Singapore is a ‘small speedboat in an open sea’: Chan Chun Sing cites Goh Chok Tong

CNA • 2026-05-31T05:47:05Z • 2:16:00 • intermediate • Business

Lead

In a thought-provoking speech, Chan Chun Sing emphasizes the importance of resilience and unity in facing challenges, likening Singapore to a small speedboat navigating an unpredictable sea.

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Quiz

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Q1. What metaphor does Chan Chun Sing use to describe Singapore?

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Q2. According to the speech, what can undermine a captain's ability to steer the boat effectively?

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Q3. What does domestic confidence and cohesion create space for?

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Q4. What does Chan Chun Sing suggest about simple populist solutions?

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Q5. What is necessary for solving problems at home, according to the speech?

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Vocabulary

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seaworthy

/ˈsiːˌwɜrði/

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Definition

Fit to travel on the sea; safe and capable of withstanding the conditions of the sea.

Example

Before setting sail, the captain ensured that the boat was seaworthy.

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cohesion

/koʊˈhiːʒən/

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Definition

The action or fact of forming a united whole; the sticking together of particles or substances.

Example

The team's cohesion was evident in their seamless collaboration during the project.

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populist

/ˈpɑːpjəlɪst/

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Definition

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often contrasting with the elite.

Example

The populist leader promised to address the concerns of the working class.

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durable

/ˈdʊrəbl/

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Definition

Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; sturdy and long-lasting.

Example

The company focuses on creating durable products that can last for years.

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conviction

/kənˈvɪkʃən/

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Definition

A firmly held belief or opinion; the quality of being convinced or certain about something.

Example

Her conviction in the importance of education drove her to become a teacher.

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daunting

/ˈdɔːntɪŋ/

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Definition

Seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.

Example

The daunting task of organizing the event fell on her shoulders.

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