Human Resources Minister Shen Zhiqiang stated that people of all ethnicities in our country should unite and inspire the new generation to become experts in various fields to solve the most challenging technical problems of our time, instead of succumbing to pessimism and negativity.
He said that today's society is highly cynical, where people easily fall into pessimism and negativity, thinking of “each for oneself”, or believing they are just insignificant individuals, housewives, or not well-educated, thus feeling that nothing they do could change the status quo. What we most need, he emphasized, is inspiration and encouragement.
He pointed out that the successful moon landing by the United States in 1969 marked a significant breakthrough in space exploration, sparking Space Race 1.0. Now, Mars has become the focus of a new round of competition, sparking Space Race 2.0. Over 50 years later, we must ask ourselves whether we still want to remain mired in pessimism and negativity?
“While countries around the world strive to stand out in the space race, our country is still entangled in racial issues.”
“Should we continue to stand still in the disputes over race and religion, or should we inspire young people of all ethnic groups to become experts in various fields, tackling the most challenging technical problems of our time?”
Shen Zhiqiang, who is also a Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, mentioned this while attending the 50th anniversary dinner of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Bukit Mertajam on Sunday night. When he asked the JCI leaders how to recruit new members, the answer was to “inspire them”. He emphasized that this is what we need.
He said that when the Soviet Union successfully launched the world’s first artificial satellite, it prompted panic among Americans. Some people adopted a negative attitude, believing there was nothing they could do; however, others were inspired, believing that they must unite the nation’s talents and efforts to win the space race.
“Therefore, the inspired young generation worked hard to become rocket scientists, technical specialists, and engineers, aiming to help the nation achieve a moon landing; eventually, in 1969, Apollo 11's successful moon landing etched a mark in the history of the space race.”
He believes that everyone should join forces to tackle the most difficult problems of this century, such as how to cure cancer, how to respond to climate change, how to travel to Mars, how to ensure everyone has enough food, and how to inspire young people to participate in politics, amongst others.
“We must inspire the new generation, letting them believe they can make changes and contributions to the country and community, rejecting pessimism and negativity.