GOOD GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP VITAL FOR NATION'S PROGRESS

Singapore and China may have their differences in geographical size and historical beginnings, but both posses a distinct similarity - the ability to recognise the importance of identifying and grooming leadership to develop the country, sustain economic growth, as well as to maintain social harmony.

This was the view expressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean during his speech and subsequent dialogue session at the China Executive Leadership Academy (CELAY) in Yan'an on 21 Apr.

Addressing some 400 Chinese officials at CELAY, Mr Teo, who is also Minister-in-Charge of the Civil Service in Singapore, added that China and Singapore may be very different in terms of size and history but both face the same challenges due to factors like globalisation and the impact of new media in society. However, he emphasised that with good governance and competent leaders, these challenges may be easily overcome.

"Leaders set the example for the people to follow. They are able to empathise with, understand and articulate the needs of the people, and work to improve the lives of the people. Leaders inspire people to direct their energies so that in achieving their individual goals, they also contribute towards achieving the common goals of the country," said Mr Teo.

He used his recent visit to Beichuan in the Sichuan province on 20 Apr to illustrate the importance of good governance and the need for leaders to respond quickly in times of crisis to expedite the process of recovery and gain the trust and confidence of its citizens.

Mr Teo said: "My visit to Beichuan allowed me to reflect on how trust between the people and government is strengthened. The rapid and effective response by the Chinese government and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) (following the earthquake) in 2008, the open flow of information in the domestic and international media, and the empathy shown by the government from the top leaders down, helped to reinforce trust by the people in the government."

However, Mr Teo stated that there are many challenges in identifying and grooming competent and visionary leaders who are ready to serve the country. He expressed concern that the younger generation who are brought up in a more comfortable environment may not understand the ethos and history of how the country was founded, thus hindering their ability to make sound decisions.

"Are they prepared to commit to serving the greater good of the country, or do they focus only on trying to get the best for themselves? How do we motivate our most able young people towards public service in an era of globalisation, where there are now many alternative opportunities - in the private sector, in multi-national companies, and even overseas?" elaborated Mr Teo, on his concerns about garnering exceptional leadership for the future.

Mr Teo's visit to Yan'an is part of his official visit to China. Prior to his visit to Yan'an, he had previously visited Chengdu where he called upon Commander of the Chengdu Military Region LG Li Shiming and senior officials of the PLA, as well as visited the 2nd Army Aviation regiment of the Chengdu Military Region.

Mr Teo then proceeded to Beijing where he met with key Chinese political and defence leaders such as Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General (GEN) Xu Caihou, Minister of National Defense GEN Liang Guanglie and PLA Chief of General Staff GEN Chen Bingde.

Mr Teo's visit underscores the progress in the defence relationship between Singapore and China following the signing of the bilateral Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) and the inaugural Permanent Secretary-level Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) in January 2008.

24 Apr 10 - DPM Teo: Gleaning lessons from the past to build the future [cyberpioneer]

22 Apr 10 - DPM Teo Meets Chinese Leaders in Beijing

22 Apr 10 - News Video: DPM's Visit to China

20 Apr 10 - DPM Teo's visit to China reaffirms Sino-Singapore ties [cyberpioneer]

20 Apr 10 - DPM Teo Visits China