Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat praises Rotary Club of Singapore’s contributions and encourages continued civic engagement.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat delivered remarks at the 90th Board Installation of the Rotary Club of Singapore. The event, which celebrated the new leadership led by President Tom Wolf, also recognized the achievements of the outgoing 89th Board under Dr. Chan Siew Luen.
In his address, DPM Heng highlighted the long-standing history of the Rotary Club, which has been active since the 1930s. He noted that the club has witnessed Singapore’s transformation from a population of 600,000 to nearly 6 million today. He emphasized the increasing diversity and complexity of Singaporean society and the need to address various societal divisions.
DPM Heng stressed the importance of trust among citizens and between the government and the people, especially in a small country like Singapore. He highlighted the Forward Singapore agenda initiated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, aimed at refreshing shared values and strengthening societal bonds.
The Rotary Club’s motto, “Service Above Self,” was praised for its alignment with Singapore’s efforts to create a caring, inclusive, and united society. DPM Heng acknowledged the club’s initiatives supporting vulnerable children, the elderly, at-risk youth, and ex-offenders. He also noted their collaboration with government agencies to uplift vulnerable segments of society, such as defraying educational expenses for children and volunteering as ComLink+ befrienders to support low-income families.
DPM Heng encouraged the Rotary Club to continue its efforts and explore new partnerships with the government to support lower-income families and youth. He highlighted the importance of building emotional resilience and mental well-being among youths, mentioning the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy launched by the government.
He also called on the Rotary Club to contribute to building an inclusive society for persons with disabilities by organizing inclusive events and activities. He invited the new Board to consider these areas as they plan for the upcoming year.
In conclusion, DPM Heng commended the Rotary Club of Singapore for its dynamic energy, ideas, and resources, and its ability to create innovative solutions with real-world impact. He encouraged continued collaboration and learning from global counterparts to better serve and uplift communities.
Source – PMO
