Good plans and strategies are just the first step for Singapore and Singaporeans to continue progressing. What matters as much, if not more, is the collective will of the people – the Singapore spirit that binds the nation together and propels it forward.
This was a key message from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who delivered his second National Day Rally speech on Aug 17 at the ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio.
Singapore got through the Covid-19 pandemic not only because of government measures, but because of the Singapore spirit, said PM Wong. To keep the Republic going beyond SG60, it must be a “we first” society where everyone thrives together, he added.
”That’s how my team and I intend to lead,” he said. “Not just doing things for Singaporeans – but doing things with Singaporeans.”
Here are 10 highlights from his speech in English, Malay and Mandarin:
1. New state-funded traineeship programme
A new traineeship programme will be launched for Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnic and university graduates. Funded by the Government, it is aimed at addressing concerns about finding jobs amid the current economic uncertainties.
During the pandemic, a traineeship programme co-funded by the authorities helped keep the graduates’ skills warm as they prepared for economic recovery. With fresh government support, companies can offer more training opportunities, and the new programme will be scaled up should the economy worsen.
2. Job-matching by CDCs
A new job-matching initiative at the town level will be led by the Community Development Councils (CDCs).
Given their strong networks with local merchants, small and medium enterprises and community partners, CDCs are well placed to match job seekers with vacancies, especially those who prefer to work closer to home, said PM Wong.
The mayors will share more details soon.
3. Enhancements to SkillsFuture Level Up
The SkillsFuture Level Up programme was introduced in 2024 to help Singaporeans aged 40 and above to reboot their skills. They get $4,000 in SkillsFuture credits and training allowances of up to $3,000 per month, for up to 24 months if they take time off from work to study full-time.
Two enhancements will be made to the programme. First, the Government will allow a portion of the training allowances to be claimed for part-time courses.
Second, it will expand the course offerings. While most of the eligible courses are currently offered by institutes of higher learning, there will be more quality courses offered by industry leaders and private training providers.
4. New Age Well Neighbourhoods to support seniors
Age Well Neighbourhoods to support seniors will be built, starting with Toa Payoh and one or two HDB towns with a higher concentration of the elderly.
This takes the essential elements of Community Care Apartments (CCAs), which are Housing Board flats that combine housing with care arrangements for seniors.
Physical touchpoints, such as active ageing centres, will be made more accessible to seniors in these neighbourhoods. Home-based services such as simple home fixes and basic health checks will be expanded, with dedicated care staff visiting seniors regularly and being first responders in times of emergency. Healthcare services will also be brought closer to the seniors, all to allow them to age in place with dignity, purpose and joy.
5. Tougher actions against vaping
Vaping, which to date has been treated like tobacco, with fines imposed, will soon be tackled as a drug issue with much stiffer penalties.
Jail sentences and more severe punishments will be meted out to those who sell vapes with harmful substances. Those addicted to vapes will be provided with supervision and rehabilitation to help them quit.
A major public education drive will be mounted, starting in schools and the institutes of higher learning, and during national service.
6. Harnessing artificial intelligence effectively
Singapore will use artificial intelligence (AI) to raise productivity and create new value through every part of the economy. It will equip and empower every enterprise, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to harness AI effectively and sharpen their competitive edge.
It will also work closely with unions and workers to redesign jobs, and equip and empower workers.
Teachers are also encouraged to use AI in creative ways to improve learning outcomes, and to help their students be discerning and responsible users of technology who question, reflect and form their own judgments.
7. Strengthening online safety for children
The Government is studying ways to support parents in strengthening online safety for their children by looking at the experiences of countries which have passed laws to tighten internet and social media access for minors.
PM Wong noted that many parents are worried that their children are spending too much time online, and young people who are overly immersed in the virtual world may grow up more socially isolated, or be exposed to harmful content that affects their mental wellbeing.
In this age of AI, what matters are human qualities that machines cannot replicate, such as character, values, empathy and a sense of purpose, he added. To emphasise this, more allied educators and teacher-counsellors are being deployed in schools, with greater emphasis being placed on character and citizenship education.
8. More avenues for Singaporeans to contribute
More avenues will be created for Singaporeans to be heard and to get involved in shaping policy. This is on top of the hackathons, citizens’ panels and youth panels that the Government has organised as channels for Singaporeans to co-create solutions.
Singapore must be a “we first” society, where everyone cares, contributes and looks out for one another, said PM Wong as he urged Singaporeans to strengthen their bonds, which will also help each one to thrive and flourish.
9. New Singapore College of Islamic Studies to have its own campus
The upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) will have its own campus next to the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) campus in Rochor. SCIS and SUSS will be housed in their own buildings, reflecting their unique identities and purpose.
SCIS students will be able to take SUSS’ social science courses as part of their studies. Both institutions will also share facilities, ensuring that students from both institutions can better interact with one another and enrich their time on campus.
10. Future developments and coastal protection
The northern part of Singapore, which is seen as more remote, will be transformed.
The Woodlands Checkpoint will be made five times bigger. Flexible industrial spaces will be built around the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link station to support businesses seeking to take full advantage of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. In addition, there will be spaces for new homes, making Woodlands a modern and vibrant regional centre.
Kranji will become a new public housing estate for up to 14,000 homes, while new concepts for dining, shopping and housing are in the pipeline for Sembawang, with plans being formulated for its waterfront.
Meanwhile, coastal protection will be enhanced around the island, such as the Long Island project for the south-eastern shorelines, and protection works around Changi Bay.
The Straits Times
