Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his annual National Day Message at SAFRA Punggol this evening.

In his Facebook post last weekend (Aug. 6), Lee mentioned why SAFRA Punngol was chosen -- it represents the Singapore that the government is building in the next 50 years.

Hence, his speech this year focused on Singapore's future and how the government would address the challenges in the upcoming years.

In other words, PM Lee noted that the ability to address these challenges will allow Singapore to continue to be an exceptional home and a nation that is different from the rest of the world.

Below are three key points of his message:

1. Challenges faced by Singapore: PM Lee highlighted three fresh challenges faced by Singapore after SG50:

i) the impact of extremist terrorism on a harmonious multi-racial society (the detention of self-radicalised Singaporeans and foreign workers);

ii) the disruption caused by globalisation and technological change on jobs and industries; and

iii) the pitfalls of populism and political gridlock on Singapore's political system and governance (The Brexit referendum was a vivid example).

2. How Singapore can cope with the challenges: PM Lee went on to describe how it can be a different nation from the rest of the world.

i) Terrorism: The government will "acknowledge the threat honestly", with Muslim and non-Muslim Singaporeans standing together to strengthen trust in the society.

ii) Disruption caused by globalisation and technology: The government invests in every Singaporean, to give every child a good start in life. For adults, SkillsFuture will help them to upgrade themselves and master valuable new skills. The government will also support companies’ efforts innovate through R&D.

The government will also strengthened Singapore's social safety nets (Pioneer Generation Package, Workfare, MediShield Life, CPF Life and Silver Support).

iii) Avoiding the pitfalls of populism and political gridlock: Singapore will update its political system (making GRCs smaller and create more SMCs, making improvements to the elected Presidency) to keep its politics constructive.

3. The most fundamental factor in keeping Singapore exceptional is "unity".

PM Lee said that unity is not just "a warm, fuzzy feeling".

It is Singaporeans' "shared resolve" to tackle challenges together that determines whether we succeed in the future.

It is the "the spirit of service, the willingness to commit time and energy to make a better home for all".

Watch the full 8-minute National Day Message 2016 here:

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Top photo from Lee Hsien Loong Facebook page

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