Efficiency will help Singapore stay ahead as maritime hub, says PM Lee Hsien Loong

Apart from its geographical position, Singapore’s efficiency and operational capacity have allowed it to remain competitive as a maritime hub.

And the Republic needs to maintain these strengths to stave off potential competitors, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

Speaking on a radio call-in programme on Chinese-language station Capital 95.8FM, Mr Lee was responding to a caller who referred to media reports that the proposed Kra Canal project between Thailand and China would affect Singapore’s maritime industry.

Citing as example Singapore’s position as an air hub, Mr Lee said Singapore was able to stay ahead of the competition because Changi Airport has been well managed despite the fact that Thailand is in a better geographical position.

“If we can maintain such high standards of efficiency, we can still keep our jobs,” he said.

Callers and the radio presenters posed a wide range of questions to Mr Lee during the one-hour programme.

Asked by presenter Pan Jiabiao if Singaporeans are now less afraid to speak up, Mr Lee said the Internet has allowed more views to be heard and people to react quicker. With more people communicating online, Singaporeans need to be discerning about the online content they read, said Mr Lee. He also cautioned that people need to be careful about what they say online and how they react because over-reacting can blow up an issue.

Asked about women doing National Service, Mr Lee pointed out that few countries today require women to be conscripted into the military. The Prime Minister wondered if Singapore is ready to send women to the frontline in times of war. If drafting women for National Service is mainly for the purpose of national education, other methods should be considered, he said. SIAU MING EN