DPM Wong emphasizes the role of youth in shaping a more cohesive and inclusive society during the NUS Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum.
SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on youths to become proactive citizens in shaping Singapore’s future during a speech at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum on Friday (Aug 26). He highlighted the importance of the Forward Singapore initiative as a means to refresh and strengthen the nation’s social compact.
Launched in June, the Forward Singapore exercise is led by DPM Wong and the fourth generation (4G) leadership team. During his address, he posed several thought-provoking questions to the audience, asking how Singapore can continue to create more opportunities for all citizens, maintain social cohesion and inclusivity, and what specific changes they would like to see in the country. He urged students not to merely demand changes but to consider their own roles in making those changes happen.
“How can you be involved as an active citizen in shaping Singapore’s future?” he emphasized. Wong expressed gratitude for inheriting a “stable, prosperous, united” nation from previous generations and stressed the need to appreciate and build upon this legacy.
In his speech, DPM Wong also addressed the issue of income inequality in Singapore, highlighting the importance of uplifting lower-income households. He noted that the Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has been declining due to government efforts aimed at boosting incomes for lower-income groups. “This is essential for maintaining social cohesion, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to move forward together,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he posed the question of how to sustain these positive changes. Wong emphasized the necessity of a fair and progressive tax and transfer system, ensuring that it continues to favor vulnerable and lower-income families. He acknowledged the resource-intensive nature of providing support for these households, which requires collaboration from various agencies, social workers, and counselors.
“This effort cannot rely solely on the Government,” he stressed. “We need everyone to come together and contribute to these solutions.”
