In his New Year message delivered on Dec 31, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong laid out a hopeful and resolute vision for Singapore’s future in 2026, with a firm focus on strengthening families, remaining open to newcomers who share Singapore’s values, and uplifting every citizen amid global uncertainties.
At the heart of PM Wong’s message was a commitment to nurture a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking society – starting with support for families.
“Like many advanced economies, our population is rapidly ageing, and birth rates are declining,” he said. “We will continue to support young Singaporeans who want to marry, settle down and have children, by addressing their concerns – from housing to childcare and education.”
Reiterating the government’s key policy thrust, Mr Wong emphasised: “We will create an environment where families can grow and thrive, and society remains vibrant and forward-looking.”
He added that this also means “staying open, and welcoming those who embrace our way of life as our fellow citizens”, reinforcing Singapore’s stance on immigration as a way to keep the social fabric diverse and dynamic.
“Together, these efforts will help strengthen our shared values and identity, and maintain a strong and cohesive Singaporean core,” he added.
Mr Wong noted that while the government remains outward-looking to find new economic opportunities, it is firmly grounded in improving lives at home.
The government will work closely with the labour movement and employers to help all workers grow in their careers. Jobs, education, housing, and healthcare will continue to be central to policy efforts.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the state’s commitment to:
• Uplifting lower-income families through financial aid and empowerment
• Enhancing support for people with disabilities and caregivers
• Improving retirement adequacy for lower- and middle-income workers
A Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment is reviewing strategies for helping older Singaporeans work meaningfully in age-friendly environments.
Singapore’s economy grew by 4.8 per cent in 2025, exceeding expectations thanks to a surge in demand for semiconductors and resilient global conditions. However, PM Wong cautioned that such growth is unlikely to continue unchecked.
“We must rethink, reset and refresh our strategies,” he said, noting that the Economic Strategy Review task force led by Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong will soon release its first set of proposals, with the government set to respond at Budget 2026.
PM Wong, who will deliver the Budget speech on Feb 12, is expected to address issues such as job security and cost of living.
Reflecting on 2025, PM Wong recalled how Singapore celebrated 60 years of independence and navigated a general election with a clear mandate for a new government. He praised the nation’s resilience, calling it the key to Singapore’s continued success.
As he concluded, PM Wong wished all Singaporeans a happy New Year, urging unity and shared purpose as the nation steps into 2026.
