As Singapore forges a new way forward in nation building, the ruling People's Action Party's leadership has to play the important role of managing policy changes, said party chairman Khaw Boon Wan.

"Singaporeans look to us, the PAP, to ensure that their welfare is protected," Mr Khaw, who is National Development Minister, told activists at a party awards ceremony on Saturday.

And while changes are made, the party's purpose and values have stayed constant.

The PAP continues to act for Singaporeans, build a fair and just society and maintain high standards of integrity, he said.

Mr Khaw also paid tribute to 353 party activists who received awards for their contributions.

The event at Kallang Theatre comes ahead of Sunday's party convention, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the PAP seceretary-general, is expected to deliver a major speech on a new way forward. The PAP will adopt a major resolution statement setting out its broad directions.