PM Wong: We will build S'pore with youths in mind, we will not let them down

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong gave a speech at the Debate on the President's Address on Sep. 24, 2025.

In it, he noted the many issues raised in the debate and the suggestions that have been floated.

PM Wong said that he would take a step back and speak to the larger mission before Singapore.

One of the components of that mission he focused on was that of the youth.

"We must ask ourselves, what kind of Singapore are we building, what kind of future do we want, how do we ensure better lives for our children and grandchildren?"

Relentless rat race

PM Wong pointed out that due to Singapore's maturing economy and ageing population, growth would inevitably slow.

Young people would naturally worry they might not do better than their parents.

A belief that leads to more competition, and in that hyper-competitive world, a common fear arises.

"Young people sometimes feel like they are trapped in a relentless rat race – from classroom to the workplace."

PM Wong also noted that these fears are not unique to Singapore.

"Across the world, younger people are reporting higher levels of anxiety, and responding in different ways. In China, there’s the phenomenon of tang ping or lying flat. In Japan, they talk about hikikomori, not leaving the house. In Europe and America – there’s “quiet quitting”, “downshifting”, or the “great resignation”, and so on."

He said Singapore must "defy this global trend".

"Here in Singapore, we must do everything we can to defy this global trend. We cannot let our young people down. They are our future."

He then gave these commitments to the next generation:

"We will build Singapore with you in mind, we will strive to create more fulfilling lives for you. And not just for a few among you – but for all of you."

He also elaborated on what would be required to achieve this.

Keep the escalator moving

PM Wong emphasised the importance of keeping the escalator moving, or in other words, maintaining social mobility.

Citing examples in other countries, he said that social stratification and entrenched privilege, like in caste systems, can "determine who you are, what you can do, and what you can become."

"Singapore starts from a stronger position, but we cannot stand still. We have to tilt the balance continually, and keep opportunities open at every stage of life."

The government will invest more in the early childhood years to close opportunity gaps quickly, PM Wong said.

This includes expanding family support organisation KidStart and enhancing the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF) financial support scheme ComLink+.

There will also be increased support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly by collaborating with parents, preschool operators, and social service agencies to address issues such as irregular school attendance.

"We will not only do more, but also take actions across agencies with a more integrated family-centric approach."

In the school setting, more reforms will be implemented to alleviate the pressure parents feel about their children falling behind.

This includes reducing the stakes of individual exams, broadening definitions of success and developing every child's strengths.

The amended PSLE grading system and introduction of Full Subject-Based Banding in secondary schools are examples of such reforms, PM Wong said.

"I want every parent and child to feel the same – that education is not a burden, but a springboard."

But he said reforms in the workplace must accompany such changes in education. Or as someone mentioned once.

"I am glad you are trying to make every school a good school, but you cannot succeed unless every job is a good job and that person is right."

He noted that changes must be made to the way employers hire and promote, by recognising different gifts and strengths instead of sorting talent by academic results.

"Because if employers still cling to narrow academic criteria to judge ability, then the arms race will simply shift from schools to workplaces. Parents will continue to feel that grades are the only ticket to success."

This could mean many capable Singaporeans are undervalued.

Reforms are already beginning to take root in both the public and private sectors, as attitude and aptitude tests are beginning to replace academic credentials, PM Wong pointed out.

He said that the government is also making progress on recognising and rewarding different professions.

Salaries of pre-school teachers and allied health professionals have been raised, while skilled traders and those considered to be "blue-collar" will continue to be professionalised.

Society must also move towards becoming more inclusive, he added, by encouraging and valuing different talents and being respectful to all forms of work.

Lowest Gini coefficient in more than two decades

PM Wong also pledged to continue strengthening safety nets for those who need help.

He talked about providing more support for children with special needs and people with disabilities.

And for those who encounter setbacks:

"We will help them get back on their feet because setbacks are part of life. And in Singapore, everyone is due second and third chances."

Which is why, he pointed out, programmes like SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme were introduced.

He said they will make this a far better scheme than unemployment insurance found elsewhere.

PM Wong noted that measures are already bringing down income inequality in Singapore.

"Our Gini coefficient is now at its lowest in more than two decades."

The Gini is a broad measure of income inequality.

He noted that previously, the Gini was measured only on income from work. The Department of Statistics has now updated the measure to include income from other sources, such as rental and investment income.

The full data has not been published, but PM Wong notes that the revised Gini comes out higher.

He, however, pointed out that even with the revision, the Gini is still moving downwards, and inequality in Singapore is narrowing.

And the government is determined to keep it that way.

"Taken together, our measures are helping to narrow both income and wealth inequality. We will press on and continue to innovate in our social policies so that at every stage of life, Singaporeans feel assured, supported and confident about the future. So that opportunities and progress will always be fairly shared across our society."

Solidarity

"Not every journey will reach the same destination," PM Wong said.

This means that those who are most successful should contribute more – in taxes, compassion and care.

"That must come from within each of us, it must come from the heart and it must be nurtured by a culture that puts “We” before “Me”."

Referencing a "We First" spirit that he first mentioned during the National Day Rally, PM Wong said more spaces and opportunities to mix and interact in social settings are needed to make sure differences add to society, not subtract from it.

This also means safeguarding against external elements seeking to divide the nation, and making decisions based on divisive lines like race and religion.

Constructive politics

Constructive politics is key to maintaining our unity, PM Wong said.

Addressing PAP members of parliament, he said, "We do not assume we are automatically entitled to govern, just because we have done so since self-government."

"Our right to lead must be earned – by working hard and delivering results that improve the lives of Singaporeans. Doing well in one election does not guarantee success in the next."

He said the Workers' Party, currently the only opposition party represented in parliament, has a duty of keeping the PAP on their toes and holding them accountable, he added.

"One day, it will want to take over from the PAP as the ruling party, even if it may not say so openly now. This is the nature of political competition."

But in the end, he said that whether it be the PAP, WP, or other political party, they are the "servants of the people".

"The final word rests with them. And I believe Singaporeans are discerning voters – they will decide which parties deserve their trust, both in government and in opposition."

Urged youths to be bold in chasing dreams and seizing opportunities

PM Wong ended his speech with a promise to young Singaporeans.

"So to all young Singaporeans I say: we will not let you down. We are building Singapore for you, and with you."

But the work goes both ways. He says that they too have a part to play in working with the government to secure a brighter future for themselves.

"The future is not cast in stone. It is something you create."

He urged youths to be bold in chasing their dreams and seizing opportunities.

"There will be setbacks along the way, but you will never face them alone. Embrace the failures as well as the successes. For it’s often at the edge of our comfort zones that we learn, grow and become the best versions of ourselves."

He stressed that most importantly of all, to remember that success is not just what they achieve alone, but what they build together.

"True fulfilment comes from creating a society where every Singaporean can stand tall, and we can all move forward as one people."

Image from MDDI YouTube