A strong foundation in education and learning will be crucial for thriving in this new knowledge-based economy. Much will need to be done to equip our young people with a good education and skills for life-long learning. There is also a need to help our older workers to upgrade themselves. The other key challenge that every community faces, is that of retaining its culture and identity in the face of globalisation. Children will be more exposed to the influences of cyberspace and global popular culture.
Every community now faces complex social problems such as delinquency and drug addiction.
These could intensify with harmful external influences on our society. There are no easy solutions, but a strong and close-knit family will be a necessary key factor to help the community retain its important cultural traits and social values. Parents will need to spend more time and build strong bonds with their children. They must never allow themselves to be displaced from their traditional position of having primary influence in shaping the lives and values of their children. A second key factor in helping the community retain its culture and identity is a strong sense of community bonding and support.