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The need for freer political expression, leadership succession, engaging the new generation of young, web-savvy Singaporeans - these were just some of the issues that PM Lee engaged us in during the Prime Minister Dialogue with Young Singaporeans. While he affirmed and strongly encouraged the passion and convictions of the young people (you guys) who want to make a change in Singapore, PM Lee also advised for a need to balance youth idealism with a consciousness of reality. He suggested that passion, idealism and experience were all needed in balance to create positive change.
I personally enjoyed the session very much and was greatly encouraged to hear from the many passionate and compassionate young people whose questions reflected a desire not to just express personal worries and concerns, but also to engage the government in better solutions. My take-away from the session was that it was time to translate the talk into the walk. Sure, we have the financial upheaval and economic downturn looming. The question is, what can we do to help those around us who will find it more difficult to tide over this period? The solutions do not lie just in the hands of our political leaders but also with us. Instead of asking how much more will I receive from the government, perhaps it is time to say I will decide to give even out of the little that I have. I believe that's what changing perspectives calls for.
Read the Straitstimes report on the dialogue session here and here or download the pdf. It will be great to hear your thoughts and reflections on the dialogue. Feel free to post a blog here.
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