This year, the ESS had the honor of inviting Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to share his views on how Singapore has navigated the challenges she has faced through the years, what are some of the key challenges ahead, and how Singapore can continue to prosper.

Forty-three years after independence, Singapore continues to thrive in a world of plentiful opportunities and tough challenges. The country sits in the heart of a rising Asian region but is exposed to the turbulent winds of change in the global economy and international financial system. The key challenge ahead is to remain innovative and adaptable, while maintaining a high degree of social cohesion in the face of globalization.

Click here to download Dr Khor Hoe Ee’s Opening Remarks
Click here to download Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s dialogue

The annual dinner was also held in conjunction with the prize presentation of the MAS-ESS Essay Competition 2007/08. The MAS-ESS essay competition was open to tertiary and pre-university students who submitted entries on the topic “ Singapore ‘s Growing Income Disparities: Causes, Consequences and Policy Options”.