PM Lee spoke on the theme of "Singapore, Our Future, Our Home" in a wide-ranging speech in Malay, Mandarin and English.

He said that one of the key areas for Singapore's prosperity is to grow the economy.

This is the pre-condition for everything, Mr Lee said.

The Prime Minister believes that Singapore's economy will see a sustainable growth of 3 to 5 percent in the long term.

But the country's performance will also depend on external factors in the region, such as energy prices, conflict in the Middle East and terrorism, all of which must be watched carefully, Mr Lee said.

Growing Singapore's population is also vital in sustaining the growth and vitality of the economy, he said.

And this includes maintaining strong links with those who venture overseas to work, making sure Singapore has enough babies, and at the same time, welcoming foreign talent.

Singapore's future will also be affected by the changes in the digital age and new technologies.

The Prime Minister said that Singaporeans can adapt well to these changing technologies but they must also manage the challenges that the IT age will bring.

One of these challenges is to build the emotional ties that Singaporeans have that will keep everyone anchored here.

PM Lee also spelt out his goals for Singapore.

These include an economy which brings good jobs for all; opportunities for Singaporeans to pursue their dreams; an outstanding living environment with upgraded flats and provisions for older Singaporeans; a first-class education to prepare the young for the digital age; and an open and inclusive society where everyone has a place.

Mr Lee said that he is confident all the above can be done, thanks to what he called Singapore's own "World Cup" success stories.

He cited Singaporean referee Shamsul Maidin who refereed four matches in the recent World Cup Finals in Germany and was even voted the top World Cup referee online.

But beyond such success, Mr Lee reminded the audience that Singapore is a small country in an uncertain world and cannot take its future for granted.

The Prime Minister made an impassioned plea to the current generation of Singaporeans to take the country forward.

"You should do this not because you happen to be born here or you happen to hold a red passport, but because you believe in this mission, you believe in this ideal, you believe that Singapore is something special worth fighting for. As Mr Rajaratnam put it, 'Being Singaporean is not a matter of ancestry, it is a matter of conviction and choice'," said Mr Lee, referring to the late Mr S Rajaratnam, Singapore's first foreign minister.

"This is one of the most exciting and hopeful times in the history of Asia, and in the history of Singapore. Many opportunities are opening up but the demands will be very different than what we have faced before," Mr Lee added.

"We can meet these challenges and succeed if we have courage and spirit, make the change, adapt, sacrifice, fight together and win, and make Singapore a land of opportunity, to give our children a bright future in a rapidly changing world," he said. - CNA/ir
                                                      Home