4 days ago
LKY's Proclamation played during SG60 message as Lawrence Wong pledges support amid global shifts
SINGAPORE: In his SG60 National Day Message on 8 August 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged that the government would 'walk this journey' with Singaporeans as they face disruption and global uncertainty.
The message, broadcast on the eve of National Day, was recorded at the Padang, a site steeped in the nation's history.
Marking 60 years since Singapore's independence, the message was accompanied by a video recording of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew reading the original 1965 Proclamation of Independence.
The proclamation, signed and issued during a critical turning point in Singapore's history, served as a symbolic anchor to this year's theme of resilience and solidarity.
Wong described the video as a powerful reminder of how far Singapore had come since its separation from Malaysia, and the odds it overcame.
Walking with Singaporeans through future challenges
In a message focused on unity and forward momentum, Prime Minister Wong acknowledged the pressures of a changing world.
He assured citizens that the government would continue to expand opportunities, strengthen safety nets, and uplift vulnerable segments of society.
'We will expand opportunities for learning and skills upgrading, strengthen social safety nets, and help every Singaporean who faces setbacks to bounce back and press on,' he stated.
This vision is anchored by the Forward Singapore initiative, which seeks to renew the nation's social compact.
Economic transformation for a changing world
Wong highlighted that Singapore is refreshing its economic strategy to adapt to what he described as a 'very different world' characterised by increasing fragmentation, geopolitical contestation and volatility.
He cautioned that the global order which enabled Singapore's rise was now 'unravelling before our eyes'.
To maintain relevance and strength, Wong said the country must 'move faster, adapt quicker and innovate smarter'.
Emphasising the need for technological adoption, he urged the nation to embrace tools like artificial intelligence and robotics in order to sharpen competitiveness.
Earlier in the week, a comprehensive review of Singapore's economic direction was announced.
Five specialised committees have been formed under the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.
These committees will focus on enhancing global competitiveness and harnessing new technologies, with recommendations expected by mid-2026.
Employment and inclusivity remain priorities
On the domestic front, Wong reaffirmed the government's commitment to policies that promote inclusivity and resilience.
The recently launched SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme was cited as one such measure to help those who lose employment find new footing.
He added that the government would 'do more to uplift lower-income workers and families, and create more pathways for every Singaporean to succeed, regardless of their starting point in life'.
Global headwinds and domestic unity
Wong warned that while Singapore's economy has proven resilient, the global economic outlook remains deeply uncertain.
'Businesses everywhere are holding back on expansion and new investments,' he said.
He pointed to larger countries wielding their economic and technological power more assertively, using 'every tool at their disposal' to tilt competition in their favour—posing challenges for small states like Singapore.
In response, Wong stressed that Singapore must stay agile and proactive.
'We are not going to throw up our hands in despair. We will overcome our new challenges,' he said.
Mandate from the people amid political change
Addressing the political transition, Wong acknowledged the recent General Election held on 3 May 2025.
The ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led for the first time by Wong, won 87 out of 97 seats—securing nearly 90 percent of the total.
This outcome marked an increase in vote share, contrasting with previous transitions of prime ministerial leadership in 1991 and 2006, which saw declines.
Wong said the election results were a 'considered and clear choice' by voters, offering the new government political assurance to act boldly.
'Your wisdom and trust give my government the political assurance to act boldly, and the confidence to lead with conviction,' he stated.
Reflecting on Singapore's tumultuous past, Wong drew a parallel between the founding moment of independence and the current period of transformation.
He recalled how the country had navigated through racial strife, the British military pullout, economic downturns and global pandemics, emerging stronger each time.
'At many points, history could have easily taken a darker turn. Yet against all odds, we made it,' he said.
'This is what makes SG60 so significant – not just that we endured, but that we prevailed and prospered when few believed we would even survive.'
Wong emphasised that the essence of the nation's success lies in its people's shared purpose.
He described the 'Singapore spirit' as a deep sense of unity and solidarity, asserting that these values have always been the country's greatest strength.
'As a small nation, we cannot afford to be divided. Our unity has always been our source of strength,' Wong said.
'When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot overcome.'
