At the Lianhe Zaobao Singapore-China Forum 2023 in Beijing, Singapore’s Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, addressed the pivotal role of youth in shaping the world’s future. His insights sparked a meaningful dialogue on the interplay between individual expression and collective progress across cultures.
During the event, a young Chinese student posed a pressing question reflecting the concerns of many in his generation. He highlighted the pressures faced by youth today and their need for outlets like parties and celebrations to relieve stress. However, such activities are often criticized as being influenced by Western culture. He sought the minister’s perspective, considering Singapore’s unique position straddling Eastern and Western influences and its remarkable transformation from a developing nation to a developed one within a generation.
Minister Ong responded by acknowledging that the balance between individualism and national objectives varies across different cultures and historical contexts. \”In general,\” he noted, \”Asian countries place stronger emphasis on the ‘big me’—the collective—compared to developed Western countries, where individual expression and the ‘small me’ is considered an inalienable right.\”
He emphasized that youths worldwide have always been idealistic and driven by a strong desire for individual expression. Yet, it is the aggregate of these individual aspirations that shapes societies and propels progress. \”The collection of individual desires is what shapes the future and makes young people the architects of the world that is yet to come,\” Minister Ong stated.
Historical instances underscore this phenomenon. After World War II, American youths returning from combat utilized technological advancements and pursued education, fueling industrial growth and scientific breakthroughs. In Singapore, following independence, a predominantly young population united under strong leadership, overcoming differences to build a thriving nation. Similarly, since the 1970s, China’s reform and opening-up policies have empowered its youth to engage in economic activities, leading to over four decades of unprecedented growth with a profound impact on the global geopolitical landscape.
Minister Ong’s reflections highlight the universal role of youth as catalysts for change. By navigating the complexities of individual desires and collective goals, young people continue to shape the socio-economic and cultural trajectory of nations worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
