Four key priorities for Singapore’s government as Parliament reopens

President Halimah Yacob on Monday (Apr 10) set out four key priorities that will shape the Government’s agenda for the rest of its term, ranging from inclusivity to liveability, as she opened the second session of the 14th Parliament following a two-week recess, or prorogation.

This comes as Singapore faces an increasingly dangerous and troubled world post-pandemic, amid great power rivalry as well as economic headwinds, she said in a 20-minute address to the House. Singapore, she noted, would need to strengthen its social fabric to remain united and do well in such a world.

The first priority is expanding opportunities throughout life for all, regardless of individual backgrounds and circumstances.

She said the Government will “do our utmost” to combat the tendency towards stratification that occurs with meritocracy, “absent major upheavals”.

“We must not allow advantages and privileges to become entrenched and persist over generations. This would weaken and fracture our society,” said the president. “We must ensure a broader and more open meritocracy that works well for all Singaporeans.”

This means rethinking the approach to education, by aiding disadvantaged children without being “unwittingly drawn into an educational arms race”.

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In the area of work, it means re-examining how society rewards different skills and talents, alongside greater support for vulnerable segments, such as lower-income workers and persons with disabilities.

Improving social safety nets to help Singaporeans better cope with disruptions and setbacks in life is the next priority, said President Halimah.

For example, the SkillsFuture ecosystem will be strengthened to enable every citizen to do a “significant skills reboot” that will keep them employable. Workers in their 40s and 50s in particular face a higher risk of displacement amid greater uncertainty and technological change, she noted.

The Government will also strengthen assurance in other ways, including preventive care for seniors through HealthierSG and enhanced retirement adequacy. Public housing will also be kept affordable and accessible for Singaporeans, she said, noting that close to 100,000 private and public homes will come on stream by 2025.

The third priority relates to longer-term efforts to build a city that is “green, connected and highly liveable”.

The president outlined plans to “renew and transform” Singapore’s urban landscapes in line with its Smart Nation vision, with technology as a key enabler.

Beyond infrastructure, the city should also become “people-friendly”, she said, referring to better connected streets and green spaces. The distinctive culture of different neighbourhoods will be strengthened, while housing estates will be made more vibrant, she added.

Strengthening Singapore’s collective responsibility to shape its new compact is the fourth priority.

“More government action should not result in a greater sense of dependency and entitlement,” said President Halimah. “Instead, the Government will, through its actions, reinforce individual and family efforts, and bring forth contributions from other stakeholders.”

She called on employers to do their part to invest in workers, and for community partners to complement government efforts to support vulnerable families.

Singapore will need a stronger network of stakeholders to participate in nation-building in order to tackle the complex challenges ahead, she said, adding that the Government will do more to mobilise and involve all stakeholders.

Beyond the present needs, there is also a need to plan for the future and think on behalf of generations to come, said President Halimah.

Climate change poses an “existential threat” to Singapore, and efforts to cut emissions as well as mitigate rising sea levels will require responsible use of fiscal resources and husbanding of accumulated reserves.

This will allow future generations to weather major storms and build the Singapore of their dreams, she said.

Singapore is now in a much stronger position than when it started out back in 1965, and its collective experiences have strengthened the mutual trust between Singaporeans and their trust in the Government, said President Halimah.

She added that the fourth-generation leadership transition is well underway, noting that they have worked well together through the Covid-19 crisis and have been engaging citizens widely through the ongoing Forward Singapore exercise.

“The trust between our political leadership and people, and between Singaporeans themselves, is a key strength we must continue to nurture and cherish,” she said, adding that this has gone wrong in many societies that now face deep divides and political gridlock.

Noting that people will always have different views in an open, diverse society, President Halimah said that debates should be honest and robust, but also constructive, respectful and responsible.

She added that Singapore has done well so far in building “a deep reservoir of social capital and trust” out of its diversity.

“We should reaffirm and uphold our shared values, while re-examining what needs to be updated and possessing the courage to break new ground,” she said. “Only then can we forge ahead confidently, firm in our footing and sure of our destination.”

As she wrapped up her address, the president said that the Covid-19 experience showed what Singaporeans are capable of when they come together as a nation, and gives everyone “quiet confidence and strength” to face the future together.

“Let us learn from this experience to work together to improve the lives of today’s Singaporeans, keep faith with future generations yet unborn, and build a Singapore that thrives and endures for many years to come,” she said.

Parliament will sit again next week, with Members of Parliament set to debate the address as they scrutinise and discuss the Government’s plans.