且激励年轻一代勇往直前，为国家开创新局面。因此，我们应该确保经济欣欣向荣，不断持续增长。我们要经济增长，但不纯粹是为了经济增长，而是我们要为年轻一代争取更好的机会，给他们更光明的前途。我们必须有经济增长这个先决条件，新加坡才会充满朝气，充满希望。
当然，我们也不是盲目地追求增长。我们向来重视社会的发展和人民的生活素质。在下一阶段的发展中，我们将着重建立一个更有温情，更有文化修养的社会。然而，这样的社会需要坚固的经济基础，不然就成了奢谈了。
未来的20年，将是一个变化迅速，日新月异的世界。我们必须抓紧机遇，破旧立新，才能取得进步。年轻一代比较容易适应这样一个急速转变的局面，不过年长者可能就比较难适应了。
帮助年长者适应改变
因此，我们必须帮助年长者适应新的环境。年纪较大的工人，我们鼓励他们参加政府和职总开办的各类训练课程，以便掌握新技能，加强就业机会。我们也帮助生活有困难的乐龄人士，通过各种措施减轻他们的医药费负担，也为他们提供生活的补贴，譬如分发“消费税补助券”和填补保健储蓄户头。这些都是我们做得到、应该做、绝对会做的。我们的公共交通和公共设施也会尽量做到无障碍，以照顾行动不便的年长者。
鼓励年长者保持身心活跃
我也希望大家采取积极的生活态度，保持身心活跃，尽量做到自力更生。最好能够活到老，学到老，以赶上时代的步伐；姜应该是老的最辣。也许老年人学东西有时比较慢，以学用电脑来说，年轻人好像一看就懂，年纪大的人则必须找儿子、孙子来帮忙，一步一步地学。当你刚刚学会一招半式，产品又过时了，又有新的产品，又要从新学习另一套新的程序。但是，这些问题是可以克服的。我知道很多乐龄人士生活得非常积极，所以让我举三个例子，三位老朋友。
第一位是曾荣基先生，今年71岁了。他是一名卖鸡饭的师傅，也是一位摄影爱好者。曾先生原本对电脑是一窍不通的。几年前他开始学用电脑，学用互联网，电邮等。现在，曾先生已经是电脑通，甚至可以说是电脑迷了。他经常通过电脑跟子孙保持联系，还在网上找到烹调鸡饭的新秘方，也用面簿（Facebook）交朋友，分享摄影作品。
我也是Facebook的初学者，其实是曾先生的学弟，所以要多多向他请教。
第二位活跃的乐龄人士是曾巧云阿嫲。曾巧云阿嫲更资深，她今年87岁了，你看她神色非常好。曾女士每天早上带着一个篮球到德义联络所运动。在国庆日那天，我在联络所遇到她，看见她在投篮，跟她聊了几句。她后来告诉记者：她每天都来投篮，至少要投进50次才满意，才回家。曾女士是一位乐观积极的长辈，是我们的好榜样。其实，有时我们觉得可望而不可及。可是我们不一定要天天投篮；至少能经常锻炼身体，这肯定对身心都有好处。
另一位活到老，学到老的长辈是陈武德先生。他今年79岁，是新跃大学（UniSIM）的一位高龄博士生。陈先生退休前是一位华文老师，可是退休后他转换身份，变成学生，在修读中国语言和文学博士。他孜孜不倦，精神可嘉！这三位都是我们的好榜样。
华
族文化传统的传承
陈先生热心学习中文，其实也给我们带来一个启示：我们应付环境的改变的时候，也必须保留和弘扬我们的文化和传统。这是我国华社向来关注的课题。
华族文化向来是新加坡文化的一个重要的核心，也是许多新加坡人的精神支柱和情感寄托。我们应该保留文化的根，以免在这个千变万化的世界里，迷失了方向，走错了路
为了做好文化与母语传承的工作，我去年委任高级政务次长沈颖领导一个工作小组。这个双文化工作小组广泛收集了意见。他们发现，一般新加坡人都很重视母语的学习。这个小组已经提出一些初步的构想，希望改善我们的社会环境，加强双语和双文化人才的培养。小组还会继续工作，寻找和推动新的构想，我希望大家向他们提供建议。
我国的宗乡团体向来在文化和教育事业上扮演着重要的角色。政府鼓励他们再接再厉。今年初，宗乡总会提出了设立“新加坡华族文化中心”的构想。我作了积极的回应，表示政府乐见其成。宗乡总会在政府的协助下，已经为中心找到一个适当的地点，就是在新加坡大会堂的旁边。我希望文化中心能够获得各界热烈的支持和赞助，因为要使这个项目成功，需要大家共同的支持和努力。福建会馆向来也十分热心文教事业。最近他们提出了开办“福建会馆文化学院”的建议。政府也支持这个构想；我们将让会馆租用一所旧校舍，那是位于东海岸的尚志中学的旧址。这是文化学院的构想图。我希望这两项计划能够为新加坡开创文化的新天地，使华族文化能够绽放出新的光彩。
认同感的塑造
保留传统文化，有助于加强我们的认同感。我们是一个开放的国际都市，必须非常努力才能建立认同感，而不会成为一盘散沙。
幸运的是，我国各种族几十年来和睦相处，互相影响，最终融合成一个富有特色的新加坡社会。因此，新加坡华人跟其他地区的华人已经有明显的不同了。新加坡的华语也富有地方特色，我们专用的词汇不少。
最近本地电视台播映的一部国庆纪录片，听说翻译出了毛病。国民服役人员变成“国民兵”，政府组屋变成“国宅”等等，引起不少非议。显然的，这是外国翻译员犯的错误。但是，问题不在于翻译员的翻译能力或语文能力，而在于他们不熟悉新加坡的国情，以及我们独特的惯用语。
新加坡人有独特的文化特色，是一件令人鼓舞的事，不过也带来一些问题。翻译是一个问题；另外一个更严重的问题，就是跟新移民打成一片没有那么容易。新移民必须做出相当大的努力，才能和本地居民打成一片。即使是同文同种的新移民，也有相当大的差异。这是新旧公民之间发生摩擦的一个基本原因。
新加坡人很本能的知道什么行为举止是可以接受的，什么是会引起不良的反应，因为我们是土生土长的，已经不知不觉地吸收了这个社会的价值观，这个社会的作风。新移民则需要经过一段时间的潜移默化，才能了解新加坡人的思维和想法。这是一段过程，需要一番功夫，并且需要走一段路，可能还要犯一些错误，从中吸取教训，这是势所难免的。我吁请新移民在这方面多下工夫，而且学一点简单的英语，方便沟通。我也希望新加坡人主动帮助新移民，对新移民采取包容的态度。
值得一提的是，有些新移民近年来相当热心从事公益慈善活动，或者成为义工，帮助较不幸的国人，包括香港移民组成的“九龙会”，以及中国移民组成的“新加坡关爱会”。这些新移民都觉得有义务回报社会，并且希望深入了解我们的社会情况。这是值得赞赏的，应该认可的。
第一代移民可能没办法完全融入我们的社会，但是我们可以寄望他们的下一代。最近我在德义区主持了一个新公民的宣誓仪式，颁发公民权和居民证。参加仪式的新公民来自马来西亚、印尼、中国、印度等国家，甚至有些还是西方国家来的。过后，我跟一位十来岁的新公民交谈。我问他：“你是来自什么地方？” 他立即很本能地问答说：“宏茂桥！” 所以我期望他有一天成为我的选民。
鼓励国人生儿育女
我们需要引进新移民，主要的一个原因是我们的生育率太低了， 远远达不到替代的水平。今年是龙年，我们有了 “小丰收”，诞生的宝宝比较多了，但是还是不够，还是挽回不了生育率偏低的长期趋势。
我们必须拥有足够的土生土长的新加坡人，以组成社会团队的核心，并且保留新加坡社会的特色。
政府将继续努力，寻找各种办法，制造更有利的社会条件和生育环境。诸位如果有什么好办法，敬请提出。政府只能从旁鼓励，关键在于人民心动，然后付诸行动，所以请大家加油。
结语
最后，让我总结一下今晚的谈话。
新加坡已经进入一个全然不同的发展阶段。今后的20年将是充满机会，也将带来很多挑战。我们必须不断自我更新，有必要时还必须进行大胆的创新与改革。
王瑞杰和其他年轻部长将在未来几个月，广泛征询民意，探讨哪些政策必须改革一番。希望大家给予我的团队支持和配合，集思广益，一起寻找新的前进的道路，使新加坡继续成为一个成功的、备受尊敬的国家；使新加坡人能继续为自己创造更好的生活条件，更高的文明水平。
只要我们保持团结，奋发努力，我们就能够塑造一个更加美好的新加坡！谢谢各位。
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ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF NATIONAL DAY RALLY 2012 CHINESE SPEECH
It has been almost 50 years since Singapore became independent. In half a century, Singapore has changed dramatically. We are not yet a fully developed nation, even though we enjoy first world incomes. Our basic needs have been met; we are now pursuing better quality of life
In search of new development strategy
The question is: At our level, what else should we do to scale greater heights?
Like climbing a mountain, the higher we go, the tougher the climb. Our situation is similar to that in Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea. After 30 to 40 years of rapid development, all the “Four Asian Dragons” are at a critical juncture. The era of rapid growth is over. We are all searching for a stable new path forward. This requires new strategies and new formulas. No country can say, “We have found the formula”. Hence, many East Asian societies are anxious about the future, a phenomenon that has been highlighted in the news media. A Taiwanese writer recently wrote an article in Yazhou Zhoukan, analysing the anxiety felt by Taiwanese. She said Taiwan’s declining economy and shrinking job market have caused Taiwanese to worry that their children’s lives will be worse than theirs. The writer noted that interestingly, foreign visitors praise Taiwan’s economic and social accomplishments, but Taiwanese are like “one-eyed dragon”, seeing only the negative side of Taiwan. She added that actually, the people in China, Hong Kong and Singapore have the same worries too. Recently, Lianhe Zaobao’s Ng Kin Kang expressed similar sentiments in an article. He observed that Singaporeans seem to be grumbling a lot more these days, comparing Singapore selectively only with the good points of other countries. He said, “Singapore is not perfect. We are worse than some, but better than others.”
I agree with Mr Ng; Singapore is indeed not perfect. But I ask Singaporeans to look at Singapore with both eyes. In reality, we are better off than many other countries. The media, government and people in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan believe there are more to learn from Singapore; they still admire us. In recent years, they have sent study groups to look at our social and economic policies; they used to focus on our economic policies, but are now paying more attention to our social development. They often conclude: Singapore is moving ahead faster and more steadily
Fulfilling the aspirations of younger generation
I believe Singapore has a lot more potential for a brighter future. Let me give a few examples.
Firstly, Singaporeans need not worry about jobs. We remain an attractive investment destination, and there are good job opportunities for our people. Our unemployment rate is low and there is a shortage of workers in many sectors. In fact, many SMEs cannot find enough workers.
Secondly, Singaporeans need not worry about housing. Older Singaporeans have experienced living in slums or kampongs, where the living environment was bad and sanitary conditions were poor. When they moved into brand new HDB flats, they could feel a great improvement in their lives. Early HDB flats were spartan but clean, and had modern amenities, including modern toilets. This picture shows some early flats in Tanglin Halt; and this is a picture of a children’s playground. The younger generation grew up in a good environment, so they are not likely to see such dramatic transformation. But the Government gives this promise: We will provide good quality and affordable public housing. These are some new generation HDB flats in Teck Ghee Vista, but there are such flats in every constituency. Even the new playgrounds are more exciting.
Thirdly, young Singaporeans need not worry about education. Fifty years ago, when I was a primary school pupil, only two in every three students went to secondary school; about one-third of the students failed the primary six exams. Very few made it to university – only one in every 20. Now, every student has the opportunity to move up to secondary school and nearly all students complete secondary school education; and one in every three goes on to university. Besides the universities, we have also created many paths to success. Our polytechnics and ITEs have also nurtured talented Singaporeans in many fields.
Becoming a forward-looking and vibrant society
Singapore’s development is on track, but we must continue to drive forward. We must maintain a forward-looking mindset, constantly improve ourselves, and remain relevant in the new age.
We hope to help Singaporeans fulfil their potential and aspirations, and inspire our young to build a new Singapore. Therefore, we must strive to develop a vibrant and growing economy, to give young Singaporeans better opportunities and a brighter future. Growth is the foundation for a vibrant Singapore.
We have not focused blindly on economic growth; we have also placed emphasis on social development and quality of life. In the next phase, we must strive to build a more compassionate and more gracious society. To do this, we need a strong economy.
The next 20 years will see a rapidly changing world. To progress, we must seize opportunities and re-invent ourselves. Young Singaporeans can adapt easily; older ones may find it more difficult to do so.
Helping older Singaporeans adapt to change
Hence, we must help older Singaporeans adapt to the new environment. Older workers can attend training courses and upgrading programmes offered by the Government and NTUC to acquire new skills and improve their job prospects. The Government also provides help to needy elderly. We have introduced various schemes to help them cope with medical expenses. We support the elderly with subsidies and top-ups, such as GST vouchers and Medisave top-ups. We help less mobile elderly by providing barrier-free access and public transport.
Encourage Active Ageing
I hope everyone will stay positive, lead active lives, and be self-reliant. We should continue to learn and keep up with the times, regardless of our age. Older folks may take longer to learn new things, such as computers. It is much easier for the young, whereas older people have to learn it step by step, with the help of their children and grandchildren. And when products change, we have to relearn all over again. But it can be done. I know of many retirees with positive attitudes and active lifestyles. Let me share three examples.
This is Mr Chung Win Kee. He is 71 years old. He sells chicken rice, and loves photography. Mr Chung used to be computer illiterate. A few years ago, he started to learn to use the computer, Internet and email. Now he is a computer enthusiast. He e-chats with his children and grandchildren; searches for new chicken rice recipes on the Internet; and uses Facebook to make friends and share his photographs. I too, just started on Facebook recently. Mr Chung is my Facebook senior; I have much to learn from him.
Another active senior is Madam Chang Ka Fong. Madam Chang is even more senior – she is a lively 87-year-old. Madam Chang plays basketball at Teck Ghee Community Club every day. I met her at the Community Club on National Day and chatted with her. She told reporters that she shoots 50 hoops daily. Madam Chang is an active senior, a role model for all of us. Not all of us need to play basketball every day, but regular exercise is good for us.
Yet another active senior is 79-year-old Mr Chen Woo Teck, a PhD student at UniSim. Mr Chen is a retired Chinese language teacher. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Chinese Language and Literature at UniSim. His zest for learning is admirable!
Handing Down of Chinese Culture and Tradition
Mr Chen’s passion for the Chinese language inspires all of us not to neglect culture and tradition as we adapt to changes. Our Chinese community has always been concerned about the preservation and promotion of culture and tradition.
Chinese culture is an important pillar of Singapore culture. It is an emotional anchor and moral compass for many Singaporeans. We should preserve our cultural roots, lest we lost ourselves in this ever-changing world.
Last year, I appointed Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sim Ann to chair the Bicultural Taskforce to preserve our heritage. The Taskforce gathered views widely. It found that Singaporeans value their mother tongue. The Taskforce has preliminary ideas to nurture bilingual and bicultural talent. It will seek and promote more new ideas. Please share your ideas and suggestions with the Taskforce.
Our clan associations have always played an important role in promoting culture and education. The Government encourages clan associations to keep up their good work. The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) put up a proposal early this year to establish the Chinese Cultural Centre. I supported the proposal. The Government helped SFCCA find a suitable site, next to the Singapore Conference Hall. I hope the Chinese community will support the project to ensure its success. The Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan also enthusiastically promotes culture and education. Recently, it proposed the setting up of the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy. The Government supports the proposal. The Cultural Academy will be located at the former Chai Chee Secondary School campus in East Coast. This is a preliminary concept view of the Academy. I hope these two projects will enrich the cultural landscape in Singapore.
Forging a Sense of Identity
Our traditions and culture help to strengthen our sense of identity. Singapore is an open global city; we must work doubly hard to forge a united identity.
Fortunately, our ethnic groups have co-existed in harmony, and we are integrated into one unique Singapore society. Hence, Singaporean Chinese are different from Chinese elsewhere, and our Chinese language has local characteristics.
Recently, a National Day documentary shown on our local TV channel had some translation errors. For example, National Servicemen was translated as “national soldiers”, and HDB flats became “national housing”. This drew many criticisms. The mistakes were clearly made by foreign translators. The translators were competent in Chinese, but they did not know our local context or terms.
It is heartening that Singaporeans have a unique culture, but this also brings some problems. Translation is one; the other more serious problem is the relationship between local Singaporeans and new immigrants. It means our new immigrants must work much harder to integrate with locals. Even immigrants of the same race will have different norms. Cultural differences are one main reason for the friction between Singaporeans and new arrivals
Singaporeans understand the local norms for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. We are locally born and have adopted the values and conduct of our society. New immigrants need time to learn and understand the Singapore mindset. This is a process and it will take time and effort; there may be mistakes made along the way, and we have to learn from these mistakes. I urge new arrivals to make the effort to integrate, and learn some simple English to facilitate interaction. I urge Singaporeans to help new arrivals and be more tolerant to them.
It is noteworthy that groups of new arrivals have been active in charity and community work, or are becoming volunteers, to help needy Singaporeans. These include the Kowloon Club formed by immigrants from Hong Kong, and the Singapore Loving and Giving Society formed by immigrants from China. The new citizens want to give back to society. They want to understand Singapore better. This is commendable.
First generation immigrants may not integrate fully into our society, but their children will. Recently, I officiated at a Citizenship Ceremony in Teck Ghee. The new citizens at the ceremony came from many countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, even Western countries. I chatted with a teenage new citizen. I asked him, “Where are you from?” He answered without hesitation, “Ang Mo Kio!” I hope one day he will become my voter.
Encouraging procreation
We need to bring in new immigrants as our birth rate is far below replacement. This being a Dragon Year, there have been bonus Dragon babies. Alas, this will not reverse the downward trend in our birth rate.
We need more babies to strengthen the Singapore core and to enrich our unique Singapore character.
The Government will continue to seek ideas and improve our social environment to make it more conducive to have children. Please share with us your ideas. But the Government can only encourage; it is up to Singaporeans whether you will have more babies.
Conclusion
Let me sum up my speech.
Singapore is in a new phase of development. The next 20 years will be full of opportunities, as well as challenges. We have to renew ourselves continually, and when necessary, reinvent ourselves boldly.
Heng Swee Keat will chair a committee to review our policies. In the next few months, the committee will consult widely. Please support my team and our efforts so we can find a new path to move forward together, to enable Singapore to remain a successful and well regarded country; to enable Singaporeans to create for ourselves better lives and a more gracious society.
By staying united, we can create a better Singapore for all of us and our children!