Singapore has a modern economy, fuelled in large part by global players who come here because of our pro-business policies, a highly skilled workforce and a stable political environment.  To sustain economic progress, we need to invest in new growth areas such as biotechnology and nanotechnology, and attract talent from around the world to work here in developing these sectors further.

     We need to continue to develop our people.  Singaporeans are known to be well-educated, highly-skilled, honest and productive.  But this is no longer sufficient, if we are to compete on the global stage.  We need a workforce that is equipped with international perspectives to take advantage of global opportunities.  They need to have the inter-cultural skills to develop social relationships and resolve conflicts in diverse cultures.  In short, we need world-ready talent.

     To secure our place in a globalised world, we must go beyond just consolidating our economic niche.  We also need to play our part as a responsible global citizen.   In this regard, I am happy to see that the Singapore International Foundation has been active in harnessing the spirit and energy of Singaporeans in numerous meaningful humanitarian and exchange programmes.  More importantly, I am delighted to hear that there are caring Singaporeans who believe they have a role to play in enhancing the lives of others in the world and who have done so out of their own spontaneous efforts.

     Today, I congratulate Professor Lee Seng Teik and the National University of Singapore Students’ Union Volunteer Action Committee, or NVAC for short, for doing just that.

     I understand that Professor Lee is an accomplished plastic surgeon with heavy responsibilities at the Singapore General Hospital and serves on a number of medical committees.  Yet, over the last 14 years, he has found the time to lead more than 20 medical missions abroad.  I hope he will inspire other busy professionals to similarly share their skills and time.

     I am also heartened by NVAC’s commitment to long-term community development projects in Cambodia and Myanmar.  Such a demonstration of compassion and leadership gives me great confidence in our youth and Singapore’s future generation.

     Both Prof Lee and NVAC have projected Singapore as a caring nation that seeks to make a difference in the world.

     Like them there are also medical and other professionals who are individually helping people beyond our shores with their professional skills and know how.  They too merit our recognition.

     As a nation, we have embraced globalisation and have positioned ourselves to ride on the opportunities it affords.  But a globalised world also brings about new challenges, that require the international community to work closely together to address.  To do so, we all need a greater sense of inclusion, participation, communication and closer people-to-people ties within the international community – a need clearly understood by today’s SIF Award winners.

     I hope their example and sacrifices will be emulated by many more Singaporeans.  Once again, I congratulate Dr Lee and the NVAC for being given the SIF Awards.