Singapore Must Remain Exceptional To Stay Ahead, Says PM Wong

By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz

SINGAPORE, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- Singapore must remain exceptional to stay ahead, as the world becomes increasingly uncertain amid deepening geopolitical tensions and rising protectionist sentiments, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said. 

Speaking on the eve of the country’s 60th National Day celebration, Wong, who is also Finance Minister, emphasised that the need for Singapore to move faster, adapt quicker, and innovate smarter by embracing new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and robotics, and applying them meaningfully across the economy.

“We must enable our people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and sharpen our competitive edge.

“The pace of change will be rapid and not always comfortable. There will be disruption. Not everyone will find the transition easy,” he said in a pre-recorded televised National Day Message from the Padang.

Wong said the government would continue to walk this journey with the people, including by expanding opportunities for learning and skills upgrading, strengthening social safety nets, and helping every Singaporean who faces setbacks to bounce back.

He noted that Singapore is refreshing its economic strategy to strengthen competitiveness, deepen capabilities, and secure its future.

On Aug 4, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong announced that the government has formed five commitiees as it would undertake an Economic Strategy Review to consider new ideas and approaches aimed at strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness and economic relevance.

Meanwhile, Wong also called on Singaporeans to remain united, stating that as a small nation, it cannot afford to be divided.

“When we stand together, there is nothing we cannot overcome. We may come from different races, speak different languages, and hold different beliefs, but we are bound by something deeper: a shared commitment to one another, and to Singapore,” he added.

Singapore will celebrate its 60th year of independence with a National Day Parade on Saturday at the Padang – the historic site where Yusof Ishak, Singapore’s first Head of State, was inaugurated when the country became a self-governing state.

-- BERNAMA