Her President’s Address on Monday, drafted primarily by fourth-generation ministers, set out the direction which the younger leaders hope to take Singapore in.

But that did not stop the wider society from chiming in with their ideas yesterday, when approached by The Straits Times.

“We want to be an interlocutor and a mediator that promotes dialogue among conflicting parties, while maintaining our position as a neutral party,” said S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Associate Professor Alan Chong, on carving a niche for Singapore in international affairs.

Being open to bold ideas also means changing the way the Government listens to dissenting voices – including those from all quarters of civil society, said Associate Professor Alan.

“The leaders should take a more inclusive approach towards civil society agendas and initiatives – they can help improve Singapore too.”