To avoid irrelevance, mindsets , systems, processes have to evolve with changing circumstances: Chan Chun Sing

Opening Address and Keynote Speech by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service at the 8th Singapore-China Forum on Leadership.

Nothing is set in stone. Change is the only constant. To avoid irrelevance, mindsets , systems, processes etc have to evolve with changing circumstances.

What worked in a set of circumstances may not work in different circumstances.

 

Once-in-a-lifetime changes. We need to move forward together.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said:

We are seeing major once-in-a-lifetime changes. The sino-US relationship, technology, Covid-19, generational shifts in Singapore - converging at one point in time.

So change is a must for Singapore and for the Government. It is not just about spending more money here and there, although some of that will always be necessary, but how to do things differently.

For example, in my last role (as education minister), reducing exams and phasing out streaming were not major-expenditure projects.

Neither is reopening Singapore in order to rebuild our aviation hub and therefore our economy. I believe every MP can contribute to this discussion and I look forward to hearing their views next week.