What I wish for Singapore
During Singapore’s birthday month, young Singaporeans shared with HEY! their aspirations for the nation in a post-pandemic world
by Foo Jie Ying
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
The deterioration of the environment remains a defining issue for this generation. The frequent use of disposables during the circuit breaker due to the inability to dine in is just one reminder of our long fight against single-use plastics, says third-year computer science student Ronald Tan, who wishes that Singaporeans will not forget to support the environment.
The pandemic puts the issue of food security in the spotlight, adds second-year biological sciences student Mohammad Alfiean Mohd Afdzanawar. He says: “Many F&B businesses continue to throw out unsold food at the end of the day, which could be given to needy families instead. I would like to see Singapore take a serious stand on food wastage. We have to start somewhere. It’s now or never.”
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Second-year public policy and global affairs student Luqman Hakim Abdul Razak envisions Singapore as a place where everyone sees themselves as stakeholders in the nation’s progress and continues to help others in times of need. “This pandemic made me realise that social responsibility is important, and I hope this spirit can be sustained beyond the outbreak.”
Agreeing, second-year sociology student Qistina Warren says: “I wish we can all come together to be more empathetic, cooperative and resilient during these tough times, whether through taking the initiative to help the greater community with small gestures, or just checking up on others to see if they are okay.”
FEWER JOB STEREOTYPES
That artists were deemed non-essential in a survey during the circuit breaker period makes third-year broadcast major Desree Yeng wish for more appreciation for those who pursue their passions full-time. There is no reason why society should question the value of certain occupations, she feels.
Anderson Serangoon Junior College student Kovan Toh echoes this sentiment: “I embrace a future Singapore that is more accepting and open-minded in terms of possible career choices.”
AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
The COVID-19 scourge has made the vulnerable more visible, says third-year advertising and public relations major Clarice Teh, who hopes their welfare will continue to be taken care of beyond the outbreak. “I dream of a Singapore that prioritises the welfare of its people over the economic prosperity of the country.”
For third-year medical student Leo Wen Zhe, this means giving more chances and opportunities to those who are at greater disadvantage: children from poorer families with no access to private tutors, people with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions.
MORE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
Conversations about sensitive topics like race may be hard to bring up, but such heartfelt discussions are something second-year psychology student Lee Sin Yee appreciates. Noting the spike in awareness of racial issues due to the global #BlackLivesMatter movement, she says: “I hope that these acts of spreading awareness and open discussions about uncomfortable issues will carry on. This, I believe, can help us progress as a nation.”
Civilised dialogues will also help those with opposing views to see from each other’s perspective, says third-year photojournalism major Joy Ou. “Such conversations will create a more compassionate society where mutual understanding can be reached.”
A RESILIENT GENERATION
Some may see this as a formidable time for Gen Z, but it needn’t be all doom and gloom, says final-year accountancy student Tan Bao Jun, who hopes her peers will continue to seek their own opportunities amid the trying times, no matter how small. “These little experiences will accumulate and ultimately allow us to emerge more resilient, more prepared and better able to take on challenges when we enter the workforce.”
As third-year electrical engineering student Sazzad Hossain puts it: “I hope the most tragic event of this century also makes us more resilient.”
What kind of work arrangement do students hope to graduate into?
WFH = Work from home
*Strawpoll of 133 students
This story was published in the Aug-Sep 2020 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
