What a difference one year has made.

When the men (and women) in white gathered together last year at Infinite Studios for the launch of the People's Action Party manifesto ahead of GE2015, the mood was of "quiet confidence" but one could feel the tension and nervousness in the air.

This morning, Dec. 4, the mood among the roughly 2,500 crowd of PAP activists at Expo Hall was relaxed and joyous, after the ruling PAP was returned to government with a landslide victory (69.9 percent).

It was PAP's first CEC election after GE2015, though it sometimes felt like a company's annual report press conference/ announcement.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, also the PAP Secretary General, gave an overview of the party's performance (PAP's strong GE2015 results and the Bukit Batok by-election results) and how the PAP can improve before GE2021.

Below are the highlights of his speech :

1. PM Lee discussed about the big changes in the world and their impact on Singapore.

i) On US Presidential elections and Brexit: There was such unhappiness in US and UK because voters felt that their lives had not improved for years even though the economy might be growing.

Developed countries are turning inwards and adopting a more protectionist, nativist approach.

ii) Such trends' impact on Singapore: This means Singapore "have to accept the world as it is, not as we wish it to be". In other words, Singapore will continue to remain open, pursue trade liberalisation and cooperate with major partners -- US, China, ASEAN, and others.

2. PM Lee spoke about how the PAP needs to improve the lives of Singaporeans, despite the uncertain external environment.

PM Lee said that Singapore is in a much better situation compared to other developed countries, with low unemployment (3 percent); increasing household incomes; and strengthening social safety nets.

He added that the PAP government has to:

i) Equip Singaporeans with the skills to take care of themselves;

ii) Upgrade workers through SkillsFuture and schemes to help workers shift from old jobs to new ones; and

iii) Strengthen social safety nets through CHAS, Pioneer Generation Package, Medishield Life, CPF Life and Silver Support.

3. PM Lee concluded by urging PAP to stay as a strong, national party.

To do so, PM Lee said that PAP has to:

i) Be close to all segments of society and cover a broad base.

ii) Serve the people and never "slacken, never take voters for granted".

iii) provide strong leadership and "a deep bench" with the next leadership team.

PM Lee urged the PAP activists to follow the footsteps of Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin and his activists -- embrace the Potong Pasir spirit and soldier on despite the initial defeats.

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