In his Chinese New Year message, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reassures Singaporeans that our Singapore will continue being a beacon of safety, security and stability, as long as we move forward together, united as one.
Singaporeans will continue to be supported by the Government. The Government is making public housing more affordable for young couples. It is helping seniors enjoy their golden years with programmes like Age Well SG. It is expanding support for caregivers, recognising how they strengthen family bonds.
Here is PM Wong’s Chinese New Year Message in full:
Source: Prime Minister’s Office / Youtube
The Year of the Dragon ended on a high note. Our economy performed strongly. Inflation subsided. Unemployment remained low. Many Singaporeans enjoyed higher wage increases.
We usher the Year of the Snake with anticipation and hope for our future. In the Chinese zodiac, the Snake represents wisdom and adaptability. These are qualities we will need to navigate uncertainties and challenges, especially in our external environment.
Chinese New Year is a time of family reunion and bonding. It is a season for families to cherish the bonds that unite us, and to appreciate the strength and support our loved ones provide.
Families are the bedrock of our society. They nurture our values, provide emotional support, and inspire us to dream big. In today’s fast paced and competitive world, balancing work and family life has become harder. Yet families remain at the heart of what matters most to us. I am encouraged that many Singaporeans continue to prioritise marriage, parenthood and family.
The Government is committed to supporting families at every stage of life. For young couples, we are ramping up the supply of BTO flats, and making public housing more affordable. We are enhancing leave arrangements, including through a new Shared Parental Leave scheme. We are also investing significantly in schools, especially pre-schools, so that every child, regardless of background, gets a good start in life.
For our seniors, we are providing more support so that they can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind, and age with dignity and purpose. Programmes like Healthier SG and Age Well SG will help our seniors to stay active and healthy, while remaining connected to their loved ones and community.
Caregivers are the unsung heroes in many families. Many Singaporeans juggle multiple caregiving responsibilities, looking after ageing parents, young children, or family members with special needs. We deeply appreciate their contributions. The Government will find ways to better support caregivers, recognising their vital role in strengthening family bonds.
As we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us also remember our fellow Singaporeans going through difficult times. The Government will do more to help vulnerable families, uplift them, and provide better opportunities for their children.
But building an inclusive society requires all of us to do our part. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us closer together. Each one of us can make a difference – by donating to charitable causes, volunteering to help those in need, or leading social initiatives.
This festive season is also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our Singapore family. We may have different views on issues that mater deeply to us. But we cannot let our differences pull us apart. We should make an extra effort to engage and reach out to fellow Singaporeans of different races and religions. Our diversity is a source of strength, and we must continually seek ways to deepen our mutual understanding and expand our common space. In a world that is increasingly divided and polarised, our unity is a precious asset that we must continue to protect and nurture.
Unfortunately, the world is also becoming more dangerous. Terrorist groups have used the conflict in the Middle East to further their agenda and call for attacks. There has been a spate of terror incidents across various countries. Earlier this month, we announced the detention of three self-radicalised Singaporeans under the Internal Security Act. We will remain vigilant against any security threats. But we must also be mentally prepared for the possibility that an attack can occur here. If that were to happen, we must be able to stand together as one united people, resolute and undivided. Such challenges should not weaken the fabric of our society, but instead strengthen our resolve to protect our harmony and way of life.
This Chinese New Year is special as it coincides with SG60. 60 years marks a full cycle of life in Chinese culture. It is therefore timely to reflect on how far we have come, honour the contributions and sacrifices of our pioneers, and build on their legacy to chart our next steps forward.
As we step into our next life cycle, let us do so with courage, determination and resolve. Together as one Singapore family, we can keep our nation a beacon of safety, security and stability, amidst a troubled and volatile world.
I wish all Singaporeans a happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year.
