As I made my way from Hougang Mrt to the Student Service Center,
I was filled with anticipation about the National Conversation which we will soon
be having with a number of youths. I've participated in more than 3 public
conversations, where there were diverse crowds sharing various views on what we
desire Singapore to become, but this was the first youth-centered conversation which I have participated in.
Hence, as expected, I was positively surprised by the perspectives
and the directions of conversations shared by them! Their inputs were
extremely positive and full of optimism. Throughout the short 2+ hours, they
shared great aspirations they have for our country; about how our nation will
continue to progress and prosper, and most of them portrayed a healthy respect and
understanding for the value foreign talents bring to our country, and to top it
off, a self-imposed duty about “What I can do for the nation, instead of what
the nation can do for me?”.
At the conclusion of the conversation, many youths shared how they
treasured the opportunity to discuss the dreams and aspirations they have for
themselves and the country. A few mentioned that they were rarely (and for
some, never) asked about their opinion on such matters.
Upon reflecting these "thanksgiving" messages, I realized how important
it is, for us to work even harder in giving a voice to the “unheard or
marginalized”, so to ensure that as the society progresses, we do not leave anyone
behind!
It was sincerely the most rewarding and enjoyable “conversation”
which I have attended. The ideas and comments made by the youths were truly
inspirational and motivating. I would be lying, if I denied that their Hope for
Singapore also created a positively enduring effect on my optimism for
Singapore’s future too!
