In his National Day Rally this year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong shared the government’s plans to support our workers, care for our seniors and redevelop the North. He also called upon all of us to strengthen our bonds with one another to build a “We-First” society.
“It is about all of us – government, businesses, workers and unions, community groups and civil society – doing our part.
“That is how my team and I intend to lead. Not just doing things for Singaporeans – but doing things with Singaporeans,” shared PM Wong.
Here are three things to look forward to as we write the next chapter of the Singapore story together as one.
Building economic resilience in the face of AI
Addressing concerns that Artificial Intelligence (AI) might result in job losses, PM Wong reassured Singaporeans that even as Singapore embrace AI, it will not lose sight of a key priority.
“Singaporeans will always be at the centre of everything we do,” said PM Wong.
For that reason, the government is stepping up job matching services at the town-level to help Singaporeans seize new job opportunities.
It is also launching a new government-funded traineeship programme for ITE, Polytechnic and University graduates. These traineeships will give graduates the chance to sharpen their skills and gain real-world experience.
“This is what our economic strategy is all about – helping every worker progress and succeed,” added PM Wong.
Our Labour MPs have welcomed these various job-related initiatives.
“I was heartened to hear of the enhanced efforts for more job matching resources in our neighbourhoods through the CDC. This will augment the efforts of NTUC’s regional e2i hubs,” said MP and Chairman of the Manpower GPC Yeo Wan Ling (Punggol GRC).
Similarly, MP Patrick Tay (Pioneer SMC), who has urged the government to bring back training opportunities for fresh graduates, shared that he is glad that the government has responded.
“Many younger PMEs are concerned about jobs after graduation. Through the traineeships, they can build both hard and soft skills, gain valuable industry experience, and set themselves up for a meaningful career,” shared Mr Tay.
Helping our seniors age in place
To help our seniors age in place, PM Wong shared that the government would roll out Age Well Neighbourhoods – starting in Toa Payoh as a pilot.
Besides increasing the number of Active Ageing Centres (AACs), it will expand home-based services to help seniors with daily tasks like housekeeping, laundry, and meal deliveries.
Public hospitals will also set up health posts in the community, bringing healthcare services closer to the seniors.
For newly elected MP Choo Pei Ling (Chua Chu Kang GRC), she believes seniors will welcome this development.
“The introduction of “Age Well Neighbourhoods” will bring Active Ageing Centres, home-based services, and healthcare closer to seniors —ensuring they age with dignity, support, and community,” shared Ms Choo.
Another first-term MP, Dr Hamid Razak (West Coast-Jurong West GRC), also shared that the plans to strengthen preventive and primary care services in the community will go a long way to help our seniors to live and age well in place.
Big plans for the north
After years of being seen as the ‘ulu’ part of Singapore, PM Wong unveiled plans to redevelop the North, namely Kranji, Woodlands and Sembawang into vibrant towns.
Several MPs in the North have since expressed their delight at the news.
“We were especially thrilled by PM Wong’s plans to transform Singapore’s North,” said MP Hany Soh (Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC).
The revamped Woodlands Checkpoint, the JB-SG RTS Link by 2026, and a new MRT station at Sungei Kadut will help increase connectivity for residents in the area and beyond, added Ms Soh.
As for the transformation of Sembawang Shipyard, MP Gabriel Lam (Sembawang GRC) shared that this “bold step forward” would help “shape a thriving waterfront community for generations to enjoy”.
Being bold, pushing towards new frontiers, that is how Singapore became an exceptional country.
“And together, we will write the next chapter of our Singapore Story, as one exceptional and united people,” urged PM Wong.
