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Sep 16, 2009
Venture into many fields, including politics
Apart from grades, idealism and passion are important too
By Kor Kian Beng
Student Tay Xiong Sheng felt a show of hands would reveal that most of those present were foreigners. Mr Lee then asked the Singaporeans to raise their hands. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
IT IS not all about grades, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told undergraduates at the end of a dialogue on Tuesday. They should also be charged up about other issues and causes, like their counterparts in the United States, India or China, he added.
'If you look at the best students in dynamic societies such as the US, India or China, they are not just bright, they are passionate, idealistic, driven, out to change the world for the better and to make a mark for themselves.'
He described these students as full of energy in pushing causes and promoting projects, ranging from helping disadvantaged families to promoting green energy. 'Our students should similarly be charged up,' he added.
The PM gave the Nanyang Technological University students several tips on it: pursue causes they believe in; volunteer and serve in the community or in non- governmental organisations; venture into many fields, including politics.
He said at the end of his 45-minute speech: 'Dare to dream, surprise yourself with what you achieve and create a better future for all of us.' His hope is that younger Singaporeans will do more than just be a factor of production that contributes to the economy.
While the Government will try to create the preconditions for Singapore to stay competitive in the long term, he said it will rely on the new generation to push the boundaries.
'Make the society more vibrant and interesting while maintaining our cohesion and harmony, and breaking new ground to make Singapore a different and a better place,' he urged them.
During the dialogue, an Indonesian student asked if foreigners were being brought in to make up for Singaporean students' lack of soft skills in such areas as critical thinking, complex problem-solving and communication.
Replying, PM Lee said Singapore is not doing badly in these areas but 'we can do a lot better'. Foreigners will help improve them because they will give the Singaporean students 'a different stimulus'.
However, what will make the difference is when Singaporeans live overseas and are exposed to a different environment, he said. 'You see how other people live, and you cope with the different circumstances, and from that we hope you get new tools in your toolbox to solve problems.'
Sep 16, 2009
Venture into many fields, including politics
Apart from grades, idealism and passion are important too
By Kor Kian Beng
Student Tay Xiong Sheng felt a show of hands would reveal that most of those present were foreigners. Mr Lee then asked the Singaporeans to raise their hands. -- ST PHOTO: MUGILAN RAJASEGERAN
IT IS not all about grades, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told undergraduates at the end of a dialogue on Tuesday. They should also be charged up about other issues and causes, like their counterparts in the United States, India or China, he added.
'If you look at the best students in dynamic societies such as the US, India or China, they are not just bright, they are passionate, idealistic, driven, out to change the world for the better and to make a mark for themselves.'
He described these students as full of energy in pushing causes and promoting projects, ranging from helping disadvantaged families to promoting green energy. 'Our students should similarly be charged up,' he added.
The PM gave the Nanyang Technological University students several tips on it: pursue causes they believe in; volunteer and serve in the community or in non- governmental organisations; venture into many fields, including politics.
He said at the end of his 45-minute speech: 'Dare to dream, surprise yourself with what you achieve and create a better future for all of us.' His hope is that younger Singaporeans will do more than just be a factor of production that contributes to the economy.
While the Government will try to create the preconditions for Singapore to stay competitive in the long term, he said it will rely on the new generation to push the boundaries.
'Make the society more vibrant and interesting while maintaining our cohesion and harmony, and breaking new ground to make Singapore a different and a better place,' he urged them.
During the dialogue, an Indonesian student asked if foreigners were being brought in to make up for Singaporean students' lack of soft skills in such areas as critical thinking, complex problem-solving and communication.
Replying, PM Lee said Singapore is not doing badly in these areas but 'we can do a lot better'. Foreigners will help improve them because they will give the Singaporean students 'a different stimulus'.
However, what will make the difference is when Singaporeans live overseas and are exposed to a different environment, he said. 'You see how other people live, and you cope with the different circumstances, and from that we hope you get new tools in your toolbox to solve problems.'
