***And you shall know the truth. And the truth will set you free!!!***

I was given a chance to attend the NATIONAL DAY RALLY held at the National University Cultural Centre ytd. It was my first time attending a speech made by our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong up close and personal.

PM Lee shared on the implementation of policies and infrastructures that will be seen in the next few years to come. He talks about issues pertaining to Education, Job opportunity and not forgetting Housing. He addresses the issue on such policy take have long term and short term effects that affects Singaporean by and large. It may be direct or indirect impacts on the citizens and even people around us. It will stir emotional reaction which may cause some social unrest or turbulence.

PM Lee also talks about the need to have an open market that attract foreigners into our shore as it increases the competitiveness and also upgrade the skills of the local. Though it may seems as a replacement of a local opportunity in the job market, PM Lee further explained that it is more of tapping on the foreign expertise and build up the international networks and link in the global market. As the immigration criteria are tighten, Local Singaporeans will not lose out in the job markets. Hence there is a need to take a balanced approach and upgrade total capability. Singapore has its unique local character development which makes us different from US market, Europe Market, even China and India. As we are the international hub, we have the minds of the East and West blending together to form our own unique Singapore Culture.

PM Lee also highlight issue close at hand such as the need to take care of the elderly needs due to ageing population, where there is a need to manage facilities to deter the negative impacts on society where family values are changed due to globalisation. Thus, there is a need to upgrade infrastructures and adapt to such development and plan and cater to such needs. Old Folk home shld not be a place where youngsters dump their old age parent there, but as a source of help to take care of the elderly where youngsters are busy at work and that it serve as an alternative of care providers. It is important that we enhance the social networks, nurturing the next generation of youth to be more empathic. As a saying goes “Ignore elderly Advice brings perils” “不听老人言吃亏在眼前”. Hence, we need to learn from the elderly as they have the experience and wisdom.

Next, PM Lee mention about the duty of govt which is to serve its people and being a servant of people. But this doesn’t mean that we become“yes” men, as rationale need to be considered and ensure that it is fair and sound. Often citizens treat public servant badly and it leaves them unable to solve things. PM Lee encourage the public servant to be firm and fair and treat each cases and scenario the best they can, and the govt will continue to support them. This will build strong relationship and draw out good solutions. Citizens shld den look into how to contain their attitudes and manner towards the public servants.

In the recent general elections, PM Lee notices the more vocal group of new generation that rise up. He noted that there is a need to engage the youths to be in partnership with the govt, so instead of complaining abt problems, y not be engage and be proactive to come out with solutions? This will make the country stronger rather then to cause division. Courtesy and mutual respect needs to be in hand in order to make it happen. It is all about social responsibility, being an active citizen to make Singapore a better place.

To end my reflection, stated by PM Lee o his final note on building Singapore: Past, present, future is that History and National Education are now what shaped us to have a common past, but what is more important is that we shld also work together to shape a common future, that is able to serve with passion with the hearts and minds, to create a greater sense of belonging and staying united and persevere through storms, building up the resilience in character.

My History,My Past, My life!!!

Part Passionate Kisser

Part Expert Kisser

Thoughts after attending the NDR