Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared his 2014 New Year Day Message with Singaporeans.

The annual message usually focuses on Singapore's economic performance for the year and the government's economic forecast next year.  It also addresses some of the significant events that occurred in Singapore in 2013.

Here are 6 key points of his message:

1. Economy: Singapore's economy grew by 3.7% in 2013, with median salaries increasing by 3.9% in real terms. Singapore is expected to grow by 2-4% in 2014.

2. National Day Rally: NDR 2013 set a new direction for Singapore. The Government and community will give more support to individuals. The government aims to keep our society open and mobile, especially through education. Social safety nets will be strengthened and healthcare costs will be better managed.

3. Progress on Housing, Education and Healthcare: The first-timer queue for HDB flats has shortened, housing prices have stabilised, and targeted subsidies have made homes more affordable. The government is investing in quality pre-school education for all, and refining the Primary 1 registration and PSLE scoring systems. MediShield-Life will provide all Singaporeans, including those with pre-existing illnesses, better lifelong protection against high medical bills.

4. Population: The White Paper on Population provoked an intense response, but the debate has helped everyone understand why population is such an important issue, and why difficult trade-offs (more or fewer immigrants/foreign workers or higher growth or lower) cannot be avoided.

5. Little India Riot: PM Lee said that the riot was "inexcusable". The government have taken firm action against the culprits. The Committee of Inquiry will establish how the riot happened, and how such incidents can be prevented in future.

6. Singapore’s bright future: PM Lee is confident that Singapore will do well as Singapore is investing in her future, and developing new capabilities for tomorrow’s economy. PM Lee added that the Singapore spirit burns bright in our people – in the concern of volunteers who distributed masks to vulnerable groups during the haze, in the determination of a SEA Games cyclist who fought back from a serious car accident to win gold, and in the courage of Home Team officers who formed human shields to protect colleagues during the riot in Little India.

Full Text of PM Lee's 2014 New Year Message

Top photo from here. 

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