SPEECH BY DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS AND SECOND MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS, AT THE LAUNCH OF JUNIOR REACH AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME, 20 FEBRUARY 2008, 10.00AM AT HAI SING CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Dr Amy Khor, Chairman, REACH
Ladies and Gentlemen
1 It gives me great pleasure to join you this morning at the official launch of the Junior REACH Ambassadors programme.
Introduction
2 When Amy first broached the subject of having a platform to promote greater public engagement among youth last September, I told her then that she has my full support because I believe that the best way to reach out to youths is through their own peers. Young Singaporeans should appreciate that they will have to live with the consequences of the decisions that we make today. Hence, they should get involved with the process of policy formulation now rather than later.
Piloting the Junior REACH Ambassadors programme
3 I have three suggestions for your consideration.
4 First, look back at history to understand why and how the Singapore of today came about. Try to gain a realistic understanding of the problems and challenges that Singapore currently faces.
5 Second, discover your own ideas and values. What do you believe in? What do you think is important? What do you want to achieve in your life?
6 Third, speak out honestly, rationally and constructively. This does not mean agreeing with everyone else. It is more important to be principled than to be agreeable. Nevertheless, even when we disagree, it should be possible to do so politely and with mutual respect for differences of opinion.
7 When my Ministry launched the Youth: Creating Our Future Consultation Exercise in 2004, more than 2,000 youths came forward to give their views and suggestions. Not only did they participate in the consultation, they were also passionate in translating their ideas into specific action plans and projects through their participation in the workgroups which looked at youth issues. If not for the involvement of these youth, our young Singaporeans today would not have the *Scape Park in Orchard specially dedicated to them. Other notable projects arising from youth participation include Youth.SG – an online portal for youth, run by youth – and the launch of the SHINE Youth Festival. All these are examples of ideas by young Singaporeans being translated into action on the ground.
Challenge to the Junior REACH Ambassadors
8 The 70 Junior REACH Ambassadors are here with us today. I must take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all of you for taking up this challenging appointment.
9 I have no doubt you will make a significant difference to the future of our nation.
10 Thank you very much.