New Govt's top priority is to secure for Singapore an assured place in a changed world: PM Wong

Straits Times

23-05-2025

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (second from right), flanked by PM Lawrence Wong and Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of Singapore's new Cabinet at the Istana on May 23. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
New Govt's top priority is to secure for Singapore an assured place in a changed world: PM Wong
SINGAPORE – The new Government's first priority is to secure for Singapore an assured place in a changed world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
With major world powers reassessing strategies and shifting positions to gain the upper hand, competition is intensifying and smaller nations risk being caught in the crossfire, or being cut out of the conversation altogether, he warned.
'Singapore will not stand still. We cannot afford to be passive. We must be clear-eyed, proactive and adapt nimbly to the shifting dynamics,' he said on May 23, at the swearing-in ceremony of his new Cabinet at the Istana.
In a world that is more uncertain and unpredictable than before, the conditions that once underpinned success are shifting, he said.
'The rules-based international order, which formed the foundation for peace, security and free trade, is fraying.
'Multilateral cooperation is giving way to a tangle of bilateral and transactional deals, where might often makes right.'
He added: 'Our goal is not just to navigate this uncertain world, but to help shape it for the better – by working with like-minded partners, upholding shared principles and values, so that small nations too have a place under the sun.'
This will be done on several fronts.
The Government will deepen Singapore's relations with the major powers, especially the United States and China, he said.
'We will stay friends with both, without being caught in their rivalry. We will engage openly and honestly with each, in a consistent and principled manner.
'Where our interests align, we will work with them. Where they do not, we will stand firm and protect Singapore's security and sovereignty.'
The Republic will also strengthen its ties with friends near and far, while seeking new ones in parts of the world such as Africa and South America where it does not yet have much presence, PM Wong added.
'In a world of shifting alliances, we will be a steady and constructive partner – one willing and able to contribute to peace and stability, to advance dialogue and fraternity, and support a rules-based global order.'
The Government will also have to steer the economy through the challenges ahead, and update its economic strategies for the new landscape.
This will include creating good jobs and remaining competitive, as well as helping businesses and households.
The Government will work with tripartite partners to development a new economic blueprint for the next phase, said PM Wong.
'We will work closely with NTUC to support our workers and jobseekers, so that every Singaporean who is prepared to work is able to secure a job and progress in their careers,' he added.
In addition, the Government will press on with the Forward Singapore agenda, to refresh and strengthen the social compact.
Beyond immediate concerns, the Government will also prepare Singapore for the future.
It will accelerate the nation's transition to cleaner energy and create smarter, more connected and greener homes for all Singaporeans, he said.
'Above all, we will work shoulder to shoulder with all Singaporeans to write this next chapter of our nation's story,' said PM Wong.
The new Government will continue to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life, and actively involve them in creating and implementing solutions.
'This is how my team and I will govern – in partnership with Singaporeans. Everyone will have a say in shaping our way forward and building our shared future,' he said.
The team is not afraid of differing views – it welcomes constructive debates that will push it to think harder, plan better and serve Singaporeans more effectively, he added.
'But at the same time, we must always respect one another, and remember that even with our differences, we share more in common with each other.'
The election outcome reflects the collective desire of Singaporeans, said PM Wong.
'In these uncertain times, you understood what was at stake – our vulnerability and our future,' he said.
'You chose leaders you could trust, a Government you could rely on, and a steady course for our nation's next phase of development.'
PM Wong had on May 21 announced a slew of changes to the Government's top leadership, bringing in fresh faces who will have fresh perspectives and ideas, as well as having experienced ministers with steady hands.
It was his first big overhaul of the Cabinet since assuming the role of head of Government in May 2024, and after he had led the ruling People's Action Party to a convincing majority at the May 3 polls, with 65.57 per cent of the vote.
The international community and investors would have taken note of the election outcomes, he said.
'They would see a nation that is united – standing firmly behind its leaders, and placing confidence in a Government with the strength and security to secure Singapore's place in an unpredictable world.'
'The outcome leaves no room for doubt – no one in the world can question the resolve of Singaporeans and the Government they have chosen,' he said.
'This is a clear advantage for Singapore, especially in the conduct of our foreign policy.'
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who presided over the ceremony, also spoke about the global challenges ahead.
Small states like Singapore will feel the weight of the geopolitical cross-currents more than most countries, he said.
'Our well-being has always depended on a stable, rules-based international order. That order is unravelling, forcing us to adapt and find new ways to remain in control of our destiny, and hold together as a people with our values intact,' he said.
'There is no telling whether this global disorder will eventually subside. But there is no returning to the world we knew over our first 60 years of nationhood.'
PM Wong noted that history has not been kind to small nations like Singapore.
'We have always been vulnerable, caught between the interests of greater powers. Yet for 60 years, Singapore has defied the odds,' he said.
This was not due to good luck, but Singaporeans' courage, conviction and collective will, he stressed.
'As long as we continue to believe in ourselves, have faith in one another, and work together, we will endure.
'Singapore will endure. So be it SG100, or even beyond, there will still be Singaporeans – standing strong and free,' said PM Wong.
'And not only will we survive – we will prevail.'
Goh Yan Han is political correspondent at The Straits Times. She writes Unpacked, a weekly newsletter on Singapore politics and policy.
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