Working with Singaporeans to create a shared future

In a speech at the Reach-CNA dialogue Building Our Future Singapore Together yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat outlined the Government's plans to shift from working for Singaporeans to also working with them, to design and implement policies together and create a shared future. Here is the text of his remarks.

Heng Swee Keat
In Japan, the police officer is part of the community, working with the community to maintain law and order. Singapore learnt from the Japanese and started community policing - the most visible part being the neighbourhood police posts. Khe Bong in T
Then Education Minister Heng Swee Keat (centre) and then Reach chairman Amy Khor taking part in an informal dialogue with Hwa Chong Institution students in 2011. As society matured, successive generations of leaders had to win the hearts and minds of Singaporeans in their own way, in accordance with the tenor of the times. FILE PHOTOS
In Japan, the police officer is part of the community, working with the community to maintain law and order. Singapore learnt from the Japanese and started community policing - the most visible part being the neighbourhood police posts. Khe Bong in T
Then Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin (seated in second row, first from right) listening in on a group discussion at the Manpower Ministry's first Our Singapore Conversation dialogue in June 2013. ST FILE PHOTOS
In Japan, the police officer is part of the community, working with the community to maintain law and order. Singapore learnt from the Japanese and started community policing - the most visible part being the neighbourhood police posts. Khe Bong in T
Many Singaporeans have pursued their passions and given back to society. Ms Pamela Chng founded Bettr Barista - a coffee academy that helps marginalised women and youth-at-risk become certified baristas. ST FILE PHOTOS
In Japan, the police officer is part of the community, working with the community to maintain law and order. Singapore learnt from the Japanese and started community policing - the most visible part being the neighbourhood police posts. Khe Bong in T
Mr Richard Kuppusamy, president of the Disabled People's Association, has been working with the Building and Construction Authority to ensure Singapore's built environment is accessible to wheelchair users. ST FILE PHOTOS
Left: Then Education Minister Heng Swee Keat (centre) and then Reach chairman Amy Khor taking part in an informal dialogue with Hwa Chong Institution students in 2011. As society matured, successive generations of leaders had to win the hearts and mi
Ms Mizah Rahman (left) and Ms Jan Lim (third from right) founded Participate in Design, a non-profit to help neighbourhoods and public institutions design community-owned spaces. Many are chipping in to improve the lives of all. ST FILE PHOTOS
Updated
Jun 16, 2019, 10:07 AM
Published
Jun 16, 2019, 05:00 AM
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We are here to discuss how we can build our future together. At the heart of this topic lies the biggest challenge we will face in the coming decades, which is how our politics will evolve.

Singapore has enjoyed more than 50 years of constructive politics. This has helped keep us cohesive and united, grow our economy, and build our nation. But how do we remain united despite our diversities; one though we are many?

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on June 16, 2019, with the headline Working with Singaporeans to create a shared future. Subscribe

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