NDR 2025: PM Wong calls on Singaporeans to unite, write nation’s next chapter together
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PM Lawrence Wong gave the assurance that the Government will place Singaporeans at the centre of everything it does.
ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY
Follow topic:
- PM Wong outlined plans to support Singaporeans through life stages, focusing on jobs, senior citizens, and the youth amid global challenges.
- New schemes to support workers include job-matching at town level, SkillsFuture enhancements, and a new traineeship for tertiary education graduates.
- "Age Well Neighbourhoods" will support independent living for seniors, while tougher action on vaping and improving online safety for children is planned.
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SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on Singaporeans to band together to write the next chapter of the nation’s story, as he set out plans to support them throughout various stages of life.
He gave the assurance that the Government will place Singaporeans at the centre of everything it does, be it navigating economic uncertainty or tackling technological disruption and demographic shifts.
In his first National Day Rally after the general election
It will provide job support – in particular, for fresh graduates and mid-career workers – and develop community infrastructure to support the growing population of elderly citizens.
Addressing the audience at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio on Aug 17, PM Wong opened his English speech by setting out the immediate challenges that Singapore is facing in a “more troubled and turbulent world”.
These include global tariffs imposed by the United States
Singapore is reviewing its economic strategy
“Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs and jobs – that’s our No. 1 priority”, said PM Wong.
Three announcements in his speech centred on jobs
PM Wong said new jobs will be created, as he acknowledged Singaporeans’ worries about jobs evolving or disappearing due to technological change.
“I assure you, even as we embrace AI and technology, we will not lose sight of our key priority,” he said.
“Singaporeans will always be at the centre of everything we do.”
He said the Government is committed to helping every worker progress and succeed, and will not rush headlong into adopting new technology.
There are plans to equip and empower every business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to harness AI effectively
The authorities will also work closely with unions and workers to redesign jobs and help Singaporeans seize new job opportunities, he added.
“The road ahead will not be easy. But we are not going to sit back and resign ourselves to being mere bystanders in a world shaped by others,” said PM Wong.
“We will take charge of our own destiny. We will shape the future we want – through our own actions, and our own choices.”
Turning to the issue of long-term care for seniors, PM Wong announced a new Age Well Neighbourhoods scheme
The scheme is meant to allow senior citizens to live more independently in their own neighbourhoods, as Singapore’s demographics shift towards more elderly citizens and smaller family sizes.
Identified towns – starting with Toa Payoh and one or two other areas – will have more active ageing centres for seniors to gather, said PM Wong.
Home-based services such as basic health checks and housekeeping will be provided to seniors, with healthcare services brought closer to them as well, he added.
The scheme builds on the existing Age Well SG nationwide initiative for seniors to lead more active lives in their homes and communities.
“That’s how we will grow old – not in isolation, never alone, but always together as one Singapore family,” PM Wong said.
On challenges faced by the younger generation, PM Wong brought up vaping and excessive screen time.
Flagging vaping as a serious concern
It is also studying how other countries manage access to the internet and social media for children, he added.
Setting out the Government’s stance on responding to technological developments
He also sketched out plans for the northern part of the island
These plans include redeveloping the areas in Woodlands North, Kranji racecourse and Sembawang Shipyard.
As the Government reimagines new uses for existing land, it is also developing plans to protect the country’s coastline against rising sea levels, he added.
“So even as climate shifts and circumstances evolve, one thing is certain: Singapore’s progress will never be left to chance. We are – and have always been – a nation that adapts, reinvents and dares to dream,” said PM Wong.
Good plans and strategies are just the first step for Singapore’s continued progress, said PM Wong as he wrapped up his speech.
“What matters just as much – and even more – is the collective will of our people,” he said, adding it is this Singapore spirit that binds everyone together.
Going forward, Singapore must be a “we first” society with a people that considers others and not just themselves, said PM Wong.
“If each of us does our part for the ‘we’ – care, contribute and look out for one another – then the ‘me’ will thrive and flourish too,” he added.
His team will continue to involve Singaporeans in policy discussions, and will open up more avenues for people to be heard and to get involved.
“We certainly do not want to end up as a society where people rely solely on the government. It’s about all of us – government, businesses, workers and unions, community groups and civil society – doing our part,” he said.
“That’s how my team and I intend to lead. Not just doing things for Singaporeans – but doing things with Singaporeans.”
The nation cannot stand still as it looks beyond SG60, as standing still today is the same as falling behind, said PM Wong.
He urged Singaporeans to dream bigger, be bolder in pushing new frontiers, and be ready to try new things, even if they stumble or fall.
“We take pride in whatever we do, and strive to be the best possible versions of ourselves,” he said.
“We never give up and we never let each other down. That’s how we’ve achieved exceptional performance. That’s how we will continue to stay exceptional – as a people and a country.”
Read more: Key announcements from PM Wong’s first National Day Rally
Watch PM Wong’s National Day Rally speech here:
