Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963.

Mr Charles Chong, MP for Pasir Ris GRC, Ms Chiang Wai Leng, Principal, Elias Park Primary School, Mr Simon Tan, Chairman, Pasir Ris Zone '12' RC, residents, patrons and grassroots leaders of Pasir Ris GRC.

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.

I remember attending dinner here last year with many residents. I am delighted to see that this year�s dinner organised by Pasir Ris Zone '12' RC has also been strongly supported by about 1000 residents tonight.

As I mentioned during last year's dinner, Pasir Ris Zone '12' will benefit from some improvements under the Pasir Ris 21 project. With a budget of about $2.6 million, works are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year. The project within this zone includes an amphi-theatre, soft-boundaries, upgrading of playgrounds, covered walkways and a function hall.

In the last two years we faced many economic difficulties. Fortunately for us we have followed good policies for many years and were prepared to face such problems. With hard work, sacrifice and cooperation of everyone we have successfully overcome these problems.

This year we are fortunate that the economy looks brighter. But we still face many challenges as we move towards a knowledge based economy. In the coming years we must focus on education for our children, and skills upgrading and re-training for workers to make sure that we can continue to have good jobs with good salaries.

Finally, I would like to thank the Chairman and members of Pasir Ris Zone '12' RC who have worked hard to make this dinner a success. I also urge the RC to continue to work closely with Elias Park Primary School to make this community a cohesive and better place to live in.

Thank you and "Gong Xi Fa Cai".