S’pore can learn and draw inspiration from crises responses

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean has said Singapore can learn from the way people in Japan and Australia responded in crises. He said the way communities helped each other and their determination to rebuild their lives serve as inspiration for Singaporeans.

In a mock “kitchen fire” in a house Serangoon on Sunday, everyone knew the drill. They moved fast and acted decisively. They also took home lessons on the importance of community thinking and action, which have been tried and tested in countries ravaged by natural disasters.

Mr Teo said: “If you look at what has happened in Japan during the crisis, the way they have come together to help each other is really quite tremendous. It shows the strength of the community spirit, and this has to be built up over a period of time.” Residents in the private estates are working to stay prepared through a programme coordinated by the People’s Association (PA). It includes courses like life-saving CPR skills for residents.

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