BY
Hamizan Ahmad
Poong Qi Tao

Hype Issue #59

Published on

July 24, 2024

 Dialogue with PM Lawrence Wong at the Singapore Management University (SMU) | Photo by Hamizan Ahmad 

On Tuesday, July 2, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong appeared in a dialogue session held at Singapore Management University (SMU). 

The dialogue was organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) with the collaboration of Varsity Voices, a current affairs initiative by various local universities in Singapore. 

During the dialogue, PM Wong expressed how rapidly Singapore has transformed over the past decades, and how it will continue to evolve more rapidly in the future. He also expressed his views regarding anticipated challenges that Singapore is bound to face as the world continues to transform politically, economically, and technologically.

This is what we took away from PM Wong’s advice in the dialogue.

PM Lawrence Wong with students after the dialogue. | Photo by Jerome Ching Yue Heng

1. Position yourself to ride trends

PM Wong identified several key trends he feels youths should capitalise on.

Firstly, he discussed the current digitalised landscape in the world. 

“Young people like yourselves now… should be familiar with technology,” he said. “Think of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as your co-worker, as your friend, as somebody, as AI is something that will enable you to be a better human being and embrace that.”

PM Wong understands that not everyone is familiar with technology, but he advises them to embrace it even if technology is not their “cup of tea”. He said, “You can learn, you can familiarise yourself with AI tools. You can start to learn how to use technology and AI tools better, and this will apply to you regardless of what job you want.”

He used music, a personal hobby of his, as an example.

“You may not want to be a professional musician, but even if you wanted to, you have to learn technology because so much of music today is digital music,” he said. 

“You can do sampling. You can put tracks together and create a digital production, all in your own computer,” he continued. “And so if you want to be a really good musician, you can’t just learn an instrument. You need to master technology.”

He emphasised the importance of being familiar with technology and “to use these technological tools effectively”.

PM Wong identified sustainability as another key trend, a trend he says is “going to happen” due to global warming.

Regardless of what job industry you are in, he feels that it is important for youths to attain “basic knowledge about the climate”.

“Because more and more companies everywhere will have to start thinking about how to get to net zero, how to decarbonise. So they will need people who are familiar with this,” he said. 

PM Wong mentioned the finance industry to back up his claim, stating “green finance is one of the fastest growing areas of finance”.

Lastly, he brought up the notion of the rise of Asia. He states that the “centre of gravity of the global economy will shift more and more towards Asia”.

PM Wong invites youths to ponder how they can understand the countries in Southeast Asia better. He says with the “ability to understand Southeast Asia”, there will be demand for those skill sets.

2. Start from within, Don’t compare

As the saying goes:“comparison is the thief of joy”. PM Wong strongly advises youths to not compare themselves with their friends. Instead, youths should make use of their personal abilities and strengths to their full advantage.

“Follow your own talents and strive to reach your own full potential. And remember that your talents do not exist fully formed, you cannot possibly become an instant expert,” he shared.

“Just because you graduate from ITE, Polytechnic or University doesn’t make you knowledgeable about whatever you study,” he added. “In fact, no, learning must continue.”

PM Wong feels that constant self-comparison with peers will lead to a “certain paralysis and level of stress and anxiety”. 

If you are unable to find your strengths, PM Wong says “gaining some work experience” is the solution. Over time, you will eventually discover your abilities and strengths.

“There is no need to compare with others to squeeze into boxes we are not meant to fit. Instead, follow your own talents and strive to reach your own full potential.”

3. Be prepared for dry spells and setbacks

PM Wong has advised youths to continue being resilient and consistent in making efforts, no matter how difficult or easy it gets. 

“Behind every success story, there will often be failures,” PM Wong said, recalling his journey from beginning his political career in 2011 to being sworn in as Singapore’s new Prime Minister in 2024.

A setback PM Wong highlighted is that one may feel that his or her work is underappreciated, remaining in the shadows, without any appreciation or notice. However, he encourages youths to use this setback as the driving power to continue to improve.

“It’s precisely in those moments that you must focus on doing your work well. You must keep on working hard and maintaining high standards of excellence. And if you do that, you will only learn and get better at what you do,” he affirmed.

Rather, positivity, optimism, and conviction are key to striving for success in one’s journey.

“Eventually, your talents will be recognised, eventually other doors will open. And you will find new possibilities to flourish and thrive.” 

He reiterates that the learning process does not stop at a given academic level, but rather remains a lifelong process. Hence, one should remain open-minded and committed to learning from their mistakes. 

“I encourage all of you to embrace this attitude of learning and excelling at whatever you do. Not just when you’re in school now, not just after you graduate, but throughout your lives.”

What’s Next?

As Singapore navigates its way through an ever-changing world, PM Wong’s views and insights have become invaluable in guiding the efforts to shape Singapore’s future.

“I think it is impossible to predict what will happen. For one, Singapore will have to operate in a more difficult external environment,” PM Wong said. “We now see a new era of competition. The world is becoming more dangerous and fragmented.”

Hence, the Singapore government is doing what it needs to, adapting to  this ever-changing global landscape and ensuring that Singapore remains relevant and continues thriving.

“We are taking active steps to refresh our social compact, and to strengthen our sense of solidarity and unity as a country,” PM Wong said. “We want Singaporeans to feel assured that they can look forward to affordable and quality homes, a good healthcare system, and an education system that nurtures diverse talents…”

However, PM Wong expressed that the government’s efforts alone are not enough. Individuals also need to work together with the government in order to help the country move forward. 

An example he gave was that the government will “spend more on skills upgrading and development”, ensuring these skill courses will be more effective and accessible for Singaporeans. However, he emphasised the need for Singaporeans to also have initiative and sign up for these courses, to learn and improve their skills.

Indeed, PM Wong acknowledges that working together with harmony and unity is vital for Singapore’s survival and progression.

“Whatever our differences, we must always stand together as one people,” PM Wong said. 

“I am confident that our best days are ahead of us.”