China’s economic slump different from Japan in 1980s, with greater growth prospects despite ageing population: Ong Ye Kung

Mr Ong also highlighted the challenges faced by young Americans who had to rebuild from the rubbles of World War II.

By investing heavily in research and development and education, and making civil rights reforms for a fair and just society, America’s GDP 30 years later, in 1975, had multiplied more than eight times compared to before the war.

“Income disparity and discrimination continue to be perennial issues in America, but it is a society that acknowledges its own problems and tries to deal with it. America became the undisputed superpower of the world,” said Mr Ong.

ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

To seize the opportunities of the future, youths need to have a strong sense of curiosity and have the appetite to learn continuously, said Mr Ong.

“Technology is changing rapidly, which in turns disrupts industry, and alters the way work is organised,” he said.

“To inoculate ourselves, we have to adapt and learn, not just in schools, but throughout our lifetime.”

Apart from learning how to use AI, there is also a need to have the right values and attributes, such as sincerity, empathy, care and kindness, he added.