Upcoming changes to retirement age have caused the most concern here in Singapore, according to a survey that polled 1,002 Singapore citizens and PRs, aged 15 and above, and was focused on reactions to the 2019 National Day Rally.

The survey was done by independent research agency Blackbox Research.

Changes to retirement age most important

Respondents were most concerned about changes to retirement age, with 25 percent of respondents rating it as the most important theme this year.

Other topics of concern are the worsening economy (23 percent), as well as CPF changes for older workers (19 percent).

On the other hand, long-term plans to address climate change made a good impression on respondents, with 21 percent saying this was the most impressive part of this year's NDR speech.

The plans to develop the Greater Southern Waterfront was rated the second most impressive (17 percent), and was especially popular among the young.

There were also differences between genders for some of the questions.

While women were more impressed with the upcoming changes to CPF for older workers (21 percent), men were considerably less so (14 percent).

PM Lee did better in NDR 2018 speech

Interestingly, the survey also rated PM Lee's delivery of the speech based on several metrics, such as his presentation and how well it connects with Singaporeans.

According to the survey, PM Lee scored slightly lower for his presentation this year, with only 36 percent of respondents giving him a high rating, compared to 38 percent the previous year.

The themes raised at NDR 2019 were also considered less enticing to Singaporeans compared to NDR 2018, which centred around issues such as cost of living, housing and healthcare.

Overall, Singaporeans rated the NDR speech 6.1 out of 10 this year.

Younger Singaporeans (15 to 24-year-olds) rated it higher at 6.6, while older Singaporeans (50 years old and above) rated it only 5.9.

Top image by Rachel Ng