Staying ahead by being adaptable and asking the right questions.

It's not the answers. It's the questions you ask. This was what students at a dialogue session in NTU with Minister Chan Chun Sing gathered.

If you ask the wrong questions, then the answers are irrelevant.

In Israel, Mr Chan said, parents do not ask their children what answers they give in school but what questions they have asked.

Mr Chan's challenge to the students:

Get out of your comfort zone and pursue something that is not narrowly tied to your academic subject.

Adaptability an important trait

Broaden your knowledge and interests, go beyond your academic subject. He cited his own experience when he was an undergraduate majoring in Economics in Cambridge University. In his spare time, he also read Biology and Philosophy on his own. All that gave him a broad base to cross-pollinate ideas.

Adaptability and versatility are key to staying ahead in the economy shaped by technological advancements and changing business models.

If you can adapt, you will not lose out. This is Mr Chan's message.

"The one who evolves fastest is the one that survives."

Will complacency hold us back?

Unlike the pioneer generations, Singaporeans today have more choices and options available to them, thanks to better education and a greater amount of resources.

"Will choices make us complacent? If it does, then we will not do even as well as our forefathers."

A duty to take care of the less well-off in society.

Mr Chan told the students that they, and those who are successful, have a duty to take care of the less well-off in society.

It is not enough to be successful individually, he said. He reminded them that their success was because of the family support that they received.

How can we be confident that Singapore will also be successful?

Give something back, lend your shoulders for others to stand taller and see farther.