THE family.

It's the most important life raft in times of crisis.

When fears about jobs and the future are all-pervasive, families give us comfort, hope and practical help.

'In these hard times, families must draw closer together, including our extended families,' said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his Chinese New Year message released today.

PM Lee quoted a recent survey by OCBC which found that this year, the top three Singaporean dreams were starting a family, settling down and buying a home.

This is in stark contrast to last year, when the top three dreams were seeing the world, self-improvement and making money.

This implies that amid uncertainty, priorities have shifted from personal wants and ambitions to home, relationships and family.

PM Lee said: 'Indeed, the family unit is the bedrock in all communities, whatever their race or religion. The world may have changed drastically, and Singaporeans may be better educated and more affluent.

'But the family will always be core to our human instincts and our social fabric. In this festive period, let us remember that Chinese New Year is a time for togetherness.

'It is the time for families to come together to rejoice in the company of their loved ones and to build lasting memories and bonds.'

He also said that even in hard times, Singaporeans should not neglect the need to bring up a new generation.

Recalling the chart of Singapore's total fertility rate over the years which he showed at last year's National Day rally, PM Lee said that every time there was a recession, birth rates went down.

But he hoped that this time, Singapore could buck the trend and keep birth rates steady.

'We have implemented many measures to encourage marriage, and help you in supporting and bringing up your children. There is also a lag time in procreation, so with luck, your babies will arrive in time to enjoy the upswing.

'What really matters is the prospects in Asia and in Singapore over the next decades, which I believe are still bright, despite the current gloom.'

PM Lee also reminded Singaporeans of the important role the community can play in helping us weather the crisis together.

Community and welfare organisations are expanding their schemes to help more needy Singaporeans.

Grassroots organisations are also coming up with new and innovative ways to help residents.

He gave the example of Yio Chu Kang, where grassroots leaders regularly organise 'rice parties' to provide needy residents with rice, rations and NTUC vouchers.

Other constituencies provide free hawker meals, or run 'Sunday markets' where unemployed and low-income residents can set up stalls and earn some money for themselves.

PM Lee said: 'I encourage Singaporeans to continue giving generously to worthy causes in this downturn. With many helping hands, every Singaporean can survive the storm.'

Dependable

Looking at the year ahead, PM Lee said Singaporeans should brace themselves for a challenging Year of the Ox.

'But there is no need to be despondent.' he said. Singapore has strengths which will let us outlast this recession: Resources, programmes and tenacity.

'In the Chinese zodiac, the ox symbolises fortitude and hard work. It is not a fast or aggressive animal, but is strong and completely dependable. In the same way, we can see through the year with quiet resolution.'

The $20.5 billion Resilience Package may mitigate the downturn, he said, but will not instantly lift the economy from recession.

'No government package can do that. The recession is a global one, and we must expect to see exports contract, unemployment rise, and growth remain negative for more months, and perhaps for the whole year.

'Meanwhile, let us be grateful for what we have in Singapore - a stable society, a sound economy, and a reputation which draws talent, investment and jobs to our shores.'

This story was first published in The New Paper on 25 Jaunary 2009.