Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched the Forward Singapore on Jun 28, 2022.
In his speech, he highlighted the need to refresh our social compact so as to strengthen social capital and foster trust and offered ideas on how to transform our meritocracy into a compassionate one.
Forward Singapore is a collective effort led by him and his 4G leadership team and they will work in partnership with Singaporeans, to review and refresh our social compact and set out a roadmap for the next decade and beyond.
More details of the exercise were announced by the Forward Singapore office after his address. The exercise will be organised along six pillars, each headed by 4G leaders.
Here are the six pillars.
1. Empower: Economy and Jobs
Led by Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng; Secretary-General of National Trades Union Congress Ng Chee Meng; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Manpower & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon.
This pillar will focus on empowering every Singaporean to have lifelong employability in a more
competitive economy amidst an uncertain world.
2. Equip: Education and Lifelong Learning
Led by Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Manpower Zaqy Mohamad; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and
Information & Ministry of National Development Tan Kiat How.
This pillar will focus on equipping every Singaporean with the opportunity to thrive, grow and realise their
aspirations, regardless of their starting point in life.
3. Care: Health and Social Support
Led by Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung; Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister
for Health & Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli; Second Minister for Finance
& National Development Indranee Rajah.
This pillar will focus on enabling every Singaporean to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, and to better care for themselves and for others around them.
4. Build: Home and Living Environment
Led by Minister for National Development & Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee; Minister for Transport & Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran; Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of National Development Sim Ann.
This pillar will focus on transforming our living environment, and to build a more liveable home for all who stake their futures here.
5. Steward: Environmental and Fiscal Sustainability
Led by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu; Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Transport Chee Hong Tat.
This pillar will focus on fostering a more sustainable way of life that stewards our resources responsibly for future generations.
6. Unite: Singapore Identity
Led by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong; Second Minister for Education & Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Health Janil Puthucheary.
This pillar will focus on growing our sense of belonging to Singapore, our commitment to citizenship and our sense of mutual responsibility towards each other.
How you can contribute
There are several ways you can contribute.
First, you can roll up your sleeves and get involved with the various projects here.
Second, you can share your ideas and suggestions here.
According to the Forward Singapore office, the entire exercise will span a year and conclude with the publication of a report in mid-2023. The report will set out policy recommendations to underpin our refreshed social compact, and highlight how different segments of society can be more involved in
contributing towards our shared goals.
Find out more about Forward Singapore here.
Cover photo credit: Rogan Yeoh on Unsplash
