SINGAPORE, Aug 9 – Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore’s economy grew 3.5 per cent in the first half of 2014, and is forecast to grow 2.5-3.5 per cent for the year.
In his National Day Message on Friday ahead of Singapore’s 49th birthday, he said the city state must keep up this growth over the next decade to help Singaporeans improve their lives.
“Whichever path our students and workers take, ultimately we need a vibrant economy to produce good jobs and fulfilling careers,” he said when delivering the speech at Alexandra Park Connector. Thanking the pioneers who had worked hard to take Singapore from Third World to First, Lee said the government had introduced the Pioneer Generation Package as a way of saying ‘thank you’.
“We must uphold the spirit of our pioneers in a new era. The globalised world offers many opportunities for the bold and enterprising. But it also makes people uncertain and anxious about their future.“Events overseas affect us quickly and unpredictably, such as political changes in Southeast Asia, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, or armed conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine,” he said.
Lee noted that Singapore is now at a higher level, from which it can scale new heights.“Hence we must reassess our position, review our direction, and refresh our strategies,” he said, adding Singaporeans have a good home to live, work and raise their families.However, he said: “Together, we will make it even better. We are beautifying our heartlands and public spaces in new towns across Singapore.”
He said Singapore would take full advantage of technology to transform itself into an IT city, a smart nation.“Beyond our physical infrastructure, we must strengthen our bonds with one another and the spirit of mutual support. We must deepen our shared identity, and the values we hold dear. Singapore will only succeed if we stand together as one united people.
“We have come a long way since independence. Singaporeans hold our heads high everywhere we go. Foreign visitors are impressed with what they find here. But we have not reached our limit; there is no limit to what we can do,” he said. As Singapore turns 50 next year, Lee said :”We are celebrating our Golden Jubilee with many events, including the SEA Games.“What Singapore becomes depends on what we make of it. We are well placed to thrive in a changing world. Let us dedicate ourselves to working together, and building a brighter future for us all.”
– BERNAMA
