Have Moral Courage To Act: Laurence Lien at TEDxSingapore

Summary

The speaker reflects on Singapore's social and emotional challenges, emphasizing a growing pessimism despite economic success. They advocate for fostering optimism, self-confidence, and empowerment in individuals and communities. Drawing on examples of positive encouragement and belief in people’s potential, the speaker calls for change through individual action and community involvement. They stress the importance of seeing opportunities, embracing diversity, and cultivating a spirit of volunteerism and leadership at all levels. Ultimately, the speaker urges everyone to be the change they want to see and to actively contribute to shaping Singapore’s future.

Takeaways

• 👽 Martians visiting Singapore might observe a society that's economically successful yet concerned about the future and not entirely welcoming to outsiders.
• 😟 Despite decades of success, Singaporeans are ranked low on the Happiness Index and often debate whether happiness should be prioritized over GDP.
• 🤔 There is a sense of insecurity among Singaporeans about the future, with ongoing debates on population and immigration issues.
• 😔 The relationship between the government and the people is strained, with a growing distrust. The government finds public expectations unreasonably high, while the people feel disconnected from leadership.
• 🌟 The speaker advocates for a more positive and optimistic narrative, emphasizing the strengths and opportunities within the community and encouraging appreciation and belief in others.
• 📚 Positive reinforcement and encouragement, as demonstrated in educational experiments, can significantly improve student performance and morale, highlighting the power of praise and support.
• 💪 Empowering citizens involves equipping them with the capacity and belief to create their own futures, addressing local issues and taking ownership of their communities.
• 👨‍🏫 Personal investment and involvement in community initiatives can lead to deeper emotional connections and a stronger sense of ownership, as illustrated by comparing self-made efforts to purchased goods.
• 🌍 The vision for Singapore is one of social justice, compassion, and diversity, where every individual’s potential is recognized and the focus is on building a society that values people as ends, not means.
• 🦁 Change requires moral courage to confront fears, make tough choices, and continue pursuing one's vision, even without immediate support. The call to action is for everyone to be the change they want to see in the world.

Q & A

Why does the speaker mention Martians visiting Singapore?

The speaker uses the Martians as a metaphor to present an outsider’s perspective on Singapore, highlighting the nation’s tendency to focus on negative aspects despite its economic and social success.

What is the significance of Singapore being ranked 90th on the Happy Planet Index?

The ranking is used to illustrate that despite Singapore's impressive economic growth and success, there is a perceived lack of happiness and fulfillment among its citizens, indicating a disconnect between material wealth and overall well-being.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the Singaporean government and its people?

The speaker suggests there is a growing distrust between the government and the people, where the government feels that expectations are unreasonably high, while citizens believe that the government is disconnected and lacks empathy.

What lesson is drawn from Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock's experiment mentioned in the script?

The experiment showed that students who received praise improved significantly more than those who were criticized or ignored, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement in enhancing performance and self-esteem.

How does the speaker propose empowering Singaporeans?

The speaker suggests that empowering Singaporeans means equipping them with the ability and capacity to create their own futures, encouraging them to take control of their lives and make decisions about their communities.

Why does the speaker use the example of the chipped mug versus the handmade mug?

The speaker uses this analogy to illustrate the difference between investing in hardware (external achievements) and software (personal experiences and emotions). The handmade mug represents a deeper sense of attachment and pride that comes from creating something oneself.

What does the speaker believe is needed to build a stronger Singaporean society?

The speaker believes that a more positive narrative founded on optimism, belief in people, and encouragement is needed. This involves fostering appreciation, graciousness, and recognition within families, workplaces, and communities.

What example is provided to show that leadership can come from anyone?

The speaker mentions the 'Chok Full of Good' movement, a grassroots initiative where people pay extra to hawkers, allowing them to provide free meals to those in need. This example demonstrates that anyone can take the lead in making positive changes in their community.

How does the speaker define the ideal vision for Singapore's future?

The speaker envisions a future where Singapore's pledge is fully lived, a society that values social justice, compassion, and equal dignity for all. A place where people are seen as the ends, not the means, and where giving and community engagement are central to the national culture.

What is the speaker's call to action for the audience?

The speaker encourages the audience to 'be the change you wish to see in the world,' urging them to step forward, take ownership of their communities, and believe that they can contribute to building a better Singapore.