The report “Emulate spirit of pioneers, younger generation urged” (Feb 4) stated that Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean had urged young Singaporeans to put aside their differences and work together as a community, towards a common purpose.
I respect the experiences and spirit of our pioneers; however, we must also accept pragmatically that the conditions both generations have grown up in are not the same.
For example, Mr Teo mentioned that we should follow the pioneers’ culture of saving. But large shopping centres are sprouting up across the heartlands.
Consumerism is the culture of today’s generation, not to mention a driving force for our gross domestic product.
While the Government is doing all it can to improve the quality of life here, it must also accept that these changes it has brought about are the reasons young Singaporeans will not and cannot emulate the so-called pioneer spirit.
We can encourage togetherness, joint purpose and resilience, but by looking forward, not backwards. What are the positive attributes young Singaporeans have today that can contribute to building this spirit?
It is a natural progression for a wealthier, educated population to be more diverse in terms of perspectives and behaviour. How can tapping our differences create a better society and economy? What are the opportunities?
Is it not possible to see these differences as a joint characteristic of our new generation, whose success depends on how well we can work with, and not against, this characteristic?
I respect the experiences and spirit of our pioneers; however, we must also accept pragmatically that the conditions both generations have grown up in are not the same.
For example, Mr Teo mentioned that we should follow the pioneers’ culture of saving. But large shopping centres are sprouting up across the heartlands.
Consumerism is the culture of today’s generation, not to mention a driving force for our gross domestic product.
While the Government is doing all it can to improve the quality of life here, it must also accept that these changes it has brought about are the reasons young Singaporeans will not and cannot emulate the so-called pioneer spirit.
We can encourage togetherness, joint purpose and resilience, but by looking forward, not backwards. What are the positive attributes young Singaporeans have today that can contribute to building this spirit?
It is a natural progression for a wealthier, educated population to be more diverse in terms of perspectives and behaviour. How can tapping our differences create a better society and economy? What are the opportunities?
Is it not possible to see these differences as a joint characteristic of our new generation, whose success depends on how well we can work with, and not against, this characteristic?
