Debate on President’s speech: Lawrence Wong on continuing the Singapore ‘miracle’
A vow to enhance social mobility and broaden definitions of success, build a vibrant economy and strengthen support for Singaporeans. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong laid out his commitment to Singaporeans as he and his team begin a new term in Government. In parliament on Wednesday (Sep 24), he said Singapore must do everything it can to defy the global trend of anxiety among youth. His pledge to the young of today and future generations - Singapore will be built “with you in mind”. Mr Wong said the Government will do more to help every Singaporean realise their full potential by investing more in children’s early years through KidStart and ComLink+, reducing the stakes of single exams and broadening definitions of success. All parents and children must feel that “education is not a burden but a springboard”, he said. Meanwhile, the public and private sectors are already changing how they hire and promote, and more blue-collar work will be professionalised as part of valuing every job. A deeper societal mindset change will also be needed to move from a “narrow meritocracy” to a broader, more inclusive one. On the economic front, Singapore must keep attracting investments from leading global companies to stay plugged into the frontiers of innovation, said Mr Wong, but local firms and emerging global companies will shape Singapore’s future success. This means the country must prepare for “more churn” among businesses. He pledged that the focus will be on workers, with no one being left behind. The Prime Minister spoke about giving Singaporeans sufficient assurances in a fast-changing world. These will include strengthening retirement adequacy and safety nets, and ensuring that income inequality - now at a more than two-decade low - continues to narrow. Mr Wong noted that a shared Singaporean identity has grown stronger over the past 60 years. The Government will continue to work hard to build up social capital, but everyone must play their part, he said. He added that the Government will do more to engage and involve Singaporeans - particularly youth - in forging the future.
A vow to enhance social mobility and broaden definitions of success, build a vibrant economy and strengthen support for Singaporeans. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong laid out his commitment to Singaporeans as he and his team begin a new term in Government. In parliament on Wednesday (Sep 24), he said Singapore must do everything it can to defy the global trend of anxiety among youth. His pledge to the young of today and future generations - Singapore will be built “with you in mind”. Mr Wong said the Government will do more to help every Singaporean realise their full potential by investing more in children’s early years through KidStart and ComLink+, reducing the stakes of single exams and broadening definitions of success. All parents and children must feel that “education is not a burden but a springboard”, he said. Meanwhile, the public and private sectors are already changing how they hire and promote, and more blue-collar work will be professionalised as part of valuing every job. A deeper societal mindset change will also be needed to move from a “narrow meritocracy” to a broader, more inclusive one. On the economic front, Singapore must keep attracting investments from leading global companies to stay plugged into the frontiers of innovation, said Mr Wong, but local firms and emerging global companies will shape Singapore’s future success. This means the country must prepare for “more churn” among businesses. He pledged that the focus will be on workers, with no one being left behind. The Prime Minister spoke about giving Singaporeans sufficient assurances in a fast-changing world. These will include strengthening retirement adequacy and safety nets, and ensuring that income inequality - now at a more than two-decade low - continues to narrow. Mr Wong noted that a shared Singaporean identity has grown stronger over the past 60 years. The Government will continue to work hard to build up social capital, but everyone must play their part, he said. He added that the Government will do more to engage and involve Singaporeans - particularly youth - in forging the future.
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