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Singaporean Matters: Unity of intentions, not unity of actions.
Recently, I found myself in a thoughtful conversation with some young Singaporeans, and it struck me how much our society is evolving — I might even argue has evolved. The once fundamental belief that unity of action is essential for Singapore’s success is foreign to the new generation of Singaporeans.
Reflecting on this, I see how far we have come as a nation. We have moved from a time when success meant having a roof over our heads, a television, a car, and a stable corporate job. Today, success is defined by owning a luxurious home, the latest gadgets, exotic cars, and pursuing careers that fulfill our deepest passions. We have transitioned from being equally poor to unequally rich.
Speaking with these youths, I believe Singapore’s continued success will require a profound shift in our collective mindset. We need to embrace the concept of unity of intention over unity of actions. Success can no longer be about uniformity — where everyone strives for the same goals, like the 5Cs. Instead, our success must now be rooted in a collective commitment to the greater good of our society, where each person achieves their own version of success while being united by a common purpose. This unity of intentions will empower individuals to contribute in ways that best align with their talents and passions, while staying true to our nation’s aspirations.
Looking ahead, it is clear to me that we must work together, not by enforcing uniformity, but by celebrating our differences and channeling them towards our common goals. We must acknowledge that progress will come from diverse actions driven by united intentions. If we can achieve this, we will build a brighter, more prosperous and inclusive Singapore where every individual feels valued, and every contribution recognized.
