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Dear Participants,
Welcome to BSI Conference 2016, as we discuss the social futures of Singapore society. Singapore has just ended the SG50 celebrations and 2016 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the nation. We all want it to be a great chapter. I hope it is evident to many of us that the chapter content is neither predetermined nor random. How the chapter turns out will be affected by many economic and social forces that come our way, but much will also depend on how we choose to contribute to it. Singapore is likely to do well if we can identify and address important unresolved issues, especially those that require some mindset changes in individuals, the community and the government. It is in this spirit of purpose that I suggest we courageously and constructively think about the future matters of Singapore society, make sense of the various social issues and examine the ways we respond to challenges and create opportunities. When putting together this conference, I was guided by several questions that have become more salient in recent years as Singapore society underwent significant changes. What does the future hold for Singapore society? Can we really respect and embrace diversity of views and mindsets for a better society? How do we develop a diversity that enhances innovation, addresses issues, maintains social cohesion and contributes to people’s well-being? What are some ways to build social-psychological capital in individuals and communities to develop a strong society that is resilient to shocks, failures and unmet expectations? Is it possible to move from a society where the role of government is dominant in many areas to one where individuals and communities step up to co-create whole-of-society solutions? By exploring these and other issues about the social futures of Singapore, this conference will provide new perspectives and possibilities as we contribute to the next chapter of our nation and aspire to build a better Singapore. David Chan |