What has made Singapore successful?
If we look around us, it is clear that there are three ways for a country to make money. One, you dig something from the ground to sell. Two, you grow something from the ground to sell. Three, you become the middle man to sell the first two. Singapore belongs to the last group.
We have to ask: what is it that we can do that others can’t do cheaper and better?
We have to be exceptional to succeed.
And one of the things that made Singapore exceptional is strong, honest and competent leadership.
Singapore – a man-made success
Our competitors are better placed, geographically, to be aviation hubs. Likewise, our status as a shipping hub can also be threatened. Even our position as a leading financial and petrochemical centre is not cast in stone.
Much of our achievements have been man-made. We are fortunate that our founding fathers believed in putting in successful institutions that will outlast themselves. It is now up to us to come forward and keep that Singapore spirit going. There will be enormous opportunities in an integrated ASEAN Community that we can seize on.
The Government cannot do it alone. The MPs cannot do it alone. We need the people of Singapore to come forward and carry us all through.