Making Singapore even better for SG100

Mr Lim Soon Hock, Chairman of Halogen Foundation Singapore

Dr Ann Tan, Chairperson of the Gala committee,

Ms Ivy Tse, CEO of Halogen Foundation Singapore

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. A very good evening to all of you. I am delighted to be here tonight. Halogen Foundation Singapore started off with humble beginnings – reaching out to just over 1,000 young people at their first leadership event 13 years ago. Today, Halogen has reached more than 110,000 youth across 22 different countries. So congratulations on all the good work empowering our young and making a difference in their lives. Our youths are in turn making a positive impact on the lives of others.

   The Importance of Youth in Nation-Building
   

2. Last year, we celebrated 50 years of nation-building. We have achieved much as a nation. But we can look forward to even more, if we set our hearts to it. The future of Singapore is what we will make of it together. 

3. Many of you here tonight have taken that first step towards making a difference in Singapore.  We hope to see Singaporeans joining your footsteps. To progress and prosper as a nation, we have to look beyond ourselves and look out for one another.  We progress as a nation, only if we move forward together. 
   

4. Hopefully, when we reach SG100, we will see that what defines us is not just the best airport, the best seaport, a strong economy or good jobs. Instead, I hope that we will be defined by our heart and soul – a caring nation with a caring people, eager to give back to society so that Singapore can be a place where the heart is, a Home for all.  

   The Need to Reach Out to All Segments of Society
   

5. Halogen has done good work to help us become a more caring nation. Two years ago, it began to help needy students learn more about entrepreneurship, so that they too can create a bright future for themselves. 
   

6. Take Xavier Tan for example. Since he was 14, Xavier worked part-time to support himself. Throughout his secondary school days, he took up five different part-time jobs to cover his daily expenses. Despite this, Xavier was determined to succeed. And thanks to his teachers who recognised his determination, they selected him to attend Halogen's entrepreneurship training programme. Today, Xavier has his own t-shirt printing business. And as I was introduced to him earlier, he handed me his business card. While he has started a company, I asked how he could do so given his young age, he said it was with the support of his parents behind him. But totally confident, very polished and I'm sure you will see more of Xavier in the future.
   

7. I am pleased to note that Halogen Foundation wants to do more for our youths. They will be launching today the “Spark Fund” that will give underprivileged youths an opportunity to attend leadership and entrepreneurship programmes.
   

8. This will be a good social leveller, providing these youths the possibility of self-discovery and learning. It will inspire many more young minds to take on leadership roles, and create positive change in their social circles. I am happy to note that more than $300,000 has been raised for the Spark Fund from tonight's charity gala dinner.
   

9. This evening, I wish Halogen continued success as we celebrate the Breakthroughs of our young people and of our nation as we look forward to SG100. When we reflect on SG50 we recounted the many achievements that Singapore has accomplished. And I think I speak for everyone here that we are proud of what we have done, we are proud to be Singaporeans. Let's remember this feeling and move on to make SG100 an even better year for Singapore, and Singaporeans.

10. It is not going to be an easy journey coming from already a very high base, most of you are in business and are very well aware of how competitive the business world is. Technological changes are disrupting our businesses, creating new opportunities, and at the same time shutting old ones. So in order for us to progress there will be some who will be able to capture these opportunities and there will be some who falter. And we hope that in that journey, those who have made it, those who are able to benefit from globalisation, from new markets, new products and services, will remember those who have not followed close behind. And we can only call ourselves a united people if we move on together. So I hope that more of you will join us and start working towards a better SG100, and make this a great place for us. Thank you very much.