Committee of Supply 2026 debate, Day 6: David Neo on national identity as Singapore’s anchor in a changed world

Singapore’s national identity will be its anchor to withstand the tests in a changed world and the government will foster this “we first” society in three ways. Firstly, it will expand the common space for people to interact, bond and identify with one another through the arts, heritage, culture and sport, as well as deepen multiculturalism. The National Arts Council will introduce new initiatives at pre-schools and schools and launch a S$20 million Multicultural Arts Programme grant to support practitioners of traditional and multicultural art forms. The National Heritage Board will step up placemaking to strengthen the ethnic identities of Kampong Glam and Little India. Secondly, the government will encourage people to care for one another and contribute to building Singapore together. Thirdly, the government wants to rally the nation to build an inclusive society. Acting Culture, Community and Youth Minister David Neo, who outlined his ministry’s key thrusts in parliament on Thursday (Mar 5), urged Singaporeans to do their part in building a “truly we first” society.