Singapore is a remarkable success story. 60 years ago, not only did the tiny city-state have no natural resources or hinterland, but it was also a poor country, dwarfed in size by its much larger neighbours.
Yet through astute policies, Singapore did not just survive. It thrived.
Between Singapore and its people, there is a strong social contract. Successive PAP governments have spared no expense in building up public infrastructure. We’ve invested heavily in human capital and diversified the economy, moving Singapore up the value chain to keep up with the times. As Singapore prospered, so did our people.
Building a ‘We-first’ society
However, good policies and plans are just the first step.
“What matters just as much – and even more – is the collective will of our people…To keep Singapore going, we must be a “We-First” society,” said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in his call to action for Singaporeans at this year’s National Day Rally.
The biggest test to Singapore’s cohesiveness came during COVID-19. Instead of “every man for himself”, many of us witnessed the “we-first” spirit in full swing. Across the nation, ground-up initiatives sprang up as Singaporeans looked out for one another to ensure no one is left behind.
One of many such schemes was Project Stable Staples. The initiative was co-founded by MP David Hoe (Jurong East – Bukit Batok GRC) when he was still a youth volunteer. It was designed to be a quick response fund, providing grocery vouchers to needy families whose livelihoods were affected by the pandemic.
As Singapore battled the pandemic, there were countless examples of this Singapore Spirit.
Up and down the country, ordinary Singaporeans find themselves doing extraordinary things. They volunteered to sew face masks, distribute care packages, and even baked cookies to show appreciation for our frontline workers.
To further mobilise community efforts, the government launched an online platform. The SG United Portal became a one-stop site to connect Singaporeans who wanted to help with those who needed support.
All these and more were a testament that government measures alone did not get us through the pandemic. It was our Singapore Spirit, which saw Singaporeans from all walks of life coming together, that tipped the scales in our favour.
Having overcome the crisis of a generation, there is no denying the power of ‘we’. It is also why PM Wong is determined that Singapore must “keep this spirit alive through good times and bad”.
“That means strengthening our bonds with one another – it means feeling that we are all in this together and not just looking out for our own self-interest.”
Post-COVID, the belief of putting “we” before “me” has continued to guide the 4G leadership.
In 2022, the government launched Forward Singapore. Over 16 months, the exercise engaged over 200,000 Singaporeans to delve into issues and chart a new roadmap forward.
Together with community hackathons and the ongoing Youth Panels, these initiatives gave everyday Singaporeans a chance to be heard and propose policy changes.
“That is how my team and I intend to lead. Not just doing things for Singaporeans – but doing things with Singaporeans,” shared PM Wong.
The Singapore Spirit in action
On the ground level, our MPs and volunteers have continued to rally their communities and epitomise the Singapore Spirit.
Realising that some of his residents had difficulty leaving their flats, MP Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC) launched a mobile hairdressing service. It is supported by retired hairdressers keen to contribute to society.
Over at West Coast-Jurong West GRC, MP Ang Wei Neng started the Nanyang Sayang programme, which provides free tuition and mentorship for children from low-income families.
MP Murali Pillai (Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC) and his team have run a unique programme for nearly a decade, providing bed-bound residents with electric hospital beds to manage their health conditions.
“The hospital bed loan programme [set up since 2016] has helped a good number of our residents to date,” shared Mr Murali.
If we look closely, it is not difficult to find instances of the Singapore Spirit in action. In a world that has gotten increasingly fractured and divided, the unity, trust and sense of common purpose Singaporeans have is precious. It is also something we must strive to continue for many more generations to come to stay exceptional.
“This Singapore Spirit – our confidence in a shared future, and our belief in one another – has always been our driving force.
“That is how we have achieved exceptional performance. And that is how we will continue to stay exceptional – as a people and a country,” said PM Wong.
Singapore has come a long way in 60 short years. To make it to SG100 and beyond, we have to do so together, looking out for one another, writing the next chapter of our Singapore Story. Together.
