DPM Gan Kim Yong at the SG60 SIA Cares Open House

Good morning to all of you. It gives me great pleasure to join you on this meaningful occasion.

Singapore Airlines is not just a national carrier; it is also a national icon. It is a pride of Singapore.

Through its extensive network, SIA connects Singapore to the rest of the world, and the world to Singapore.

Many Singaporeans have travelled on SIA, whether for work or for leisure - and not just Singaporeans, many foreigners, business leaders, Government leaders and ordinary travellers, like you and me have enjoyed the excellent service by SIA.

Today's event is indeed a good example of how SIA not only connects travellers between their destinations, but also various communities together.

I am glad to note that SIA is welcoming almost 900 beneficiaries, including individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, youths at risk and the differently abled, to its Open House this weekend. Not just in Singapore, this is conducted all over the world. So, SIA Cares is also helping to keep the Singapore flag flying high everywhere, all over the world.

Besides an exclusive tour of SIA's training facilities, this event provides an opportunity for these individuals to engage with SIA's pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

I am confident that such efforts will forge understanding, empathy and even friendships between the SIA family and communities in Singapore and around the world.

I urge other corporates to also similarly contribute to building a more inclusive society in Singapore.

Our social service agencies also play a critical role in supporting those in need through their programmes, staff and volunteers.

I am heartened to note that SIA has raised $1.5 million over the past three months through its SIA Cares fundraising drive, and will match with an equal amount of another $1.5 million, to support children and youths with disabilities and special needs, in partnership with AWWA and Rainbow Centre.

And through the SG Gives matching grant, the Government will match a further dollar for dollar through Community Chest. This will provide a total of $6 million to communities in need across Singapore.

By working together as a whole-of-society, we can amplify each other's efforts, and build a more caring and compassionate society.

As we celebrate SG60 as a nation, we must remember that every Singaporean counts. We must continue to build a nation where every individual has a meaningful stake in society, and where we are invested in one another as well as in our shared future.

As our nation's icon, SIA is well placed to not only connect us to opportunities around the world, but also as a bridge to connect communities and to those in need.

I want to take this opportunity to thank SIA Cares and I wish all of you a fulfilling day ahead. Thank you very much.

Topics: Transport , Families and communities