Business leaders can play a bigger role in fostering social cohesion: DPM Heng

Singapore

BUSINESS leaders need to do more than ever before to help tackle the three great divides that undermine social cohesion, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Friday.

These are: the growing inequality as a result of globalisation and advances in technology, the burgeoning divide among different generations, especially as societies age, and the deepening political polarisation that is made worse by social media.

Unless resolved, the tensions will make it difficult for countries, including Singapore, to weather the challenges of a slowing economy, Mr Heng added.

And companies can do more in this effort by becoming more socially responsible in practising gender equality, environmental sustainability, and promoting education and healthcare, he said in a keynote address to about 400 business…