Young Singaporeans must think beyond our shores

Success at home is only the beginning – Singaporeans must now lead, connect and create impact on the global stage.

- Sean Chiao

In his recent S. Rajaratnam Lecture, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke of an increasingly turbulent world.

“The once-rising tide of global cooperation that defined the past decades is giving way to one of growing competition and distrust. As a result, the world is becoming more fragmented and disorderly,” he said.

Amid this turbulence, he highlighted the need for Singapore to remain open to ideas, partnerships and opportunities while continuing to build bridges.

This mindset has been the cornerstone of Singapore’s global engagement. Why is this especially important today?

Success in Singapore is just the beginning and should never be the end goal. It must serve as the starting point for change. And the impact we create cannot be confined to Singapore alone, as the challenges we face – climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality – are global and transcend borders.

The future will be determined by those who can think globally and act locally, contributing to the global movement for change.

SINGAPORE’S ROLE IN A CHANGING WORLD

Over the years, working with Singaporeans, I’ve seen first-hand how efficient, responsible and disciplined they are.

Singaporeans get things done, move quickly, and operate with precision. They are highly skilled and competent, some of the most professional colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with. But in today’s world, competence alone is not enough.

Singaporeans must combine their professionalism with curiosity and the willingness to grow beyond what’s familiar.

Take Leonard Ng, for instance, a former banker who reinvented his career as a landscape architect. After 15 years in banking, he decided to pursue his passion, juggling a full-time job and night classes, ultimately earning a Master’s in Landscape Urbanism.