The rules-based and inclusive global world order is fraying. Less predictable and more chaotic than ever before, it is against this backdrop that Singapore will have to chart its way forward.
At the opening of our 15th Parliament (5 Sep), President Tharman Shanmugaratnam gave a rundown of the government’s plans to handle future challenges. The speech also mapped out the goals and direction for Singapore’s future.
Here is a summary of what we can expect to see from this term of government.
Protecting our homeland
From the ongoing war in Gaza to the border skirmish at the Thai Cambodian border, we are living in an era where tensions can flare up suddenly.
Singapore cannot take its security for granted. We must stay prepared against unconventional challenges. One of these threats comes in the form of disinformation campaigns.
During GE2025, we saw foreign actors attempting to sow discord and influence our domestic politics for their own agendas. Such incidents are not a one-off and are likely to happen again in the future.
Another of such threats includes Advanced Persistent Threats. APTs are cyberattacks from well-resourced groups, typically acting on state objectives, to steal sensitive information or disrupt essential services. In recent months, Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam has warned of one APT, named UNC3886, that has been attacking critical infrastructure in Singapore.
“We must equip Singaporeans to discern fact from fiction, understand and uphold our national interests, and resist external manipulation from near and far,” said President Tharman.
In addition, Singapore will continue to guard against dangers at home. That includes tackling the scourge of scams and vapes to protect Singaporeans from harm.
Transforming our economy
A continuing priority for the government is to grow a strong economy.
Compared to developing economies, Singapore cannot compete on costs. Instead, it will have to adapt faster and innovate more boldly. Speed, ingenuity, and trust will be what differentiates Singapore from the rest of the world.
As such, work to refresh Singapore’s economic strategies has already begun, said President Tharman.
Across various industries, businesses are encouraged to harness new technologies, such as AI, to stay competitive. Technology is also expected to drive new growth sectors in healthcare, fintech and green energy.
And as the economy transforms, the government will continue to step up its efforts to upskill and reskill every segment of the workforce.
“We will empower workers with the skills they need to adapt and seize new opportunities.
“It is how we can grow leading firms, and secure good jobs and rising incomes for Singaporeans,” added Mr Tharman.
Assuring all Singaporeans at every stage of life
While economic growth is vital, it is inclusive growth that the PAP government is after.
“Our goal is to ensure that this progress uplifts everyone…(in) a society where every citizen shares in the nation’s prosperity,” said Mr Tharman.
Following the Forward Singapore exercise, the task of renewing our new social compact continues to be a work in progress. Through it, the government has pledged to strengthen assurances to Singaporeans at every stage of life.
For our youths, the education system will equip them with the skills to thrive in a changing world and encourage multiple pathways to success.
Next, public housing and preschool education will be kept affordable to support families. The government will also continue to cushion the burden of rising costs so that every citizen has access to life’s essentials.
As for our seniors, they will be supported not only to stay healthy in body and mind, but also to have a fulfilling life as they age.
“By strengthening assurance and keeping opportunities open, we will build resilience and confidence as a society even in an uncertain world,” said Mr Tharman.
Sustaining social mobility
Another driver of inclusive growth is social mobility. That is because when wealth and privilege are passed down, disadvantages become harder to overcome.
“We cannot allow this trend to be ingrained…This is the promise of Singapore: that birth does not dictate destiny (and) no one is left behind,” said Mr Tharman.
To reduce the gulf between the top and lower-income households, the government will invest heavily in the early years to give every child the best possible start in life.
It will also support lower-income families in overcoming challenges to improve their lives.
One way to do so is to enhance training and career pathways, recognising individuals for their skills beyond academics.
“Progress means recognising the value in every job…and ensuring that everyone who contributes to society earns respect, and can build a good life.”
Strengthening social cohesion and trust
During his National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made references to the need for a “We First” society. Over the next five years, the government intends to foster such a society at every level.
It will create more space for citizens to lead ground-up programmes and foster a culture that makes giving and volunteering a way of life.
However, a “We First” society goes beyond organised programmes. It is also about building common ground and the values we live by.
As such, Singapore will deepen its approach to multiculturalism and nurture what makes us distinctively Singaporean.
More importantly, it will reject the use of race or religion for political gain or to view national issues through such lenses. That is because doing so has put many political systems in a state of gridlock. And so far, Singapore has defied this trend because of the trust between Singaporeans and the government.
“This trust has allowed us to make hard choices when needed, and to plan for the future beyond current election cycles,” said Mr Tharman.
Moving forward beyond SG60, cultivating this trust is how we intend to build a better Singapore for generations to come.
Parliament will meet again on 22 Sep to debate the President’s Address. Follow petir.sg for more news and insights.
