Step up, write next chapter of Singapore story, Wong urges youth

Ability to build consensus out of differing opinions key to innovative solutions, he adds

- Justin Ong

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday urged more young Singaporeans to step forward to tackle the biggest challenges of the day, and said the ability to build consensus out of differing viewpoints would be key to coming up with thoughtful and innovative solutions.

"Embrace a life of purpose...channel your passion and idealism to tackle the issues you care deeply about," Mr Wong said. "Singapore needs you to be an active citizen and a change-maker.

"And there are many possibilities to explore and pursue: You can start by volunteering, and serving your local community... The Government, too, will do our part to expand the opportunities for you to step up and make a difference.

"Each and every one of you has a key part to play in writing the next chapter of the Singapore story."

Mr Wong was addressing about 60 guests at an award ceremony held at Changi Cove hotel to mark a new National Young Leaders Fellowship launched by the Halogen Foundation, a charity that focuses on building young leaders and entrepreneurs.

The fellowship selects 30 outstanding young people aged 15 to 19 years old to take part in a nine-month programme, where they will be mentored and given the resources and networks to develop their own community projects and grow as leaders.