National Day, 9 August 2005

We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our Nation.

This year's National Day is a happier occasion:

- the economy is growing
- the stockmarket is robust
- jobs are now easier to find

We must look further ahead. Globalisation will continue to make a big impact on our way of life:

- business is getting very competitive.
- margins are being squeezed
- customers are more demanding

We need to innovate and change.

Here are some tips to ordinary people on how to cope with the challenging times:

- be frugal
- be modest
- have some savings

I wish you a happy National Day.