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PM Lee hopes to succeed together with Singaporeans in 2016

Xinhua, December 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Thursday called on Singaporeans to make the Singapore story together, saying "we know we can only succeed together."

This is the first time that the Singapore prime minister recorded a video New Year message and released it through his Facebook and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) YouTube channel.

Lee started the New Year message by reviewing the most memorable moments of 2015.

He said the passing of Singapore's founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in March, celebrations of Singapore's 50th anniversary of independence organized by various grassroots groups in July, the National Day Parade for the city state's golden jubilee in August, and General Elections in September were four moments in particular that stood out.

Lee believed the four moments showed the world what a determined and united people could do and why Singapore was a shining red dot.

"Most of all, these were moments when we came together, and took responsibility for one another. We wept, we sang, we celebrated, we bonded together, and emerged stronger as one united people," he said.

Looking ahead, the premier said Singaporeans live in a very different world from the pioneers 50 years ago. He noted that Singaporeans had many more opportunities in the globalized world, but also faced fiercer competition.

"We have more resources, but we also have higher aspirations. Our economy is slowing down and undergoing transition. We cannot expect an easy journey ahead," he said.

But Lee was optimistic about the journey ahead. "Because we know come what may -- challenges, disappointments and sorrows -- we will be here for one another. We will celebrate our successes together, because we know we can only succeed together." Endit