In his first National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlines ambitious plans while emphasizing core values.
When watching Prime Minister Lawrence Wong deliver his first National Day Rally speech on August 18, my immediate thought was: “This could have been Heng Swee Keat, and I wonder what he would have said.”
Reflecting on past speeches, including Goh Chok Tong’s 1991 maiden address and Lee Kuan Yew’s commentary on Tony Tan’s potential succession, I began to wonder how Wong’s approach measured up to those predecessors.
The National Day Rally speech itself, a cornerstone of Singaporean political discourse, began in 1966 as a private gathering, but it became a public event in 1971, showcasing leadership in uncertain times. Early addresses, like Lee Kuan Yew’s, stressed “consolidating to survive” and ensuring Singapore’s long-term viability—a sentiment Wong echoed in his speech.
One standout moment in NDR history came in 1983 when Lee Kuan Yew’s controversial “graduate mother” speech highlighted an existential demographic threat. His directness exemplified tough-love leadership. In contrast, Goh Chok Tong introduced a more self-deprecating, compassionate tone when he became Prime Minister in 1991, ushering in a gentler, more collaborative governance style.
Lee Hsien Loong, succeeding Goh in 2004, emphasized the need for continuous balance between change and continuity. He urged Singaporeans to challenge the status quo and innovate to thrive, a call that has been echoed by subsequent leaders, including Lawrence Wong.
In his speech, Wong introduced Forward Singapore—a program aimed at engaging citizens to reflect on values and chart a collective future. His proposals included enhanced parental leave, a scheme for retrenched jobseekers, and reforms in gifted education and multiculturalism. The emphasis was on bold future moves while adhering to enduring principles such as self-reliance and multiculturalism.
So, should Singaporeans be excited or cautious? A mix of both seems necessary. Wong’s rhetoric suggests bold steps for the future, but with an understanding of the need to maintain what works—keeping to core values while pursuing necessary innovations. In this delicate balance lies his leadership style: bold yet grounded.
