SINGAPORE - In Singapore, idealism is "not sufficient" to get things done, said Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong - social service leaders need to translate their vision into practical programmes, and be more "assertive in advocating certain good social causes".

He urged leaders to convince Members of Parliament or eminent Singaporeans to champion their causes.

Mr Goh was speaking to the media after meeting with leaders from non-profit organisations (NPO) at the close of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre's eight-month Social Leadership Singapore programme on Friday. During the meeting, the issue of how the sector could be improved was discussed.

Mr Goh cited the example of leaders wanting to set up a "normal school" for all disabled children as "too idealistic". A "better approach" would be to identify principals willing to take in some students with disabilities.

Course leader Professor Dean Williams, from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, felt that Singapore NPO leaders are "pretty good at implementing programmes" but do not mobilise enough resources to get the job done.

He added that people join the social service sector because of idealism, but "as you ripen issues and build awareness", compromises have to be made.

However, chief executive of the Singapore Indian Development Association S Manogaran noted that even while tempering idealism with pragmatism, "vision which is not idealistic is not going to uplift people and get donors on your side". "That's what gives us passion," he added.