Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the critical importance of preserving the nation’s Asian identity and multicultural heritage to prevent the country from becoming a monolingual society. Speaking during the National Day Rally, PM Wong stressed that retaining proficiency in mother tongue languages alongside English is vital for maintaining cultural roots, strengthening social cohesion, and ensuring Singapore retains its unique cross-cultural advantages in the global landscape.
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the need to safeguard Singapore’s Asian identity at the National Day Rally.
- He cautioned against the gradual shift toward a monolingual society, urging the continued practice and learning of mother tongue languages.
- Bilingualism was reaffirmed as a cornerstone policy essential for maintaining cultural heritage and social cohesion.
- Preserving distinct cultural roots alongside English proficiency was noted as a key strength for Singapore’s international standing.
Based in Singapore, CNA (Channel News Asia) covers global developments with an Asian perspective, with correspondents based in major cities across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, as well as in New York, Washington D.C. and London.
Official website: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/
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I only studied Chinese as an adult in Beijing. I'm not even Chinese. But I did understand the prime minister's speech. It's nice.
Send more scholars in the civil service to study in top Chinese universities which are highly regarded. Address the shortcomings of policy makers being inept about Chinese history and culture. Too many WOGS (Western Oriental Gentlemen) in our civil service as expounded by Dr Goh KS in the past. Are we making international policies from very tinted lens ?
Not that I want to say; If the focus is still not on TFR, then next PM please, there is no Singapore without 'real' Singaporeans.
Singapore to take in between 25,000 and 30,000 new citizens a year over the next five years [Ref: ST 26 Feb 26].
So, before the next election, expect another over 100,000 new citizens.
TFR should be pegged into the formula of the ministers pay scale. Falling TFR means straight pay cut.
Unlike GDP — which can be propped up by mass immigration, state spending, and tax-driven capital inflows — the TFR reflects how ordinary Singaporeans truly feel about their economic prospects. It's a harder number to spin.
To the PAP, new citizens are Singaporeans. Which reminds;
Not true that the GST increase hurts the poor’: Lawrence Wong 2 Mar 2022
GST hike impacts on prices is "once off" and not permanent.: Lawrence Wong 28 Feb 2024
More responsible' to proceed with GST increase amid uncertain inflation outlook: Lawrence Wong [Ref: CNA 14 Oct 2022]
Deferring upcoming GST hike will only ‘store up more problems’ for the future’: Lawrence Wong [Ref: BT Aug 3, 2023]
"Stand firm against nativism"?
Only in leadership completely disconnected from its people—and entrenched in the belief that its power is permanent—would sacrifice the future of native citizens for globalist agendas and short-term economic gains. When a ruling party protects only itself and views the local population as disposable, it destroys any reason for the people to support it. True Singaporeans, whose families bled in WWII and built this land from nothing, owe no loyalty to a regime that abandons them.