Tony Tan

'Singaporeans first' is different from saying 'Singaporeans only.'

I would be able to provide a different perspective and act independently of the Government in the decisions that have to be made by the President.

I will work in partnership with the Government, all political parties, and civil society to safeguard and advance the future of all Singaporeans.

How could I remain a spectator while Singapore faces such complex challenges? How could I not step forward when I know I have more to contribute to the country we all worked to build?

Through the outreach that I have done, through platforms, I hope to unify Singaporeans because at the end of the day, Singapore is our home. We share a common destiny, and I think all of us work together for the benefit of our country.

I'm glad that Singaporeans were receptive to my message and have elected me to serve as their president.

I strive to be the best possible president that I can be to work for all of you and to represent out country and all Singaporeans.

The president is a president for all Singaporeans. Not only for those who have voted for me, but even for those who have not voted for me.

I plan to work my utmost for Singaporeans, whatever be their political affiliation. The presidency is above politics.

To ensure that Singaporeans can take advantage of opportunities, the government should continue to monitor carefully the proportion of foreign students in our education institutions to ensure that the proportion matches the present and future needs of the country, and the Singaporeans are the main beneficiaries of our education policy.

Singapore is an international city, and it would be a grave mistake to close our doors.

The stronger ties between primary care providers and the patients they serve will produce better outcomes and allow for more sustainable healthcare spending.

Whatever initiatives we launch, we must always put the interests of Singaporeans and Singapore first.

Singapore is a natural gateway for international firms looking to access Asia and for Asian businesses to access the world.

The growth of markets in the region also provides opportunities for home-grown entities - whether established brand names like DBS, Singtel and Keppel Corporation, or SMEs - to establish and grow their presence in the region.

Where patient needs are complex, we should provide greater support in the community so that patients can cut down on trips to the tertiary hospital.

I think we have a good foundation which Mr. Lee Kuan Yew laid down, but you have to move forward. Now the question is what can Mr. Lee Hsien Loong and his team, and all our younger ministers can do now to build on the foundation which Mr. Lee Kuan Yew has built.

The French have a very deep knowledge of Islam in many areas, and we can exchange views.

Some of the people involved in ISIS are going to Iraq, and some of our young people are being radicalised through the Internet.

We have developed our own approach towards rehabilitating people, involving psychological rehabilitation, social rehab within families and of our Religious Rehabilitation Group.

Families represent the basic building blocks of our society, and primary care a foundational piece of any healthcare system.

Every clinical encounter is an opportunity to generate social capital. Even in situations where patient needs are complex or seemingly insurmountable, it is the empathy and goodwill which makes the difference.