Technology Strengthens Creativity: PM Modi at NTU, Singapore

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to a gathering of around 2000 students at the Nanyang Technological University, where he was accompanied by Ong Ye Kung, Singapore’s Education Minister, emphasised on the importance of technology.

PM Modi took part in a dialogue with NTU President, Professor Subra Suresh, titled ‘Transforming Asia through Innovation’ during which he also answered some questions put forward by the students of the university.

Technology helps massively in decision-making and bringing about balanced development. Technology has reached the level where Twitter has become the means to increase our creativity. Everybody has become a writer, a journalist or a commentator. This is how technology strengthens creativity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

When asked about the challenges which could impact the bright future of Asia, PM Modi began by stating that the biggest challenge is whether Asians really feel that the 21st century belongs to them or not. Further he said that while Asia has seen maximum rise in prosperity in the world, there remain a few challenges that South Asia, particularly South East Asia faces. These include the creation of adequate jobs in the age of digital media, agricultural productivity, water, pollution, rapid urbanization, climate change, affordable housing and healthcare among others.

If they make technology their weapon, it will lead to conflicts and invite trouble. But if innovation and technology are dedicated to human values then it can become a massive strength to humanity. I believe disruption is connected to human talent and creativity, so we must welcome disruption. We should not be scared of it. Every new innovation may initially look disruptive but it establishes something new.

Technology, PM Modi firmly stated, empowers and empowerment leads to inclusion. A technologically driven society is an effective tool in reducing the social divide.