Singapore’s Golden Jubilee makes me feel unspeakably proud.
Since our improbable conception as an independent nation sited within an
unstable geopolitical environment, we’ve managed to vault into pole position in
the region, punching well above our weight both economically and
geopolitically.
With the pride comes a deep sense of awe and humility as I
use this landmark anniversary to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead for
Singapore in general, and Mountbatten in particular.
To my mind, it’s not enough to ask what we need to do to
maintain Singapore’s standing: we need to push ourselves to ask what it will
take for us to make Singapore an exceptional country.
To me, the answer to that question lies in our people and
our communities.
One of the greatest challenges we face as a nation moving
ahead will be to maintain and strengthen community bonds in the face of
increasing population pressures.
Nationally, increasing social mobility is critical to
keeping Singapore strong and cohesive. Our national philosophy of meritocracy
must continue being our guiding light, but we need to recognize that as each
succeeding generation of Singaporeans passes, our system of meritocracy confers
inherent advantages to those already ahead that the less economically well off
do not benefit from.
Locally, what makes Singapore strong is our sense of
community, reflected in our built environment and our common spaces. When we
speak of bringing back the “kampong spirit”, we must never lose sight of the
fact that for the “kampong spirit” to thrive, our “kampongs” need to be
preserved.
There is no better place to reflect on these challenges than
from the vantage point of Mountbatten.
Within the constituency, there’s a diverse range of people
from different socio-economic backgrounds: some of the wealthiest in our
country live in the landed estates in the constituency, while some of the
poorest live in rental housing estates.
Singapore’s challenge, in closing the mobility gap between
those who’ve made it and those who aspire to make it, is writ large in
Mountbatten. This is a challenge we need to confront, and a gap we need to
close.
Singapore’s challenge to preserve, promote and enhance our
national identity, is also Mountbatten’s. Mountbatten is a constituency with a
unique identity and a rich history.
Encompassing parts of Katong, Mountbatten has a distinctly
“Katong” spirit that’s hard to put your finger on but which you’d immediately
recognize if you chit chat with the elderly convent schooled aunties at Dakota
Crescent.
The built environment of Mountbatten is also unique: one of
Mountbatten’s most recognizable estates is the 17 blocks at Dakota Crescent,
with the iconic small tiled dove playground.
To keep our Mountbatten community strong, we need to
preserve, promote and enhance the built environment of Mountbatten, as well as
the local businesses that have taken root in the community and which sustain
it.
Mountbatten is a small constituency, but one with a distinct
identity. I believe Mountbatten, like Singapore, can punch above its weight if
we get our priorities right.
While celebrating how far we’ve come as a nation
economically and on the world stage, it’s important never to lose sight of the people
and communities that make up Singapore. Our people and our communities have
made Singapore strong, and I am committed to strengthening our people and our
communities because I believe that together, we can make Singapore exceptional.
Happy National Day. Majulah Singapura!
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| An exceptional view of an exceptional country. Happy Birthday Singapore! |
