SINGAPORE – The next chapter of the Singapore story will be written not by the government alone, but by the community at large, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Amy Khor said at a contributors’ forum organised by REACH, the government’s feedback unit, today (Oct 18).

Joining participants at the annual forum were Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister for Communications and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim.

Addressing the participants, Dr Khor added that to achieve the country’s common aspirations, the citizenry will need to come forward to play a more active role.

She also said that the relationship between the people and the government will also need to be re-imagined and reinforced, so that Singapore can thrive even in adversity.

And REACH remains committed to playing a role in promoting a more active citizenry, so as to support the building of stronger bonds between the government and Singaporeans.

Dr Khor said REACH has been ramping up its engagement efforts, including face-to-face dialogue sessions with all segments of society, including the youth and PMETs (professionals, managers, executives and technicians).

For the first three quarters this year, it has held over 40 engagement sessions, and that is double the number for the whole of last year.

Dr Khor said: “We will continue to ensure Singaporeans have many avenues, be it via the traditional or new media and social media, to give your views on policies and have frank and meaningful conversations with the government. These views would contribute towards better policies that benefit Singaporeans. Indeed, it is imperative that policy-making be based on a good understanding of ground concerns, needs and aspirations.”

The theme of the forum is Embarking on a New Chapter in the Singapore Story, and many of the comments raised prior to the forum revolved around the issues of values and identity, as well as about a more compassionate society, where more could be done to help those in need.

Dr Khor said: “A few also felt that it was important for the community to be more deeply involved in building Singapore’s future, not just by contributing ideas, but to get more actively involved in helping fellow Singaporeans, and supporting other meaningful and productive causes.”

Dr Khor added that one contributor also expressed concern about whether younger Singaporeans who are not accustomed to hardship can survive in this competitive world and “bring a new chapter to the Singapore story”.

She also assured participants that their feedback does not end up in a black hole and has been instrumental in policy formulation.

In fact, in the first three quarters of this year, manpower, population and transport were the three topics that received the most feedback on the REACH platforms.

And Dr Khor believes the Manpower Ministry’s recent announcement of the Fair Consideration Framework to encourage a level playing field and push employers to consider Singaporeans fairly for jobs and development opportunities would no doubt have been influenced by the feedback given. CHANNEL NEWSASIA