We will nurture 'We 1st' society at every level: President Tharman at Parliament opening

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​​”Singapore can only stand tall if we act as one people,” said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during a speech at the opening of the 15th Parliament on Sep. 5, 2025.

“We will nurture a “We First” society at every level, starting in the community,” President Tharman said.

He spelled out how Singapore should create ground-up programmes to take on the “causes that matter” and do more to make giving and volunteering a way of life.

However, a “We First” society is not only about organised programmes, President Tharman said.

“It is equally about the values we live by, and our regular habits of care – from offering a seat on the train to lending a hand in times of need,” he said.

Keeping our unity

President Tharman also pointed out that “social divisions are hardening” in other parts of the world.

Pointing out that Singapore’s unity is built on embracing our diversity, he said that this unity can never be taken for granted.

“We should resist any temptation to use race or religion for political gain, or to view national issues through such lenses,” President Tharman said.

Instead, President Tharman said we must continue to nurture what makes us “distinctively Singaporean” — accepting our varied identities, taking a respectful interest in each other’s cultures, and building common ground through shared experiences.

He brought up examples of how the Singapore Chinese Orchestra recently collaborated with members of The Straits Ensemble, maestro percussionist Riduan Zalani and others to transcend traditional boundaries in a melodious celebration of SG60.

He also mentioned Ngee Ann Polytechnic student Syakirah Dahiyah Sudanto, who became the school’s first non-Chinese student to pursue Chinese Studies.

A changed world

Earlier in his speech, President Tharman also commented on how the world around us is changing in “profound ways”.

While Singapore had thrived in a “rules-based and inclusive global order” underwritten by American leadership, that order is now fraying, he noted.

"The rules and norms that helped keep the peace, and enabled rising living standards globally are losing force," he said.

He added that acts of aggression, coercion, or unreasonable demands are now more readily tolerated and appeased, while the weaponisation of trade and economic interdependence has made international relations “more fraught and complex” than ever.

While Singapore “cannot command the tides”, we can “shape our own destiny”, President Tharman said.

Securing home and safeguarding Singapore’s place in the world

The first priority for Singapore then is to “secure our home and safeguard Singapore’s place in the world”, President Tharman said.

The government will continue to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities, counter emerging threats and support NSmen.

Beyond military strength, Singapore also has to withstand new and unconventional challenges.

Explaining that foreign actors will seek to influence domestic public opinion to advance their own agendas using means like social media platforms, President Tharman said this could spread disinformation, seed discord, and cause rifts in our society.

As such, Singaporeans must be equipped with the ability to discern fact from fiction, understand and uphold our national interests, and resist external manipulation from near and far.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Each of us must play our part in fortifying our home,” he said.

At the same time, Singapore will also play a constructive role in efforts to shape a fair and stable global order in the years ahead, President Tharman said.

This would be through deepening Asean integration, supporting reforms to ensure effective multilateralism at the United Nations and World Trade Organization, and deepening partnerships with like-minded nations to preserve and open up flows of trade and investment.

Transforming our economy

President Tharman also spoke about the importance of a strong economy.

“In a more fragmented world, Singapore must remain a safe harbour: a reliable base from which to navigate global complexities, and a gateway to Asia’s dynamism,” he said.

With global competition intensifying, Singapore must adapt faster and innovate more boldly, he added.

As such, Singapore is refreshing our economic strategies.

Much effort will be required to restructure industries and build deeper capabilities in every sector of the future, he added.

Above all, President Tharman said an experimental spirit has to be fostered among our enterprises and people.

“It is how we can grow leading firms, and secure good jobs and rising incomes for Singaporeans,” he said.

“We seek not just growth, but inclusive growth – a society where every citizen shares in the nation’s prosperity, and every Singaporean has the confidence that tomorrow will bring brighter opportunities and a better life.”

The trust built through many years of tripartism "gives us an edge", President Tharman, said, adding that it enables us to move faster in deploying new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We can do so while managing disruptions to the workforce and generating new job opportunities, he said.

"Our task is to make it practical for every enterprise to harness AI, while stepping up the reskilling and upskilling of every segment of our workforce," he said.

Sustaining mobility

"We must keep social mobility alive with each new generation," President Tharman said.

He explained that this has always been a national priority, and it remains our shared ambition for the future.

"Every Singaporean must be given the opportunity to develop themselves to their fullest potential," he said.

He explained that this begins with early childhood, through our education system, and enhancing training and career pathways.

"Singapore must also remain a home where the vulnerable amongst us are not only cared for with compassion, but also empowered to pursue their hopes and dreams," he said.

President Tharman emphasised that Singapore will continue to uplift lower-income families as well as strengthen support for Persons with Disabilities.

"Ultimately, our nation’s success will never be measured by economic growth alone. It must be judged by how we support the vulnerable, and how we enable every Singaporean – young and old – to contribute, and to live with dignity."

Top photos from MDDI/YouTube