Honouring our pioneers

Has Singapore gone far enough in honouring the country’s pioneers?
What more can be done by way of tribute to this special first generation of Singaporeans?

THE Pioneer Generation Package is a great initiative to honour Singapore’s pioneers. This is especially so given our Asian culture, which strongly values virtues like filial piety. If not for these pioneers, Singapore would not be the thriving cosmopolitan city it is, nor have the global standing it bears today. We owe much to them for their contributions to nation-building and I am glad that the government has stepped forward to offer them lifetime medical benefits for a start.

While healthcare assistance is most critical for this older generation, it is also a very basic level of support. It would be wonderful if the authorities could come up with other ways to enhance the quality of life for these pioneers. Perhaps they could also look into honouring these individuals on a public platform through the grassroots organisations, and at a national level for some of the more notable pioneers.

Ronald Lee
Managing Director
PrimeStaff Management Services Pte Ltd