PM Wong announces 'major review' of S'pore's approach to supporting families, says govt will stand by S'poreans amid challenges like AI

To help Singapore families deal with competing demands, the government will undertake a "major review" of how it supports families, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

He was delivering the National Day Message on the evening of Aug. 8.

PM Wong also acknowledged the various challenges that Singapore faces, from the Middle East conflict to advancements in AI.

But while Singapore cannot control developments beyond its borders, it can control how it responds and must continue preparing for the challenges ahead, he said.

"We will always stand by Singaporeans," PM Wong stressed.

"But our responsibility is not just to deal with today's challenges. We must also prepare Singapore for the future."

Middle East crisis

Speaking on the Middle East crisis, PM Wong said that the international environment remains volatile, with geopolitical tensions continuing to reshape the global landscape.

In Singapore, the crisis has driven up energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and increased costs for households and businesses, he said.

Many Singaporeans are also concerned about what the geopolitical environment means for their jobs, families, and the future.

Despite these challenges, Singapore's economy has remained resilient.

Economic growth was robust in the first half of the year, and the labour market has remained stable, PM Wong said.

The government has also introduced another package of measures to help Singaporeans cope with the continued uncertainty.

Embracing advances in technology on Singapore's own terms

PM Wong also spoke about rapid technological innovation, particularly the advancements in AI.

While Singapore cannot afford to stand still as other countries advance, he stressed that it should not "accept every new technology uncritically".

"Singapore will embrace these advances on our own terms.

They must remain tools that serve people, strengthen communities and improve lives."

So far, Singapore is benefitting from the growth of AI, particularly in its semiconductor industry. The government also intends to harness the technology to boost productivity and create better jobs.

At the same time, it will continue to invest in skills upgrading and workforce training to ensure Singaporeans can adapt, grow and thrive amid technological change.

Separately, PM Wong noted that while social media has enabled people to stay connected and exchange ideas, concerns have grown over its impact on children and young people.

To address these concerns, he said the government will strengthen safeguards to better protect children and help them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

More support for families

Across the world, couples are facing growing pressure to give their children the best possible start in life.

At the same time, many are also caring for ageing parents alongside work commitments.

PM Wong acknowledged that families are feeling stretched as they balance competing responsibilities.

To this end, the government will be undertaking a "major" review of how it supports families.

"We hear these concerns in Singapore too. And that is why we are undertaking a major review of how we support families — not only at the point of marriage and parenthood, but throughout life's journey.

We are taking a fresh look at issues like the costs of raising children, access to affordable infant care and childcare, and other ways to lighten the load on families."

More details regarding this will be shared at the National Day Rally on Aug. 23.

Building a stronger Singapore for the future

Looking ahead, PM Wong said every generation has a responsibility to build a better future for the next.

To that end, Singapore will continue to strengthen its energy security, make better use of its limited land, and invest in the infrastructure needed for the future.

But nation-building goes beyond physical infrastructure, he said.

It also means remaining open to new ideas, deepening links with the world, and welcoming people who wish to contribute to Singapore and make it their home.

This is essential for a small island state like Singapore.

"When times are uncertain, it is tempting for countries to turn inward. But Singapore cannot afford to do so.

Our openness has served us well throughout our history, and it remains vital to our success in the years ahead."

PM Wong concluded by reaffirming the importance of unity, noting that Singapore has always brought together people from different backgrounds as one nation.

"The challenges before us are real. But so too are our strengths — our resilience, our openness and our unity.

If we keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of our Pledge, we will build a better and stronger Singapore together."