COMMUNITY
VIGILANT CITIZENS LOOKING AFTER A VIBRANT CITY
26 Jul 2006
As the world changes over time, Singapore will need to face new challenges and acquire "the right qualities and attributes of a 21st-century world city."
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said this in his keynote speech at the Temasek Seminar on 26 Jul.
Mr Teo was addressing over 400 students from 18 schools at SAFTI Military Institute, where he shared his views on what Singapore requires to survive and enjoy continued prosperity.
"Besides openness," said Mr Teo, "we need to foster a vibrant, exciting and innovative culture in our city."
"As a nation, we need to constantly retool our economy so that it remains relevant and competitive."
Mr Teo also stressed the importance of "vigilant citizens" in keeping the country safe and secure, as well as the value of building "resilience and strength" in Singaporeans.
Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim was on hand to talk about Singapore's foreign policy.
During the open forum chaired by Mr Teo, both ministers answered questions from the students.
The Temasek Seminar is an annual event for first-year junior college students to create interest in public service, and to promote awareness and appreciation of security-related issues.
This time, fifth-year students under the six-year Integrated Programme at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) were invited to the seminar, too.
One such student, 17-year-old Matthew Lee, felt that as Singapore matures as an independent city-state, "we need to develop a stronger cultural identity, a national identity that defines us as Singaporeans".
He said: "We're known to be efficient and effective, but perhaps the country needs more colour."
Prior to the seminar, students were engaged in a range of activities, including field trips to Changi Naval Base and the SAF Centre for Military Experimentation.
"I think the pre-seminar activities were really good," said Tampines Junior College student Nor Sharina Abdul Majid. "They gave us an insight into Singapore's defence capabilities".
In addition, there was a tagline competition, where teams invented slogans with skits combining multimedia and live performance, based on the seminar's theme "Vibrant City, Vigilant Citizens".
National Junior College, which won last year, came out tops again with its entry, "The Singapore Prism - Unifying Lights of Diversity".
Raffles Junior College and Meridian Junior College placed second and third respectively.
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean said this in his keynote speech at the Temasek Seminar on 26 Jul.
Mr Teo was addressing over 400 students from 18 schools at SAFTI Military Institute, where he shared his views on what Singapore requires to survive and enjoy continued prosperity.
"Besides openness," said Mr Teo, "we need to foster a vibrant, exciting and innovative culture in our city."
"As a nation, we need to constantly retool our economy so that it remains relevant and competitive."
Mr Teo also stressed the importance of "vigilant citizens" in keeping the country safe and secure, as well as the value of building "resilience and strength" in Singaporeans.
Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Raymond Lim was on hand to talk about Singapore's foreign policy.
During the open forum chaired by Mr Teo, both ministers answered questions from the students.
The Temasek Seminar is an annual event for first-year junior college students to create interest in public service, and to promote awareness and appreciation of security-related issues.
This time, fifth-year students under the six-year Integrated Programme at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) were invited to the seminar, too.
One such student, 17-year-old Matthew Lee, felt that as Singapore matures as an independent city-state, "we need to develop a stronger cultural identity, a national identity that defines us as Singaporeans".
He said: "We're known to be efficient and effective, but perhaps the country needs more colour."
Prior to the seminar, students were engaged in a range of activities, including field trips to Changi Naval Base and the SAF Centre for Military Experimentation.
"I think the pre-seminar activities were really good," said Tampines Junior College student Nor Sharina Abdul Majid. "They gave us an insight into Singapore's defence capabilities".
In addition, there was a tagline competition, where teams invented slogans with skits combining multimedia and live performance, based on the seminar's theme "Vibrant City, Vigilant Citizens".
National Junior College, which won last year, came out tops again with its entry, "The Singapore Prism - Unifying Lights of Diversity".
Raffles Junior College and Meridian Junior College placed second and third respectively.
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