As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, SG60 marks not just a milestone but the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s story.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on Singaporeans to unite as a “We-First” society, emphasising boldness, innovation, and resilience to navigate the challenges ahead.
From economic shifts to climate action, housing reforms to youth empowerment, here’s how Singapore is preparing for tomorrow under PM Wong’s vision.
SG60 symbolises a generational shift. For the first time, the majority of Singaporeans, including Cabinet members, were born after 1965.
This reflects a nation shaped by progress, diversity, and shared aspirations. However, the global landscape presents unprecedented challenges that demand collective effort.
The world is undergoing significant changes:
The world is experiencing significant changes. The US is retreating from global leadership, resulting in weakened multilateralism and increased instability.
There is rising rivalry and mistrust among major powers, which threatens global peace. Recent conflicts, such as clashes between India and Pakistan, as well as Cambodia and Thailand, along with instability in Europe and the Middle East, underscore these growing uncertainties.
Additionally, economic concerns are prominent, with the US imposing a baseline 10% tariff on Singapore under its "Liberation Day" tariffs. Tensions between the US and China have escalated, leading to potential tariffs reaching up to 150%
To counter these global pressures, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong leads the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, focusing on innovation, technology, and research in key areas.
While AI drives growth, it also disrupts jobs. To address this:
PM Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of nurturing Singapore’s youth:
Singapore is addressing housing affordability and family support:
By 2026, 21% of Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older, marking the transition to a “super-aged” society.
PM Wong stressed sustainability and urban planning:
PM Lawrence Wong urged citizens to enhance national unity through civic engagement. He highlighted civic role models such as Yasser Amin, who leads clean-up initiatives; Siti Adriana, who advocates for family well-being; and Koh Seng Choon, who runs the Dignity Kitchen to combat food waste.
Wong also emphasised citizen engagement through hackathons that address real-world problems with innovative solutions, as well as through Citizens’ Panels and Youth Panels that co-create policies by incorporating diverse voices.
PM Lawrence Wong’s rallying call is clear: Singapore must embrace boldness and solidarity to thrive beyond SG60.
By uniting across generations, embracing innovation, and addressing challenges head-on, Singapore can continue to redefine itself as a resilient, compassionate, and forward-thinking nation.
Key Takeaways:
Let us know what you think about this topic, and what do you want to hear next.
You can now be our community contributor and make a pitch to have your favourite personality be on our show.
Join our community group and drop us your insights on this topic.