Lee Hsien Loong

My fellow Singaporeans, Read more at straitstimes.com.

As long as we stay united and resolute, we can keep our nation peaceful and secure, build a more prosperous economy, and forge an inclusive society that all of us can belong to and can be proud of, for many years to come. This is how we do things in Singapore - always daring to dream, setting our sights on the next frontier, and searching for better solutions and fresh possibilities. We also need to sustain economic progress and social resilience - investing in our people to reach their full potential, taking care of our elderly and vulnerable, fostering a common identity and building a brighter future for our grandchildren and beyond. They will transform the way we live, work and play, while strengthening our roots and heritage. I invite you to participate actively, contribute your ideas, and help to shape our future Singapore. Singapore's deeper response to this shift must be to transform our industry, upgrade our skills and raise our productivity. I am speaking to you from Gardens by the Bay. This year is the Gardens' 10th anniversary, but the Gardens were decades in the making. We have acted decisively to secure supplies of food and other essentials, diversifying our sources and building up adequate stockpiles. Staying united is key to Singapore's survival - it is the only way to deal with challenges in an increasingly troubled world. Third, war in Europe will affect regional security in the Asia-Pacific. Already it has further strained China's relations with the US, and with America's partners in Asia. Singapore will be buffeted by intense rivalry and tensions in the region around us. We held up through this trial, to emerge stronger and more united. Second, the invasion violates fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity under the United Nations Charter. This is particularly vital to Singapore, because these principles underpin our security, and even our existence.