Singapore 21- Mere ideals or a realistic possibility? Singapore 21 is a set of ideals, a set of goals, set for our nation to achieve. No matter how noble the ideals, or how enlightened the people who defined the ideals, in the end all ideals are just empty ideas unless there are people who can fulfill them. If ideals are stars in the sky, then perhaps "realistic possibilities" are the finishing tape at the end of a race. Yet today, both are equally remote, equally achievable. Whether running a race, or reaching for the stars, what matters is the force of will, the discipline, and the sheer drive which can bring a person to his or her intended destination. Any ideal is reachable, in the long run. Some people call it, "reaching for the dream". If one believes in a dream long and hard enough, and is willing to work for it, any dream is possible. Do Singaporeans have that drive, that willingness to work for the dream? Singaporeans already play important roles in nation-building. We work hard, contributing to the economy. Male citizens serve National Service. Some of us also volunteer our time and resources to community associations and welfare organisations. But many of us remain content to let the Government, or others, to take the lead in community and civic affairs. This has to change. We must become participants, not mere observers, in building the Singapore we want for the future. We must be aware of what is happening around us. We should learn not only to express our views or suggest alternative solutions, but also to put our suggestions into action. By doing so, we share the burden of the problem and take responsibility for the outcome. Active citizens form a people sector that can cooperate with and complement the public and private sectors. Effective consultation, mutual respect and trust, and a common understanding of our national interests form the basis of this partnership, along with the values and principles that underpin Singapore. People are Singapore's only resource. They matter not only in the collective sense, but also at the individual level. Every Singaporean is unique. It is not only those who score a dozen "As", or those who are important, or make a lot of money, who are an asset to our country. Each one of us has a place in society, a contribution to make and a useful role to play. We should therefore strive to do our best, and to reach our full potential. Everyone who does so is worthy of praise. We must widen our definition of success to go beyond material wealth or academic achievements. Traits like character, courage, commitment, compassion and creativity are equally, if not more, important. Success is also not so much whether we live up to other people's expectations, but whether we live up to our own. Every Singaporean should therefore set his own goals, based on an honest estimation of his own potential and strive to achieve them. We should also respect and applaud others who are doing the same, no matter what role they play. Our own forefathers came from near and far, seeking fame and fortune, or simply a better life. They sank their roots here and contributed to the growth of Singapore. The Singapore of the future must continue to be a place where our children can find the same optimism, prospects and fulfilment that our forefathers did. Singapore must aspire to be one of the great global centres, where people, ideas and resources come together to spark new opportunities. Opportunities must expand beyond the economic. We must be able to pursue personal rainbows, whether in the arts, sport, entertainment, or other areas off the beaten track. Talented foreigners may come here for a time to contribute to our development and progress. We should welcome them. Those who share our dreams and are committed to Singapore's well-being, we should embrace as citizens. To enable our own people to make the most of opportunities available here, Singapore must remain committed to developing the full potential of every citizen. Educational opportunities must remain open to all who have the ability, regardless of their background. For those who are willing to try again, Singapore must give them a second chance. Strong families are the foundation for healthy lives and wholesome communities. They give security and meaning to life, and are the "base camp" from which our young venture forth to reach for high aspirations. They are also the conduit through which our elderly pass on the values and lessons they have learnt in life. Strong families ensure that our children grow up happy and well, and that our elders enjoy respect and dignity. They are an irreplaceable source of care and support. We are fortunate that our families remain strong. But we cannot take them for granted. We must ensure they strengthen further because the 21st century will bring greater pressures on them. Families will be smaller and in most cases both parents will be working. Their jobs will be more demanding. Children will be open to more influences and will be harder to manage. To cope with these pressures, we must constantly reinforce family bonding. Government policies must reflect this emphasis. Employers too must play their part. As Singapore becomes more connected with other countries in the globalised economy, we must ensure that our national bonds do not grow weak Whether we live or work here or overseas, Singaporeans must develop a stronger sense of belonging to this country and embrace a common vision of the country as a home worth returning to and if need be, fighting and dying for. We need to feel passionately about Singapore -- that this is where our roots are and where our future lies. Some of us feel that this is home because we grew up here. For others, this island has become home because they have chosen to make it so. Whatever our origins may be, we are united by the common vision of Singapore as our home. And only when all citizens share this common passion for the country will the Singapore heartbeat be strong.