This year’s 54th National Day is special for Singapore with some extra significance. It happens in a year that marks the 200th year of the arrival in 1819 of Sir Stamford Raffles in Singapore. In effect, it is a celebration of Singapore’s Bicentennial year.
As I look forward to watching the National Day parade (on TV!), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s message that Singapore must prepare for a different future is timely.
I am confident of the ability of Singapore to tide over the recessionary cycle and protect the country’s economic might, peace and harmony.
With 4G leadership preparing to take control of Singapore, perhaps it is time for the Opposition to put forth a strong face as templated governance can be boring and is no guarantee that the interests of Singapore will be protected. I am not certain if the quality of the 4G team can inspire confidence in the citizenry.
Mr Lee was clear in his National Day message that the Government intended to make tertiary education “even more affordable, especially for lower- and middle-income families”, as well as raise the retirement and re-employment ages. This is what we have been hearing for a while. It is time for action now, not words.
Making tertiary education affordable is just one part of the problem that has made Singapore rely on foreign mediocrity in the name of foreign talent, which is largely a misnomer.
Tertiary education, including Master’s degree programmes, in particular STEM courses, must be made easily accessible for Singaporeans if the country is serious about building a strong local talent pool.
Singaporeans being shortchanged from education to employment is not sustainable. A strong, competent opposition is also needed to ensure that governance does not end up in a one-way track.
Happy National Day for Singaporeans!
Some of My Earlier Posts (Issues raised even four years ago linger)
https://joslinv.wordpress.com/2019/03/29/4g-leadership-or-templated-governance/
https://joslinv.wordpress.com/2017/01/11/population-debate-in-singapore-reignited/
https://joslinv.wordpress.com/2014/04/05/singapore-universities-where-foreigners-thrive/
https://joslinv.wordpress.com/2015/01/01/get-real-singapore/
https://joslinv.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/overpopulation-behind-all-major-problems-in-singapore/
G Joslin Vethakumar
Top of the Word 
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