In a signal of greater inclusiveness, the Emerging Stronger Conversations (ESC), held in English so far, will soon also be conducted in Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Efforts will also be made to involve persons with disabilities. This comes on the back of calls for greater representation from women, minorities and vulnerable communities on the 17-member Emerging Stronger Taskforce, which was set up earlier this year to tackle the longer-term economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Taken together under the Singapore Together movement, the ESC and the task force seek to chart the social and economic future of post-pandemic Singapore, by coming up with ideas and solutions together with Singaporeans.

There have been 11 virtual ESC sessions and online surveys on two apps, with more to come. More than 1,000 Singaporeans have participated so far. Key issues raised relate largely to jobs and the economy. Many called for fair opportunities for locals to be groomed for senior positions, more support for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, and working from home to be institutionalised. Others spoke of values, not just dollars and cents: of Singaporeans becoming more active and responsible in policy debates and co-creating solutions; a kinder society that is more open to diverse views, especially on controversial issues; and the need to bridge the digital divide, and provide the less well-off with more digital and social resources. On the economic front, industry-led coalitions have been set up in seven key growth areas. These Singapore Together Alliances for Action, which are partnerships between industry players and the Government, will prototype new ideas to grow the economy and create jobs.