[LIVE] President Tharman delivers address at opening of Singapore’s 15th Parliament

Key Concepts:

• National Unity
• Economic Restructuring
• Global Uncertainty
• Social Mobility
• Multiculturalism
• Trust in Governance
• Forward Singapore
• SkillsFuture
• AI Integration
• Sustainable Development

1. Introduction: Singapore's 60th Year of Independence

• Singapore celebrated its 60th year of independence, marking a "remarkable journey" from an "improbable beginning."
• The nation started with limited resources, no hinterland, a weak military, and a diverse population.
• The pioneer generation's "selfless sacrifice and indomitable spirit" laid the foundation for a strong nation.
• Each subsequent generation built upon this legacy, embracing change and persevering through crises.
• The fact that Singapore has not only survived but thrived is a testament to its spirit as a people.

2. Navigating a Turbulent Global Landscape

• The 15th Parliament opens at a critical juncture, with profound global changes.
• The world order, once underwritten by American leadership, is now strained.
• America is less willing to act as a "global insurer," reflecting societal questions about its ability to secure well-being through global systems.
• The result is a more unsettled and chaotic world, with weakening rules and norms.
• Acts of aggression, coercion, and unreasonable demands are more readily tolerated.
• The "weaponization of trade and economic interdependence" has complicated international relations.
• The rivalry between America and China will intensify across economic, technological, and military domains.
• These are not transient headwinds but fundamental shifts, making the future "rougher and far less predictable."

3. Securing Singapore's Place in the World

• The first priority is to secure Singapore's home and safeguard its place in the world.
• Singapore can never take its security for granted, especially with rising tensions.
• The nation has consistently invested in defense, recognizing that it can only depend on itself for security.
• This has become part of Singapore's ethos.
• Singapore will continue to strengthen capabilities, counter emerging threats like cyber security and hybrid warfare, and support NSmen.
• Security extends beyond military strength to include withstanding unconventional challenges.
• Foreign actors will seek to influence public opinion through disinformation and discord.
• Singaporeans must be equipped to discern fact from fiction, understand national interests, and resist external manipulation.
• Dangers at home, such as terrorism, scams, and drugs (including vapes), threaten social harmony.
• Security is everyone's responsibility, requiring new approaches to total defense and national education.
• Singapore will play a constructive role in shaping a fair and stable global order.
• This includes contributing to ASEAN integration, supporting reforms at the UN and WTO, and deepening partnerships with like-minded nations.
• By standing with friends and partners, Singapore amplifies its collective voice and influence.

4. Strengthening the Economy for the Future

• A strong economy is vital for securing the future and improving lives.
• Singapore must compete on speed, ingenuity, and trust, not just size or scale.
• In a fragmented world, Singapore must remain a safe harbor and a gateway to Asia's dynamism.
• The old playbook is no longer sufficient; global competition is intensifying.
• Singapore must adapt faster and innovate more boldly to enhance its value as a trusted hub.
• Economic strategies are being refreshed to restructure industries and build capabilities in sectors like advanced manufacturing, IT, finance, clean energies, and environmental sustainability.
• Fostering an outgoing and experimental spirit among enterprises and people is crucial.
• The trust built through tripartism gives Singapore an edge in deploying new technologies like AI.
• The task is to make AI practical for every enterprise while reskilling and upskilling the workforce.
• AI can be used to raise efficiency and complement human abilities, sharing gains broadly.
• Technology is crucial for tackling climate change, with investments in decarbonization and coastal protection.
• Singapore will develop a robust carbon credits market and mobilize finance for sustainable infrastructure.
• The ambition is to make Singapore a place where ideas can take root and entrepreneurs can build and expand.
• The goal is inclusive growth, where every citizen shares in prosperity and has confidence in a better future.

5. Empowering Singaporeans Through Change

• Economic change is disorienting, with jobs and skills evolving faster than before.
• Singapore cannot hold back this tide but can prepare to navigate it with confidence.
• Workers will be empowered with the skills needed to adapt and seize new opportunities.
• Initiatives like the jobseeker support scheme and SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme provide assurance.
• These schemes will be enhanced to meet the needs of Singaporeans at different career stages.
• Through Forward Singapore, assurances are strengthened at every stage of life.
• Youth will be prepared for a different future, securing good jobs and thriving in a changing world.
• They will have a stronger voice in shaping Singapore's future.
• Public housing will remain affordable and accessible for all families.
• Families with young children will have better access to affordable and quality early childhood services.
• Support for caregivers will be enhanced through flexible work arrangements and a stronger ecosystem of care.
• Seniors will have a joyful and fulfilling life as they age, with support for continued work or retirement.
• Healthier SG and Age Well SG will help seniors stay healthy and provide more choices for independent living.
• The government will continue to cushion the burdens of rising costs and ensure access to life's essentials.
• Every citizen should have the confidence to pursue aspirations and provide for their families.

6. Maintaining Social Mobility and Fairness

• Even in an uncertain world, wealth can entrench and inequality can become self-perpetuating.
• Singapore must actively resist this trend and narrow the gap.
• Income inequality has declined, and wages are rising, especially for the lowest 20%.
• Home ownership remains the world's highest, even for lower-income households.
• Keeping social mobility alive is a national priority.
• Everyone must have the chance to move up the escalator of skills and a better life.
• Every Singaporean must be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.
• This begins with early childhood investments and continues through the education system.
• Multiple pathways to success, good character, and different forms of excellence are celebrated.
• Technical expertise, creative flare, problem-solving skills, and artistic virtuosity are equally valued.
• Work-study programs and expanded scholarships reflect this approach.
• Training and career pathways will be enhanced so that Singaporeans can excel and be recognized for their achievements.
• Deep-seated assumptions about valuable work and professionals must be challenged.
• Progress means recognizing the value in every job and ensuring that everyone who contributes to society earns respect and can build a good life.
• Singapore must remain a home where the vulnerable are cared for and empowered.
• Support for lower-income families and persons with disabilities will be strengthened.
• A nation's success is measured by how it supports the vulnerable and enables every Singaporean to contribute and live with dignity.
• The promise of Singapore is that birth does not dictate destiny, no one is left behind, and every generation can look ahead with optimism and hope.

7. Fostering Unity and Trust

• Singapore can only stand tall if it acts as one people.
• Unity requires putting the collective before self, nurturing a "we first" society.
• Community leaders will grow networks of care, and citizens will lead ground-up programs.
• Everyone will have a say in building the shared future.
• Giving and volunteering will be made a way of life.
• Success is measured not only by personal achievement but by what is done for the common good.
• A "we first" society is about values and regular habits of care.
• Social divisions are hardening in many parts of the world, but Singapore's unity is built on embracing diversity.
• Racial and religious harmony must be guarded zealously.
• Resisting the temptation to use race or religion for political gain is crucial.
• Singapore must continue to nurture its distinctiveness: accepting varied identities, respecting each other's cultures, and building common ground.
• Multiculturalism must be deepened by ensuring traditions remain vibrant and encouraging the crisscrossing of influences.
• Public trust in governments is eroding globally, but Singapore has cultivated a different ethos of governance.
• Stewardship over expediency and enduring responsibility over transient gain are valued.
• Trust between government and people and among citizens has allowed Singapore to make hard choices and plan for the future.
• Trust must be continually earned through dialogue, listening, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.

8. Conclusion

• As Singapore turns the page on SG60, it should be guided by trust, resolve, openness to change, confidence, humility, and unity.
• This is how Singapore will build a better future for its children and generations to come.
• "Majula Singapura." (Onward Singapore)