President Tony Tan has delivered his opening address for the commencement of Singapore's 13th Parliament on Friday evening, 8:30pm (Jan 15).

This is President Tan's third address to the Parliament, after his two addresses at the 12th Parliament in 2011 and 2014.

President Tan highlighted the five key aims for the new term of government. They are to: 1) keep Singapore safe and secure; 2) renew our economy; 3) foster a more caring society; 4) transform our urban landscape; and 5) engage and partner with Singaporeans in nation-building.

1) Keep Singapore safe and secure: Singapore must continue to invest in our security and expand our international space through diplomacy. Every Singaporean has a role to play in keeping Singapore safe and preserving Singapore's multi-racial harmony.

2) Renew Singapore's economy: The Committee on the Future Economy will develop strategies to ensure that Singapore remains relevant and competitive. SkillsFuture is an example of how the government will invest in lifelong education, for Singaporeans to master skills and be ready for jobs in the future.

3) Foster a more caring society that is sustainable over the long term: The government will keep healthcare affordable, accessible and of high quality. The Action Plan for Successful Ageing will help the seniors lead fuller and more fulfilling lives.

4) Transform our urban landscape: The government will build more affordable and high-quality public housing that are surrounded by beautiful green and blue spaces. Examples of major infrastructure plans include the the Southern Waterfront City and the re-development of Paya Lebar Airbase.

5) Engage and partner with Singaporeans in nation-building:

Singapore must continue to have 1) a capable and honest political leadership; and 2) a political system that enables a government to govern effectively and in the interests of all.

Singapore's political system with innovations* have delivered stability and progress for Singapore but the system must be refreshed from time to time, as circumstances change. The government will study this matter carefully, to assess whether the political system can be improved to ensure clean, effective, and accountable government over the long term.

* First-past-the-post electoral system + Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) + Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) + Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) + Office of the President.

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