PRESIDENT S R Nathan highlighted three areas that will put stresses on Singapore society in these challenging times.
Underscoring the need to strengthen social cohesion even as the country strives for economic growth, he said Singaporeans must manage these stresses and meet the challenges as 'one people' so that they could emerge stronger from the current crisis stronger.
In his opening address to the new session of the Parliament on Monday night, he pointed to globalisation as one challenge. While it has benefited Singapore, it also 'widens income gaps' and will continue to 'put pressure on lower-skilled, less-educated workers', said Mr Nathan.
Assuring lower-income Singaporeans that they will not be left to fend for themselves, he said: 'We must help every worker train and prepare for new jobs, and especially ensure that children from vulnerable families enjoy every opportunity to reach their full potential in education. Only when all of us share the benefits of globalisation and growth, can we stay united regardless of rich or poor.'
Another challenge he highlighted is the potential friction between Singaporeans and foreigners, who are needed for their diverse skills and experiences.
These arrivals may cause some concern due to 'unfamiliarity' with different accents and habits and also because of 'competition' in workplaces, Mr Nathan acknowledged. But he urged Singaporeans to welcome them and appreciate their contributions to the country.
To the new arrivals, he said: 'It is equally important that the newcomers make the effort and adjust and integrate into our society, and have their children grow up side by side with the children of earlier Singaporeans.'
A third area which could test Singapore's social cohesion is the emergence of new infectious diseases, said the President, citing the Sars outbreak in 2003 which taught Singaporeans the importance of responding as 'one people' to new and frightening diseases.
He urged them to similarly respond to the Influenza A(H1N1) threat 'just as rationally, vigorously and cohesively' as they did to Sars.
