THE PAP must carry our mandate from Singaporeans with humility and purpose, and keep Singapore exceptional in this increasingly fractured world, said Chairman Desmond Lee this weekend (9 Nov).
Chairman Lee was speaking at the PAP Awards and Convention 2025, the first major Party gathering since the General Elections (GE) 2025 in May.
“We must strengthen our social compact to give every Singaporean more assurance and better opportunities,” said Chairman Lee. “We must build a dynamic economy that stays competitive while uplifting every worker.”
“And we must foster a more caring and united society. Where success is shared, and where no one is left behind,” he added. “This is how we will keep Singapore strong, by moving forward, together. “
Our continuing work is vital for Singapore in this difficult global era, he emphasised.
“The world is shifting rapidly,” said Chairman Lee about the external challenges facing Singaporeans. “Geopolitical tensions are sharper, The global economy is fragmenting. Climate change is intensifying. Technology is reimagining the way we live and work.”
“Our society is evolving, and our people hold diverse aspirations,” he added. “These forces shape the lives of our people. And they can put our unity and resilience to the test.”
Our Party continues its efforts to keep Singaporeans united, noted Chairman Lee. Community groups like the Mental Health Group and the Climate Action Group engage different demographics, and new partners, to make impactful changes. We engage fellow Singaporeans both online and offline, and have refreshed our Party structures, leadership and capabilities in order to serve them better.
On the ground, in particular, our activists hear the concerns of Singaporeans and take action for them. Our party honoured 426 of these activists, who have served with distinction, at the Awards this year.
These activists include Comrade Lim Swee Say (Meritorious Service Award), whose numerous responsibilities have included being Minister for Manpower, Minister for the Environment, MP for Buona Vista and Bedok wards and Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress.
“Always cheerful, always energetic, and always pushing us to ‘futurise’ and be ‘cheaper, better, faster’, Swee Say is one who has never stopped urging Singapore to move from better, to ‘betterer’, to ‘betterest’!” said Chairman Lee. “We thank him for his steadfast service to the Party and to Singapore.”
The awardees also included Comrade Gopala Krishnan (Dedicated Service Award) from Nee Soon GRC, who builds bridges of understanding between different communities, and Comrade Gilbert Quek (Silver Award) from Sengkang GRC, who rallies volunteers around the idea that there’s something worthwhile fighting for.
“We move forward with new resolve: to serve with conviction and humility, and to deliver on the trust that Singaporeans have placed in us. To secure a brighter future for all,” concluded Comrade Lee about our work in the changed world around us.
“‘Changed World. Fresh Team. New Resolve,’ said Comrade Lee, referring to our Party’s GE 2025 manifesto, which will carry Singapore through for this term of government. “Let this be our call to action, as a Party for the people and a Party for Singapore.”
