Singapore benefits enormously from globalisation: PM

Lee Hsien Loong

SINGAPORE, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Singapore has benefited enormously from globalisation and it must resist the temptation to turn inwards, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.

Lee made the remarks in his New Year Message on Tuesday. He also noted that the state of the world worries Singaporeans as the global slowdown has affected the economy.

Many societies are under stress despite economic growth as the fruits of economic growth have not been shared equitably, with income gaps widening, he said.

Singapore has to stay open and connected to the world, the prime minister said, adding, "A Singapore turned inwards cannot survive."