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LivePM Wong begins his National Day Rally speech in Mandarin

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PM Lawrence Wong earlier spoke in Malay, and will speak in English from 8pm. Stay tuned for updates.

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Edited by Chin Hui Shan, Aqil Hamzah, Lee Li Ying, Alessia Mah, Elise Wong

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Published: Aug 21, 2026

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\r\n","liveBlogId","2354","isLiveBlog",true,"isMultidayLiveblog",false,"multidayLiveBlogMapping",[],"uniqueName","live-national-day-rally-2026-lawrence-wong-august-23","infiniteScroll",{"_46":47},"additionalStories",[],"advertisements",[50,58,62],{"_5":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57},"lb1","page","liveblog","slot","/5908/st/lb1/liveblog","id","dfp-ad-lb1",{"_5":59,"_52":53,"_54":60,"_56":61},"catfish","/5908/st/catfish/liveblog","dfp-ad-catfish",{"_5":63,"_52":53,"_54":64,"_56":65},"prestitial","/5908/st/prestitial/liveblog","dfp-ad-prestitial","metaData",{"_20":21,"_68":69,"_70":21,"_71":43,"_24":72,"_73":72,"_74":75,"_76":77,"_78":79,"_80":81},"ogTitle","National Day Rally 2026 | PM Wong speech at ITE College Central on Aug 23","twitterTitle","slug","PM Lawrence Wong is delivering his 2026 National Day Rally speech. Follow ST’s live coverage at straitstimes.com for key announcements.","ogDescription","jsonLd","{\"@context\":\"https:\\/\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"LiveBlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/live-national-day-rally-2026-lawrence-wong-august-23\",\"headline\":\"Live: PM Wong delivers National Day Rally 2026 speech\",\"description\":\"PM Lawrence Wong delivers his National Day Rally 2026 speech at ITE College Central from 6.45pm. He will first speak in Malay, then in Mandarin, followed by English from 8pm. 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He mentioned that Lianhe Zaobao had reported that traditionally English-medium schools were also responding to parental demand for Higher Chinese classes.PHOTO: MEDIACORP\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Government assistance\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T19:01:29+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T19:03:51+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In April, the Government launched a support package for households and businesses, but Middle East tensions continue to push up prices and costs, PM Wong said.To further assist small and medium-sized enterprises and households, the Government rolled out more support last month, and it is prepared to do more if the situation worsens.\\u201cWhatever lies ahead, the Government will stand with you through the storm,\\u201d he said in Mandarin.ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Concerns about losing bilingual ability\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T19:02:55+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T19:02:55+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Given the changes in the Singapore language landscape, PM Wong said there are concerns that Singaporeans may gradually lose touch with their cultural roots and lose their bilingual edge.These concerns are understandable and the Government is watching these trends closely, he said.Singapore should preserve its Asian identity and character and must not become a monolingual society, he added.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Chinese language, culture and identity\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T19:02:26+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T19:02:26+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Turning to the topic of language, culture and identity, PM Wong said these matters were close to the hearts of the Chinese community. Singapore\\u2019s language landscape has changed greatly over the decades, with most Chinese households now using English at home, while only about one-third use Mandarin, he said, citing a survey.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore\\u2019s long-term issues\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T19:01:55+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T19:01:55+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Apart from the immediate challenges, Singaporeans also care about long-term issues, he said.These include our children\\u2019s future, artificial intelligence and Singapore\\u2019s prospects.He will speak more on these topics in his English speech, which is set to begin at 8pm.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"PM Wong starts his Mandarin speech\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T19:00:26+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T19:00:26+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Beginning his speech in Mandarin, PM Wong said the year has caught everyone off guard.Rivalries between the major powers have intensified, he said, adding that the Middle East situation remained volatile and natural disasters have struck around the world.These developments have impacted energy markets, food security and supply chains, with households and businesses feeling the strain.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"PM Wong calls for Malay\\/Muslim community to support Zaqy Mohamed, younger political office-holders\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T18:59:27+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T18:59:50+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Rounding off his speech, PM Wong said the team of Malay\\/Muslim political office-holders, led by new Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamed, has been working well. This team will continue to be renewed and strengthened, he said, citing the more recent additions of Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Dr Syed Harun, who are the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Development respectively. Additionally, the team is also working on several initiatives, including the Committee for Economic Resilience, led by MPs Dr Wan Rizal and Satkiandi Supaat, with more to be announced later. \\u201cGive them your full support so that, together, we can help every Malay\\/Muslim Singaporean realise their potential. Because when the Malay\\/Muslim community succeeds, Singapore succeeds too,\\u201d said PM Wong.PHOTO: MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"haqil\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Expanded religious community programme for senior citizens\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T18:56:41+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T18:57:17+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Unity is a key strength of the Malay\\/Muslim community, said PM Wong, noting that it can be seen in Santunan Emas, a community programme that supports seniors in Ang Mo Kio.The programme, which provides seniors and caregivers with religious guidance, social engagement activities, and healthcare support, will be expanded to Yishun, Sembawang and Woodlands. It originally began as an initiative of Al-Muttaqin Mosque with religious education provider Ma:een and Muhammadiyah Active Ageing Centre, and the expansion will mean that more seniors can \\u201clive their golden years with dignity and purpose\\u201d. Separately, a tie-up between PERGAS and the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises has led to positive outcomes, with asatizah-led enterprises being able to tap larger networks and support, while businesses looking to expand in regional markets get to leverage the community\\u2019s cultural and language expertise. More Malay\\/Muslim Singaporeans are making a mark across various sectors, noted PM Wong, and even as they contribute to the country\\u2019s progress, they remain firmly rooted in their community and heritage.PHOTO: AL-MUTTAQIN MOSQUE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"haqil\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore wants every member of the Malay\\/Muslim community to have confidence, capabilities and opportunities to succeed\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T18:53:37+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T18:54:42+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Opening the National Day Rally with his Malay speech, PM Wong said he can strongly feel the Malay\\/Muslim community\\u2019s spirit and pride in its identity and heritage. Malay itself is an integral part of Singapore\\u2019s identity, with it being the national language, the language of the national anthem, as well as the language used in military commands, said PM Wong. He added that given Singapore\\u2019s location in the region, it would be valuable for Singaporeans to learn Malay and better appreciate Malay culture. Singapore\\u2019s connections go beyond strengthening ties with regional neighbours \\u2013 they also strengthen ties with neighbours in the region, which opens up more opportunities for Singapore\\u2019s people and businesses. PM Wong cited the example of Pondok Abang, which grew from a hawker stall to a leading halal food manufacturer with a presence in Brunei and Malaysia, with plans to grow its business in other neighbouring countries. However, he also acknowledged concerns about cost pressures, jobs, and the future of Singapore\\u2019s in an increasingly uncertain world \\u2013 to that end, the Government will continue working with Malay\\/Muslim community leaders and organisations to better prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. \\u201cOur goal is clear. We want every member of the Malay\\/Muslim community to have the confidence, capabilities and opportunities to succeed,\\u201d he said.PHOTO: MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"haqil\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Guests take their seats in the auditorium for NDR 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T18:43:14+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T18:43:14+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Guests are trickling into the auditorium where the National Day Rally speech will be delivered.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"melisesw\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Get the latest across our platforms\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T18:00:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T18:36:59+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"We will be bringing you live coverage of today\\u2019s NDR across our various platforms.Stay up to date by following this live blog, read the stories on the ST website or watch the speech on ST\\u2019s YouTube page.Download the ST app and turn on notifications to receive news alerts.You can also get all the top stories and analyses on the rally in the ST Special Edition newsletter. Sign up here.As always, join the conversations on our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"alessiamah\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Analysis | Marriage and parenthood, S\\u2019pore\\u2019s evolving social contract set to lead Rally agenda\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T17:12:53+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T17:12:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Focusing on marriage and parenthood as a key issue at tonight\\u2019s Rally underscores that the Government is not giving up on building the Singapore core, even as the country will have to rely on immigration to make up the shortfall in resident births, experts say.Family formation has become an increasingly important issue for Singapore\\u2019s long-term social and economic sustainability amid a very low fertility rate.In his National Day Message, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said a major review was under way on how families here are supported across various life stages, with more details on plans to help parents with the costs of raising children to be provided in his Rally speech this evening.Rather than persuade people to have more children, the Rally is likely to focus on how starting families can become more compatible with people\\u2019s aspirations, experts added.READ MORE HEREST PHOTO: JASON QUAH\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What do parents in Singapore really want? More room for joy, they say\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T16:41:53+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T16:41:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"At the heart of the parenting journey in Singapore is a simple desire \\u2013 to spend more time supporting and nurturing their children, with a stronger financial backing for their growing families.These have been and continue to be top of mind for parents, who often have to weigh painful trade-offs between making time to be with their children and making money to better provide for them.Parents and experts spoke to ST about their challenges ahead of PM Wong\\u2019s NDR speech, when he is expected to share the Government\\u2019s plans to help Singaporeans with the costs of raising children and to lighten the load on families.These measures include a major review on how families are supported in Singapore across various life stages, which follows concerns from parents who feel stretched juggling competing demands, amid a record-low total fertility rate. The urgency is clear \\u2013 in 2025, there were fewer than 30,000 births for the first time since Singapore\\u2019s independence.READ MORE HEREST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What colour will PM Wong pick this year?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T15:54:19+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T15:54:19+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Many have ruminated on the shades and hues of SM Lee Hsien Loong\\u2019s wardrobe. Across his time as prime minister, he has worn various tones of blue, brown, red and more on the National Day Rally stage.PM Wong has so far stuck to the basics, wearing red for the National Day rallies in 2025 and 2024.Will he switch it up this year? We\\u2019ll have to wait and see.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"A look back at PM Wong\\u2019s rally in 2025\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-23T14:30:01+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T14:30:01+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In his 2025 speech, PM Wong called on Singaporeans to band together to write the next chapter of the nation\\u2019s story and outlined the Government\\u2019s plans to secure the country\\u2019s future in a changed world.In addition to providing job support and the development of senior-centric community infrastructure, he noted that harnessing innovation and technology \\u2013 as part of a review of Singapore\\u2019s economic strategy \\u2013 would allow the country to sustainably raise its productivity and improve lives.He also sketched out plans for the northern part of the island, building on the Urban Redevelopment Authority\\u2019s Draft Master Plan 2025, which covers Singapore\\u2019s development plans for the next 10 to 15 years.The Government\\u2019s stance on vaping and other technological developments, including children's growing reliance on AI tools, were also key matters of discussion.The 2026 iteration will mark PM Wong\\u2019s third National Day Rally since he took office in 2024.READ MORE HEREPHOTOS: ST FILE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Road closures for National Day Rally on Sunday\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-22T13:57:06+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-23T13:31:49+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Motorists, take note: Some roads and lanes near ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio will be closed to vehicles on Aug 23, as part of traffic arrangements for the National Day Rally. The following routes will be closed to vehicles from 5am to 11.59pm on Aug 23:Ang Mo Kio DriveSlip road leading from Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 into Ang Mo Kio DriveSlip road leading from Ang Mo Kio Drive into Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5Extreme left lane of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 in the direction of CTE (between lamp post 74A and Ang Mo Kio Drive)Extreme left lane of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 in the direction of CTE (between lamp post 79 and lamp post 81)Extreme right lane of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 in the direction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 (between lamp post 83A and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10)Vehicles parked illegally or causing obstruction in these areas will be towed.READ MORE HERE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"A fresh look at marriage and parenthood\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-22T14:33:03+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-22T14:33:03+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In his National Day message on Aug 8, PM Wong said the Government is conducting a major review on how families are supported in Singapore across various life stages, with further details to be shared during the rally.He highlighted some issues like the costs of raising children, access to affordable infant care and childcare, and other ways to lighten the load on families as being under consideration.The Government has heard concerns from parents and families who feel stretched as they juggle competing demands, PM Wong said, noting that family life has come under strain across the world.PM Wong also touched on the country\\u2019s adoption of AI, as well as how Singapore is dealing with a changed world \\u2013 which continues to strengthen energy security, optimise the island\\u2019s limited land, and invest in the infrastructure of tomorrow.READ MORE HEREPHOTO: MDDI\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Mak Mun San\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Get the latest across our platforms\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-21T19:00:03+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-21T19:47:17+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Tune in this Sunday for live coverage of the National Day Rally across our various platforms.Stay up to date by following this live blog, read the stories on the ST website or watch the speech on ST\\u2019s YouTube page.Download the ST app and turn on notifications to receive news alerts.You can also revisit key moments from the rally with a special edition of the ST Evening Updates newsletter. Sign up here.As always, join the conversations on our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"melisesw\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Welcome to our live coverage of National Day Rally 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-21T17:30:04+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-21T17:40:23+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"PM Lawrence Wong is set to deliver his National Day Rally speech at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio on Sunday.Looking for where to catch the rally? PM Wong will first address the nation in Malay and Mandarin at 6.45pm. Following a short break, he will then deliver his speech in English at 8pm.Live updates in Chinese can be found at Lianhe Zaobao\\u2019s live blog for the Rally here.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"melisesw\"}}]}","keywords","National Day Rally, 2026, NDR 2026, Lawrence Wong, PM Wong, national day rally speech, Singapore, Singapore politics, Singapore government, Singapore economy, Tariffs, august 23, national day rally 2026 highlights, summary, transcript, national day rally english, malay, mandarin, ITE college central, live stream","robots","index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1","image","https://static1.straitstimes.com.sg/s3fs-public/articles/2026/08/20/aiNDR2026.jpg","gaData",{"_84":85,"_86":23,"_87":23,"_20":88,"_89":90,"_91":92,"_93":94},"level2","23","chapter1","chapter2","Live:_PM_Wong_delivers_National_Day_Rally_2026_speech","title_ga","Live: PM Wong delivers National Day Rally 2026 speech","pagination","1","contenttype","live blog","liveBlogSchemaProps","dependentPaths",[],"actionData","errors"]