http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_378847.html
Give the 'S'pore Promise'
By Kor Kian Beng
DPM Wong Kan Seng said all Singaporeans, native or new, have a significant role to play in forging an integrated community by strengthening community and social bonds in Singapore. -- ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
THE main lure drawing many people to sink roots here has been distilled to a new catchphrase: Singapore Promise.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng introduced it on Tuesday when he urged Singaporeans and new immigrants to strive together in building a Singapore for all Singaporeans.
Mr Wong, the Minister-in charge of population issues, said many immigrants - both past and present - came because they believe they can realise their aspirations and build a good home here. But there is more.
He said: 'It is through our ability to understand, appreciate and respect one another that we can have a Singapore for Singaporeans. All of us have a duty to contribute to and deliver the 'Singapore Promise' for ourselves and our descendants.'
He made the call in his addendum to the President's address on Monday. The addendum listing the ongoing efforts and upcoming plans of the National Population Secretariat will be debated in Parliament next week.
Mr Wong, who is also Home Affairs Minister, also stated that citizens come first in the national drive to build a 'sustainable, connected and integrated population' that will ensure Singapore survives and thrives. So, Singapore must press on with efforts to build a strong core of committed and dedicated citizens who will ride through the trying times and help Singapore emerge more resilient, cohesive and integrated.
'Citizens will always remain the Government's first priority, and citizen interests will always be accorded a higher priority over those of permanent residents and foreigners.'
He cited two areas that affect citizens: growing the local population and reaching out to overseas Singaporeans. But it is premature to assess if the Enhanced Marriage and Parenthood Package, launched last August, has worked in coaxing couples to marry and have more children, so its effectiveness will continue to be monitored. Overseas Singaporeans, who exceed 150,000, will be engaged even in these hard times, said Mr Wong, because they are a part of the Singaporean family.
'Even as we do all we can to help Singaporeans in this economic crisis, we must also re-position ourselves to ensure we are ready to ride on the next wave of economic growth,' he said. 'We can only do so if all Singaporeans stand united as one.'
He added that the new National Integration Council will harness efforts from all sectors to help integrate Singaporeans in all areas, including their homes, workplaces and schools.
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Do u think they have finally heard us??[/COLOR]?
Give the 'S'pore Promise'
By Kor Kian Beng
DPM Wong Kan Seng said all Singaporeans, native or new, have a significant role to play in forging an integrated community by strengthening community and social bonds in Singapore. -- ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
THE main lure drawing many people to sink roots here has been distilled to a new catchphrase: Singapore Promise.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng introduced it on Tuesday when he urged Singaporeans and new immigrants to strive together in building a Singapore for all Singaporeans.
Mr Wong, the Minister-in charge of population issues, said many immigrants - both past and present - came because they believe they can realise their aspirations and build a good home here. But there is more.
He said: 'It is through our ability to understand, appreciate and respect one another that we can have a Singapore for Singaporeans. All of us have a duty to contribute to and deliver the 'Singapore Promise' for ourselves and our descendants.'
He made the call in his addendum to the President's address on Monday. The addendum listing the ongoing efforts and upcoming plans of the National Population Secretariat will be debated in Parliament next week.
Mr Wong, who is also Home Affairs Minister, also stated that citizens come first in the national drive to build a 'sustainable, connected and integrated population' that will ensure Singapore survives and thrives. So, Singapore must press on with efforts to build a strong core of committed and dedicated citizens who will ride through the trying times and help Singapore emerge more resilient, cohesive and integrated.
'Citizens will always remain the Government's first priority, and citizen interests will always be accorded a higher priority over those of permanent residents and foreigners.'
He cited two areas that affect citizens: growing the local population and reaching out to overseas Singaporeans. But it is premature to assess if the Enhanced Marriage and Parenthood Package, launched last August, has worked in coaxing couples to marry and have more children, so its effectiveness will continue to be monitored. Overseas Singaporeans, who exceed 150,000, will be engaged even in these hard times, said Mr Wong, because they are a part of the Singaporean family.
'Even as we do all we can to help Singaporeans in this economic crisis, we must also re-position ourselves to ensure we are ready to ride on the next wave of economic growth,' he said. 'We can only do so if all Singaporeans stand united as one.'
He added that the new National Integration Council will harness efforts from all sectors to help integrate Singaporeans in all areas, including their homes, workplaces and schools.
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[COLOR="_______"]
Do u think they have finally heard us??[/COLOR]?
