Singapore’s success will never be measured by economic growth alone, says President Tharman

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s success will never be measured by economic growth alone, but on how it supports the vulnerable and enables every citizen to contribute and to live with dignity, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Emphasising the need to keep social mobility alive with each generation, Mr Tharman said this has always been a national priority, and it remains a shared ambition for the future in this new term of Government.

In his address at the opening of Parliament on Sept 5, the President said income inequality has declined and wages have risen, but the work to ensure fairer outcomes is never done.

Every Singaporean must be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential, he said, adding that deep-seated assumptions about what constitutes valuable work must be challenged.

To this end, training and career pathways will be improved so that Singaporeans can excel across a wide range of skills and professions, Mr Tharman said, as he outlined the Government’s priorities for the new term.

“Progress means recognising the value in every job – in the trades, crafts, and services, no less than in offices and boardrooms – and ensuring that everyone who contributes to society earns respect and can build a good life,” he added.

In his speech, Mr Tharman warned that as societies mature, wealth can be entrenched and inequality can become self-perpetuating.

“We cannot allow this trend to be ingrained in Singapore. We must actively resist it and find practical ways to narrow the gap,” he urged.

Mr Tharman said social mobility begins with early childhood, and investments must be made from the early years so that every Singaporean has the best possible start.

“Beyond academic abilities, we must equally value technical expertise, creative flair, practical problem-solving skills, and sporting and artistic virtuosity,” he said of Singapore’s education system, pointing to work-study programmes at polytechnics and ITEs as an example of how the Government is taking such an approach.

Turning to the more vulnerable members of society, Mr Tharman said they must not only be cared for with compassion, but also empowered to pursue their hopes and dreams.

The Government will continue to help lower-income families overcome challenges and make progress in their lives, he said, without going into specifics.

Mr Tharman also pledged stronger support for people with disabilities, including further education and training so they find it easier to transition from school to work, as well as more help for their caregivers.

“This is the promise of Singapore: that birth does not dictate destiny, that no one is left behind, and that every generation can look ahead with optimism and hope,” he added.

In his address, Mr Tharman also gave assurances that Singaporeans at every stage of life will not have to face the global and economic uncertainty alone.

He said the Government will prepare the youth for a future that will be different, by helping them to secure good jobs and equipping them with skills to thrive in a changing world.

Young people will also be given a stronger voice in shaping the Singapore they want, as they must own the nation’s next chapter, Mr Tharman added.

For families, public housing will be kept affordable and accessible, he said.

Those with young children will get better access to affordable and quality early childhood services, while those who have to care for both the young and old will get more support in the form of more flexible work arrangements and a stronger ecosystem of care in the community, he added.

For seniors, Mr Tharman said the Government will support those who wish to continue working and do more to help those looking to retire to build their nest eggs.

He pointed to the

Healthier SG and Age Well SG initiatives

as ways for seniors to stay healthy in body and mind, and live independently.

Launched in 2023, Healthier SG is a national preventive healthcare scheme that encourages people to stick to one family doctor.

Age Well SG, meanwhile, is a multibillion-dollar national programme led by the Health, National Development and Transport ministries that aims to help seniors age actively, stay socially connected and be cared for within their communities.

Taking a broader view, Mr Tharman said the Government also understands the anxieties caused by rising costs, which weigh heavily on households.

“That is why we will continue to cushion these burdens,” he added.

Mr Tharman said every Singaporean should have the confidence that they can pursue their aspirations and provide for their families, even in an uncertain world.