Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said Singapore must manage the inflow of talent and new immigrants to ensure that Singaporeans do not lose out and in fact benefit from their presence.

Foreigners working and living in Singapore must contribute actively and not just "deplete the stock". They must also respect local ways and habits and make an effort to integrate.

Mr. Goh also reminded Singaporeans that they too play a part in creating a harmonious Singapore by accommodating the different habits, beliefs and practices of foreigners.

"Then, Singapore will be an oasis of harmony with a rich diversity of people, culture and ideas."

Speaking at the 50th anniversary dinner of the Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore, Mr. Goh outlined Singapore's vision to remain ahead globally.

Essential to this, Singapore must remain a place citizens can embrace as their home. This should be maintained while projecting a new identity "that captivates the eyes, moves the heart, stirs the soul and inspires the mind."

"It must be a vibrant place which boldly embraces talents and ideas."

"A Distinctive City, A Harmonious Home"

"Being one of best cities in Asia alone cannot sustain our prosperity".

Singapore's competitive advantages in attracting talent and investments - such as our connectivity, our pro-business policies and low tax rates, and our clean and green family-friendly environment - are fast being eroded as other cities start to acquire similar attributes.

Singapore depends critically on the quality of our people - creative, innovative and productive entrepreneurs, professionals and workers - Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and foreigners to remain globally competitive to be one of the most liveable cities.

"To stand out amongst cities and countries, Singapore must go beyond being clean, green and safe."

Singapore can be distinctive in its ability to marry environmental sustainability with economic vibrancy.

Being one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Singapore should strive to be a hub, originating and exporting future technologies that can make high density living even more eco-friendly.

Public transport will become the people's transport of choice while 80% or more of our buildings should be certified Green Mark.

"Singapore should be a city bustling with activity day and night, but yet contain rich urban biodiversity within our green areas and our coastlines."

He urges Singaporeans to transform Singapore into a delightful city of gardens and water, with green and blue spaces integrated within the places where we live, work and play.

"To put it in a nutshell, my vision is for Singapore to be "A Distinctive City, A Harmonious Home"."