In housing, we have enhanced subsidies for first-time buyers, to help more young families own their homes. The first residents of the new Bidadari estate have started to move in, and flats in Tengah new town are now open for booking. HDB upgrading programmes continue apace. We are refreshing our heartlands so every town is spruced up and up-to-date, with active communities and modern amenities.
In healthcare, we are honouring senior Singaporeans through the Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation Packages. We are also expanding capacity significantly with new healthcare facilities. The Sengkang General Hospital and Community Hospital are open, and Outram Community Hospital has started admitting patients. Redevelopment of the Outram, Tan Tock Seng and NUHS campuses is ongoing.
In transport, after much hard work, rail services have dramatically improved. The MRT is now one of the most reliable train systems in the world. On average, we have less than 1 breakdown every 1,000,000 kilometres travelled. Meanwhile, we continue to build more rail lines and extensions. Stage 1 of the Thomson-East Coast Line opens next month. We have just settled the alignment of the Cross Island Line, deep under the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. And at Changi Airport, Jewel – that we are all so proud of – opened this year.
At the same time, we are keeping a close eye on more immediate risks and pressures. The global economic slowdown has already affected us. This year we avoided a recession. Our economy is still growing, but less vigorously than we would like. In the upcoming Budget, we will support businesses to raise their productivity and build new capabilities. We will help workers, especially mid-career PMETs, to retrain, acquire new skills, find new jobs and stay employable. We will help households with their cost of living. We will improve social safety nets that protect the poor, the elderly, and the vulnerable.
These are all practical measures to improve the lives of Singaporeans. But one lesson from history is that while we must stay on top of bread and butter issues, in the long run the intangible ethos of a society is even more vital. Here, in this island-nation, we aim to build a fair and just society, where growth and prosperity benefits everyone, and the human spirit can flourish. Here, pathways of progress are open to all, and every Singaporean can chase his or her dreams. Here, we are building a society where everyone is equal, regardless of race, language or religion. Here, we will uplift the most vulnerable amongst us, and leave nobody behind whatever the vicissitudes of life. Here, each generation never stops thinking of tomorrow, so that our children can look forward to exciting opportunities, and in their turn build a better Singapore.
These values and qualities impelled our forefathers to remain in Singapore, rather than return to the lands of their birth. These values gave us the grit to survive the Japanese Occupation, the courage to fight for self-determination and independence, and the will to build a nation where none stood before. These same values will enable us to remain 「one united people」, and to prevail despite the odds.
In a troubled world, few societies can devote themselves to such intangible ideals, much less act upon them. But here in Singapore, thanks to the heroic efforts of several generations, we can all realistically aspire to live by these values, and turn our vision into reality.
There can be no guarantee of success. But there never was, at any time during our history. As before, every step forward will take daring and determination. But if we stand together and keep making the effort, I am confident Singapore can continue to shine brightly in the world.
This is our life, our future, our Singapore.
I wish all Singaporeans a Happy New Year!
（來源：新加坡總理公署）
