174. We are living in a world which will become more violent, more fragmented, and more unpredictable in the years to come.
a. We wish this were not so.
b. We will try our best, working with others in the international community, to shape better global outcomes.
c. But we also have to be realistic. Great catastrophes often seem unthinkable until they happen. Things may well get worse before they get better. So let us be mentally prepared, and take steps now to adapt to this messy world.
175. This is not the first time that we’ve found ourselves in such a situation.
a. Since our independence, we’ve had to adjust to all sorts of external disruptions and shocks.
b. The British deciding to withdraw troops from Singapore in 1967; the global oil crises in 1973 and 1979; the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997; the dot-com bust in the early 2000s; 9/11; SARS; the Global Financial Crisis of 2008; and of course, more recently the Covid-19 pandemic.
c. Each time, we were able to weather the storms, and emerge stronger.
d. I believe we can do so again in our road ahead – so long as we stay united, work together, and continue to keep faith in each other.
176. Budget 2024 is about acting on this belief. We are helping Singaporeans with their cost-of-living concerns. We are taking major steps to advance our Forward Singapore agenda.
a. We will grow the economy. We must. For growth is the pre-requisite to create better jobs and raise living standards for all.
b. We will equip everyone to realise their full potential, and ensure that everyone benefits from our nation’s progress.
c. We will strengthen our system of risk pooling and social support, so that Singaporeans can be better assured through every life stage, and better equipped to bounce back from every setback.
d. We will fortify our resilience, solidarity, and unity, so that we remain strong and effective against any challenges or threats.
177. We are not the only country adapting to a different world. Countries everywhere are searching for solutions too. Many find it hard to implement bold and long-term plans.
178. But we can make it happen in Singapore.
179. We are able to do so because:
a. Our fiscal position is healthy and sustainable.
b. Our Government has the trust of Singaporeans.
c. Our people are united, and our social compact is strong.
180. These are the critical ingredients behind the Singapore story.
a. What we have today is rare, remarkable, and unique.
b. Let us cherish it, treasure it, and harness these strengths to remain a shining red dot in a troubled world.
181. During the dark days of Covid-19, which feels like a bad dream to all of us now, I remember visiting Riverside Secondary School. The teacher had asked the students to imagine what they would be doing in ten years’ time, and to write a letter to their future selves.
a. One student – Levin Ong – wrote, and I quote:“Dear future Levin, I hope you have been well in these past ten years. I am grateful for how Singapore is dealing with Covid-19… the challenges I face are small compared to others during this difficult time. I want the world to be a better place and contribute back to society to the best of my ability. I hope, by 2030, I have made a better world for everyone.”
b. Hope for the future. Giving back to society. Each one of us doing our best to make this a better place for all.
182. Mr Speaker, let us draw inspiration from young Singaporeans like Levin, move forward with confidence, and build our shared future together.