Debated in Parliament on 22 Sep 2025.
Debate resumed.
Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Speaker, in the President's Address, Mr Tharman relayed the Government’s vision of a "we first" society where Singaporeans would "put the collective before the self", or the "we" before the "me". This reiterates the Prime Minister's message in his National Day Rally about the importance of "feeling that we are all in this together and not just looking out for our own self-interest".
Sir, we know Singaporeans are not selfish people. Our citizens do not only care for their self-interest. Time and again, Singaporeans have demonstrated their public-spirited and civic-minded character. Our communities have robust and longstanding traditions of acting in solidarity for the sake of the collective interest.
I am sure the House is familiar with the term "gotong royong". Many older Malays, especially those who lived in kampungs, may fondly remember participating in a rewang for a kenduri, where extended relatives and even neighbours would come to help the host family prepare for a wedding.
We can also look at how the Chinese community rallied together to establish the old Nanyang University. Nantah was a monumental achievement of collective sacrifice and solidarity. I want to recount the words of Han Suyin from her autobiography "My House Has Two Doors", where she described the collective founding of Nantah.
She wrote, "How many oyster omelettes, sliced crab, noodles of all kinds went into Nanyang University? The trishaw pedallers of Singapore and Malaya pedaled for three days and turned it all in for Nanyang University, and theirs was the greatest sacrifice, for they were so very poor."
She goes on to say, "Rubber tappers flocked to give; they know that their children would never have a chance to go to university, but it was a gesture of cultural identity. It was incredible and magnificent, and it must be remembered."
More importantly, our sense of generosity and solidarity extends cross-communally. The Straits Times reported on 27 June that the Singaporean public raised more than $2.4 million in aid for Gaza. I was especially heartened to learn that our local temples were among the many donors to the cause.
Mr Speaker, I hope my point here is clear: Singaporeans have always been willing to work for the common good. Singaporeans do care about others and we are able to see beyond our own personal interests. In fact, our success in nation-building is a testament to our citizens working together for the public well-being.
Sir, the President spoke of a "we first" society where "success is not measured only by personal achievement, but by what we do together for the common good." But why do Singaporeans now appear to be more concerned about their personal achievements over the common good?
I want to raise two possible factors. The first relates to the unintended consequences of meritocracy. The second is the growing sense of precariousness that many Singaporeans feel. Mr Speaker, allow me to elaborate on these in Malay.
(In Malay): Our emphasis on meritocracy is meant to ensure that talent is appropriately rewarded and to encourage social mobility on the basis of achievement, rather than affiliation, and capability, rather than connection. In practice, however, there is a tension within meritocracy between its "elitist and egalitarian strands," as Prof Kenneth Paul Tan once noted in his article "Meritocracy and Elitism in a Global City".
Prof Tan explained that meritocracy appears fair since it supposedly applies a "principle of non-discrimination". He also warned that meritocracy can be a practice that conceals the real advantages and disadvantages that are unevenly distributed to different segments and perpetuates inequality in an unequal society.
Meritocracy, when taken to an extreme, can promote the wrong impression: that those who succeed mistakenly believe that their success was achieved solely because they worked hard. Meanwhile, those who are left behind are assumed to deserve being left behind because they have not worked hard enough.
This demonstrates how meritocracy can be turned into an "ideology", as described by Syed Hussein Alatas in his book "The Myth of the Lazy Native". As an ideology, meritocracy is not just a mechanism to identify and sort talent, but it also becomes a belief to justify and explain away inequality and the lot of those left behind.
Such a belief can be corrosive to a "we first" society because it suggests that those who are struggling deserve to be struggling. It creates the impression that the poor and the disadvantaged should suffer what they must since they are not hardworking enough, or not smart enough, or not capable enough.
It is also difficult to foster a "we first" society when the ethos of meritocracy tends to contribute to a narrative of "winners" and "losers". When we find ourselves always trying to stay ahead and avoid losing out, it is not surprising that we become more concerned about personal achievement rather than the common good.
This brings me to my point about precariousness. Many Singaporeans live with a sense of precariousness. This is especially acute among the lower-income segments of the population. Many are feeling squeezed by the rising costs of living. In fact, some of our professionals, in order to support their families, even have to work a second job as a Grab driver in the evenings and weekends. Meanwhile, our local entrepreneurs also find themselves increasingly priced out by rental hikes.
Sir, this is the reality for many Singaporeans. They feel as though their lives are precarious, their futures and their children's futures are deeply uncertain, and they worry that everything they have worked hard for could be lost with just one unfortunate mistake or accident.
(In English): Mr Speaker, I just explained that when we uncritically idealise meritocracy, we risk blaming the disadvantaged for their plight and lauding the successful for their fortune. We cripple our own willingness to aid those who live paycheck to paycheck, those who are, today, condemned to an increasingly precarious existence.
I make the point about precariousness to highlight how difficult it is to think about the "we", when the "me" is valiantly struggling to make ends meet and eke out a living. Sir, it is unreasonable to expect our people to think "we first" without first addressing how many of our citizens feel that they are already overworked and over-burdened.
Sir, I wish to offer my own thoughts about a "we first" society. The House should not just exhort our citizens to do more, but also call on the Government to take the lead in ensuring that all Singaporeans can pursue a dignified life.
Moreover, I believe that when each and every person is afforded with dignity, it can lead to a more civic and public-minded behaviour. What do I mean by dignity? It means that no matter their background and no matter their lot in life, every Singaporean must be able to contribute to society and receive support from society. Importantly, this means that those who are falling behind or may need additional help are regarded with respect and their needs properly accommodated, instead of being treated as a burden on others.
On this occasion, Sir, I want to focus on dignity as it relates to our elderly. It is unconscionable that some of them remain classed among the working poor, having to make a living through menial jobs, even in their 60s and 70s. Every Member of this House would have met the cleaners, delivery workers and hawker stall assistants in their constituencies who are forced to persist in gruelling labour, despite their advanced age and sometimes, in spite of health issues.
Some of them might even find themselves having to live in rental homes with other strangers. Even as I admire their resilience and work ethic, I am sure that we can do better for our elderly. This House would surely agree that being forced into this situation is not a dignified way of living out one's golden years. We all want the best for our elderly.
More importantly, we do not resent or begrudge them as they develop more needs as they grow older. Rather, we recognise that it is a matter of their dignity that we do our best to accommodate those needs. The Government has, indeed, moved in this direction of better supporting our elderly, including increasing its healthcare expenditure from $10 billion in 2019 to $20.9 billion in 2025.
However, a "we first" society, especially one as wealthy as ours, must also attend to our elderly's post-material needs to enable them to pursue a life of dignity. To live your golden years, with peace of mind in a quiet place that you can call your own, without having to worry about your next meal, medical bill or bus ride. Such a life of dignity is surely what we owe to our Pioneer and Merdeka generations after they have devoted their prime years to Singapore.
When the Minimum Income Standard 2023 report was previously discussed in this House, there was much debate over whether "a sense of belonging, respect, security and independence" was a "basic need" or "aspirational". To me, however, the more pertinent question is: what can we do to make it easier for our senior citizens to live a dignified life, to feel respected and secure as our fellow citizens and recognise that they do belong to Singapore, as independent and autonomous persons rather than a social burden?
At the very least, we can make their lives easier by offering them free off-peak travel on public transport as the WP has proposed in our manifesto. In facilitating their mobility, the elderly not only retain their independence and autonomy, but it can also encourage their participation in social activities and allow them to continue being an active member of society.
And I am sure that most, if not all, Singaporeans would not begrudge offering such dignity to the elderly. After all, it will be an affirmation that our elderly belong here as a part of the collective "we". I want to emphasise the importance of dignity because while we remain conscious of the costs, eldercare should be more than a matter of considering cost and economic efficiency. Instead, it is about our collective values as a society and how we choose to take care of the vulnerable among us.
I highlighted the plight of our elderly poor, Mr Speaker, to demonstrate how the pursuit of a "we first" society is for naught if the "we" is not properly inclusive and allows certain groups of Singaporeans to lag behind. A "we first" society must be sensitive to the different needs of different groups, which includes being prepared to offer an extra helping hand if the situation requires it.
Aimé Césaire once poetically described how "there is a place for all at the Rendezvous of Victory".
Sir, I am sure that this House agrees that Singapore, at our own Rendezvous of Victory, must be a place for all – that when we win, we all win. This, however, requires the Government to sometimes step in, so that each and every Singaporean has the opportunity to lead a life with dignity.
This creates a virtuous circle, when all of us are assured the opportunity to pursue a life of dignity, it comes naturally to us to be more attentive and extend our consideration to those who are disadvantaged or not as fortunate.
As I have stated at the outset, Singaporeans are not selfish people. We care for others and we follow that up with concrete actions. History has shown that we are able to set aside our personal interests and, sometimes, even sacrifice them for a common cause.
These sentiments of collective solidarity, however, cannot simply be forced. But they can be nurtured by ensuring that all citizens have the resources and opportunities needed to pursue a dignified life. This would foster the sense of security and belonging necessary to motivate collective action. In other words, it is only when each one of us feels that we are truly valued members of society that we can become a "we first" society. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad.
Mr Speaker, the world today is being reshaped by powerful forces. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Gan and Members of the House spoke about geopolitical tension, economic volatility, technological disruption and the looming crisis of climate change.
Today, I will focus on one of the greatest threats to our generation, that is, climate disruption. It is not tomorrow's problem. It is already here. And around the world, the pace of climate action is slowing. The spirit of global cooperation is weakening. In fact, some countries have already wavered in their Paris Agreement pledges. Even with current commitments, the world is on track for warming of two to three degrees, well beyond the 1.5 degrees that science tells us is safe.
Singapore contributes just 0.1% of global emissions. But we will still feel the full force of climate change. While we cannot change the world's trajectory alone, we must be prepared to live with its consequences. As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his National Day Rally speech, "We must look ahead, anticipate what is on the horizon and prepare to ride the next wave of change."
That is the hallmark of the PAP government. We govern not just for the next election cycle, but for the future generations of Singaporeans. Throughout our history, the PAP government has made bold decisions with foresight and discipline. We invested in water resilience before others even thought about it – NEWater, desalination, local catchments. We transformed waste management with incineration and adapted Pulau Semakau. We cleaned up the Singapore River and tackled air pollution long before environmentalism was fashionable.
As our founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew once declared: "I am calculating not in terms of the next election, I am calculating in terms of the next generation; in terms of the next 100 years; in terms of eternity." This was said back in 1965 and this spirit endures in today's political leadership.
Singapore's future and our survival is at the front and centre of everything that we do. Our adaptation strategy is not piecemeal. It is coordinated. It is ambitious. It is backed by long-term thinking across generations of leaders. We are looking 30, 50, even 100 years ahead. That is why we have committed about $100 billion over the next century for coastal protection.
This is not an elections or political slogan. We are just four or five months out into the new term. But it is a serious financial commitment, one that we planned prudently and that we will fund sustainably through our fiscal policies and reserves. There are very, very few countries in the world that can say the same.
Climate change is no longer abstract. It is affecting our daily lives. By 2100, sea levels could rise by 1.15 metres. If you add storm surges, almost 30% of our land today is at risk. Think about East Coast Park, Sentosa, Eunos-Kembangan and possibly up to Tanjong Katong, under water.
Imagine Singapore without the coastlines that we are familiar with. No evening jogs or family picnics at East Coast Park. No Marina Bay waterfront skyline. These could be just memories of what we used to be, if we did nothing today.
At the same time, rainfall is intensifying. We feel it. I feel it. I think you feel it too. Extreme daily rainfall could increase by 92% by 2100. Over the years, the Government has spent billions of dollars on our canals and drains to prevent floods. But extreme rainfall will only mean that flash floods in urban areas will only get more common if we do not act. The question is whether we can overcome practical constraints to engineering and costs to cater to extreme weather, given our tight landmass and highly developed urban areas.
The temperature is also getting hotter. Due to global warming and the urban heat island effect, mean daily temperatures may rise by five degrees by 2100. Last year was the hottest year on record globally. And in Singapore, our coldest month today is already warmer than our warmest month in the 1960s – imagine that.
Our food security is also at risk. We import more than 90% of our food. Floods, droughts and export bans can disrupt supplies overnight. We saw this during COVID and got us thinking of new approaches and strategies to develop food resilience.
Water too is vulnerable. Our Four National Taps give us resilience but the changing weather patterns and rising demand means that we must work harder.
These are not distant scenarios, ladies and gentlemen. They are today's lived reality and we can already feel the changes.
At first glance, climate adaptation feels like setting up various defence measures across the country – sea walls, drains, polder systems, solar panels and food stockpiles. But adaptation is also about vision. It is about turning necessity into opportunity.
Take Marina Barrage. History shows us why such long-term projects matter. When Marina Barrage was first proposed, there were many who doubted its feasibility and value. Today, it is one of Singapore's most iconic landmarks – a reservoir, a flood barrier, a place where families gather for recreation. What was once a bold idea has now become a national treasure. While it was built for flood control and water supply, it is now a place where families picnic, students learn, and communities gather.
That is the approach that we must take, protecting our people and our assets with a purpose, and creating greater value in adaptation. We are embarking on a generational effort to protect our coastlines. The "Long Island" project along East Coast Park will be more than just a seawall. It will include reclaimed land for homes, a freshwater reservoir and new spaces for recreation. We are creating value for our people by providing more homes, more facilities and more opportunities, while protecting our coastline.
At Pulau Tekong, we have completed Singapore’s first polder. The polder used half the sand required of conventional reclamation, while increasing the training space for the SAF – the size of two Toa Payoh towns.
We have launched site-specific studies for Greater Southern Waterfront, Changi, Jurong Island and more. The studies for Sentosa and the south-west coast will start by 2026. Piece by piece, we are creating a ring of resilience around Singapore.
But we are not on this journey alone. The PAP government will continue to build trust with Singaporeans and bring our people with us for this journey and for the long haul. We want to engage our citizens. We will also consult nature groups like the Nature Society because resilience must also mean shared ownership.
As President Tharman reminded us in his President’s Address that, "This trust has allowed us to make hard choices when needed and to plan for the future beyond current election cycles". This is precisely what adaptation demands: choices need to be made today, for risks that may arise decades ahead.
Youth and nature groups have already come forward with ideas, from marine biodiversity corridors to recreational spaces, showing how Singaporeans want to shape their future.
We are also building flood resilience inland. So, this year, we launched an Alliance-for-Action (AfA) to co-create a Flood-Resilient Developments Guidebook with industry partners like the Singapore Institute of Architects. The guidebook will give property owners and developers a toolkit of flood protection measures. These measures will enhance the flood resilience of their premises, while allowing solutions that best integrate with the design.
We are also working with businesses and residents in flood-prone areas. We distribute flood barriers. We run awareness campaigns. No matter how strong the storms are ahead, the Government will work with you to overcome them together. Climate resilience is not just about engineering. It is really also about mindset.
I will now share our plans for heat resilience. Rising heat is changing daily lives and we are developing a whole-of-Government Heat Resilience Strategy. It covers urban planning, building design, public health and community awareness.
The Government has a national heatwave response plan to protect Singaporeans. And this will require the collective effort of the Government, our employers, and our people. For workers involved in heavy physical labour, employers will keep a close watch on heat stress levels and ensure that they have sufficient hydration and rest, away from the sun. Students can dress down or switch to home-based learning if needed.
Besides the efforts from the Government, the public can also play its part. Volunteers can check on vulnerable groups, such as the elderly in our community, to ensure that they are adequately protected. We can open cooling centres at Community Clubs (CCs) and the Resident's Committees (RCs) for vulnerable groups and monitor patients and seniors in hospitals and eldercare centres. Through the myENV app, the public can also get timely Heat Stress Advisory information on how to protect themselves according to heat stress levels.
But ultimately, resilience is not just about infrastructure. It is about mindset. Just as Total Defence reminds us that every Singaporean has a role in our security, climate defence requires collective action by everyone. And the test will come during an extreme climate event. Will we stand together, support the vulnerable and act as one people? That is what will define us as Singaporeans.
We are also learning from others who face extreme heat today. We are studying heatwaves in Europe, heat adaptation measures in the Middle East and exploring novel cooling methods with researchers and preparing before such extreme events reach our shores.
Looking ahead, we are strengthening whole-of-Government coordination and partnering businesses, academia and the community, to develop an integrated Heat Resilience Strategy. This will create shaded walkways, green corridors and cooling zones, which will improve liveability while making our neighbourhoods healthier and more walkable.
Already, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) are testing and scaling innovative measures like new wind flow modelling technologies and cooling materials in our estates. These are among new innovations that can potentially make a difference in our daily comfort in the long run.
Moving on to food and water resilience. Food is part of our culture and our identity. But disruptions are becoming more common. Today, floods, droughts and heatwaves are affecting crops globally.
COVID-19 was a stark reminder of our vulnerabilities. I recall in 2020, there were concerns that countries' COVID-19 measures would lead to food supply disruptions, such as eggs. And this led to increased demand for eggs overnight. Yet, within days, we were able to reassure the public of continued supply due to our diversified sources and stabilised demand. That experience underlined why resilience is non-negotiable.
That is why we are diversifying our sources. Before COVID, eggs came mostly from one country. Today, we import from more than 10 countries, while our local farms here provide a third of our supply.
Even as we increase local food production, we will work to facilitate food imports from new sources. At the industry level, we will support our local importers to nurture strong relationships with business partners through overseas sourcing and business matching trips.
Our local farms and food production still matter. They are our assured source in crises. And we are helping our farms to scale by addressing key challenges of productivity, cost and demand. We want to encourage local farms to tap on technology to grow food in a more productive and climate-resilient manner. Through the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund, farms, such as Green Harvest, have invested in a hydroponics greenhouse with automated mobile gulley system. This has made them five times more productive than traditional farms.
But Singaporeans must also support local produce. When we support our local farmers and buy more local produce, such as chye sim or seabass, we are building resilience for ourselves. When Singaporeans choose produce with the SG Fresh Produce branding at supermarkets or wet markets, you are directly supporting our farmers and our food security.
Local produce is fresher, lasts longer, incurs lower carbon footprint to reach us and many are pesticide-free. I am glad that industry players, through SAFEF (Singapore Agro-Food Enterprises Federation Limited), are already working on long-term contracts between farmers and buyers. These are not abstract ideas. They are already feeding Singaporeans today.
Likewise, water is essential to our lives. For Singapore, water is a precious and limited resource. As then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in 2021: "Water is a strategic and scarce resource, and also a precious fruit of our labours...We are always pushing the limits of our water resources."
We have over successive decades built a robust and diversified water supply, made possible by right-pricing water. We have built up our Four National Taps – local catchment, imported water, NEWater and desalination – to strengthen our water resilience.
But as our population and economy grows, and as weather patterns change, we have to work harder to conserve this precious resource because water security is also national security.
Singapore's waste system is so efficient to the point that it is pretty much out of sight, out of mind. The issue for Singapore is that we have very limited land for waste management and the reality is that Semakau Landfill may be full by 2035, just 10 years ahead. As Singapore becomes more affluent and develops new industries, we will produce and consume more. Hence, if we do not manage our waste well, we will face issues of disposing them within the next just 10 years.
Since 2021, we have collected over 30,000 tonnes of e-waste under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme to develop a circular economy. In 2026, we will launch the Beverage Container Return Scheme to boost the recycling of plastics and metals. For food waste, large commercial and industrial food waste generators in new buildings, they must now segregate food waste for treatment, and this will be extended to more and more buildings.
The industry is also stepping up. The AfA on Packaging Waste Reduction for the E-Commerce Sector, which included players like Amazon and Shopee, has developed guidelines to encourage the use of sustainable packaging. In our estates, new initiatives, such as REhub bins allow residents to deposit recyclables, scan QR codes and track recycling habits. This helps to build awareness and give families a sense of ownership in reducing waste.
But we must also recognise that we have room to improve. Our overall recycling rate stands at about 50%, as compared to 63% in Australia. This comparison is a reminder that Singapore can and must do better with our collective effort. Everyone can do the 3Rs – reduce consumption, reuse what you can, recycle right. And this only works if we all commit, together.
Moving on to a low carbon future. Despite the backsliding of global climate action, Singapore must stay the course in our transition to a low carbon future. There is the economic imperative to ensure that our businesses and jobs remain competitive for the long term.
We will continue to support businesses with incentives to improve their energy efficiency. Based on the latest data from the International Energy Agency, Singapore's energy intensity would rank amongst the lowest one-third, if compared to all OECD countries. Singapore imports almost all of our energy supply and it is important that Singapore raises our energy efficiency to make every joule count.
As businesses improve on their energy efficiency, we will continue to calibrate the price signal through the carbon tax, which aims to enhance the business case for low-carbon solutions. The Government uses the carbon tax we collect to support businesses in the green transition and we encourage adoption of low-carbon technologies, such as solar power.
The good news is that Singapore has achieved our 2025 solar deployment target of 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) and is on track to meet our goal of at least two GWp by 2030. We are also partnering industry for other climate mitigation measures, such as high-quality carbon credits, as well as cross-border carbon capture and storage.
As regional countries explore nuclear power, we are building capabilities in nuclear science and safety. Through the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, we aim to grow from 50 to 100 experts by 2030. And this will allow us to assess risks prudently, and plan for long-term possibilities.
Households too play their part. The Climate Friendly Households Programme supports households in switching to efficient appliances. As of August 2025, 78% of eligible HDB and 55% of private households have claimed their Climate Vouchers, of which $187 million has been utilised. This helps households save on utility bills, while helping to lower our carbon footprint.
We are also making full use of our land. By 2030, nearly every HDB block with a suitable rooftop will be fitted with solar panels. These panels power common services – lifts, lights, and water pumps – directly lowering energy costs for residents and Town Councils.
Mr Speaker, climate change is the defining challenge of our generation. Every adaptation measure I have shared – whether it is $100 billion in coastal protection, national heat strategies, food and water resilience, or circular economy innovation – reflects more than just engineering. It reflects a philosophy of governance, a philosophy rooted in the PAP government's long-term view, passed down from our founding fathers, across generations of political leaders and to the 4G leaders of today. This is rooted in fiscal prudence, political will and the conviction that every generation must leave behind a stronger foundation for the next.
As Minister Grace Fu reminded us at the V3 National Climate Change Study Symposium last year: "Climate change is an existential threat for Singapore, and the Government treats it with utmost seriousness. We are investing significantly to better understand it and starting our planning and preparatory works."
In the next five years, we will develop Singapore's inaugural National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which Minister announced this year at Committee of Supply (COS) 2025. The NAP will be our living roadmap to address the physical risks and social impact of climate change.
This is the commitment that my colleagues and I at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) bring to this work. We plan, we prepare, and we act early, because safeguarding Singapore is our first duty.
President Tharman shared in his address at the Opening of this Session Parliament, "We will nurture a 'we first' society at every level, starting in the community."
That is our calling today, to take the long view, to put "we before me", to protect tomorrow with resilience, steward today's resources responsibly and ensure that Singapore, our little red dot, continues to thrive in a turbulent world.
This is the PAP government's promise, to govern not just for the next election, but for future generations to come. And for us, for all of us here in this Chamber, to do so with the same courage and foresight of our founding fathers, that built the Singapore that we enjoy today. Mr Speaker, can I continue in Malay, please?
(In Malay): Mr Speaker, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated in his National Day Speech that, "We must also look ahead – anticipate what is on the horizon, and prepare to ride the next wave of change."
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation. It is not a future issue – it is already happening. Heat is increasing, rainfall is getting heavier and sea levels are rising. Singapore only contributes 0.1% of global emissions, but we will feel its full impact.
Here lies the uniqueness of the PAP government. From the beginning, we have never governed just for electoral cycles, but for the future of all Singaporeans. As demonstrated by Mr Lee Kuan Yew in the Singapore Water Story, the Government does not shy away from tough decisions, plan for decades ahead and ensure that we allocate resources to carry out the plans. This spirit has enabled Singapore to survive, and this same spirit also guides us in facing climate change today.
First, coastal and flood protection. The Government has made the bold decision to invest $100 billion over 100 years to protect our coastline. The Long Island project will protect the East Coast from sea level rise, whilst providing housing, freshwater reservoirs and recreational space. The polder at Pulau Tekong demonstrates that we can protect our coastline in a more resource-efficient manner, whilst giving the SAF a larger training space.
Second, heat resilience. The Government is developing a national Heat Resilience Strategy that encompasses urban design, public health, and community support. During heat waves, we can issue warnings through the myENV application, as well as protect workers and students. But resilience is not just about infrastructure – it is about society's attitude to stand together, just like the spirit of Total Defence.
Third, food and water resilience. During COVID-19, we saw how supplies can be easily affected. Now, we import eggs from over 10 countries and our local farms increased their production through modern technology. We also encourage citizens to buy local products with the SG Fresh Produce label.
Water will remain a strategic issue. Therefore, we developed NEWater and desalination plants. As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in 2021, water is a strategic resource and our most precious energy product – that is why the PAP government continues to invest with fiscal discipline and foresight.
Fourth, waste management. If nothing is done, Semakau Island will be completely filled by 2035. The Government did not wait for a crisis to occur. We are implementing extended producer responsibility policies, planning a beverage container return scheme in 2026, and also developing a circular economy with industry. This is how the PAP government works – we do not run away from trade-offs or challenging issues, but plan boldly with a view for the long term.
Finally, energy innovation. Singapore has achieved the 2025 solar target much earlier, and by 2023 almost all suitable HDB rooftops will have solar panels installed. We also import renewable energy through the LTMS project, while supporting households with Climate Vouchers. All of this shows that we are not only resilient, but also remain competitive in the future green economy.
Mr Speaker, climate change is an existential threat. But it is also an opportunity to show what makes Singapore different – we have a Government that boldly plans decades ahead, has fiscal discipline, and is committed to taking care of the people beyond electoral cycles.
As President Tharman underlined in the President’s address "We will nurture a "we first" society at every level." For me and my colleagues MSE, this is our commitment – to plan ahead, protect our people, and ensure Singapore is always prepared to face climate challenges. This is the PAP government's pledge – we govern not for the next election, but we govern for the next generation. Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.
Mr Sharael Taha.
Mr Speaker, I would just like to raise a clarification on Mr Fadli Fawzi's speech earlier. He mentioned a fundraiser where more than $2.4 million of funds was released for Gaza and one of the donors was from a temple. Was he referring to the M3 fundraiser for Gaza?
Mr Fadli Fawzi. Mr Fadli, I will give you some time. I will call on Ms Tin Pei Ling first.
Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the Address of Thanks to President Tharman's speech at this Parliament's Opening. President, in his speech, spoke of Singapore being at a critical juncture in our history as we celebrate SG60, and the importance of how we must remain resilient and inclusive, embracing the "we first" mindset, even as we navigate a turbulent world and transform for the future.
Indeed, Singapore's story has been remarkable, characterised by a silent defiance.
Firstly, defying the odds of history. When Singapore became independent in 1965, many doubted our survival. We were a small nation with no natural resources. Deep social divides, racial riots and hostile neighbours could have torn us apart.
Yet, we defied the odds. Through grit, unity and foresight, we transformed ourselves into a thriving economy and a cohesive society that we are proud of today. Our early generations refused to be defined by limitations and built a nation greater than the sum of its parts.
Then, defying the odds of de-globalisation and a turbulent world. Today, the odds we face are different, but just as formidable. The global order is shifting, major powers are contesting influence and the economic climate is more uncertain than ever.
Following the Cold War, Pax Americana shaped the international order, building institutions, establishing rules-based international order and delivering a long period of relative stability and prosperity. Yet, concentration of power carries risk. If a single hegemon ceases to act as a steady, rules‑based steward, the global system can be destabilised. Recent trends, from abrupt policy shifts, perceived abandonment of allies, sudden tariff escalations and weakening of multilateral and international bodies have exposed those vulnerabilities and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. These have significant impact on how supply chains are structured, on trade and talent flows and definitely on Singapore.
Escalating geopolitical rivalry and US protectionism will reshape sourcing, manufacturing location decisions, logistics patterns and trade flows. These will affect Singapore's advanced manufacturing which contributes to over 20% of our GDP and other sectors of the trade and our status as a hub.
Interestingly, in a recent closed door sharing organised by my firm with large scale international payment service providers supporting cross border trade, an observation made was that trade is now more point-to-point, as opposed to passing through central nodes.
Also, "friendshoring" by firms would also mean that trades happen within allied blocs. Singapore would have to ensure that we continue to participate in the various trading blocs, which we have been thankfully so far. But this is also contingent on not being forced to choose sides.
In addition, the US tariffs, if they persist, could have profound implications on Singapore as highlighted by our leaders in this House before. The US tariff on Singapore may be relatively low but given how we import, value-add and then export, other countries could pass the cost of tariffs to us, resulting in our overall costs and prices to go up. At some point, coupled with the possibility of preferential trade agreements favouring bilateral corridors and logistics optimisations, we could be priced out of the competition and trade and firms could bypass Singapore altogether.
As countries increasingly turn inward, doubting the benefits of globalisation and retreating from multilateralism, one wonders how Singapore companies can still dream global?
Hence, in the face of these extrinsic challenges, Singapore must remain a stable node in an unstable world. A place where investors can trust the rule of law, where talent knows merit is valued and where citizens feel secure amidst global disruption. At the same time, we must be a stable node that is resilient. As a hub, we have to offer secure and diversified services to support the supply chains and trade. We also have to enhance our trade facilitation and digital services to keep competitive.
We must also be a stable node with many connections. We must continue to be among the world's most open and connected hubs, in air and sea transport, in trade and finance, in talent, data flows and digital networks. Here, I applaud our Government's efforts in constantly building up our position as air and sea hubs. The much anticipated Terminal 5 and Changi East development will no doubt add to Singapore's competitive advantage.
It is also encouraging to know of our Government's efforts to sign more Free Trade Agreements and Digital Economy Agreements, making sure we maintain high standards and inter-operability for data, digital infrastructure and networks so that trade and innovation can still flourish.
Could we do more? The answer must be yes.
Technological advancements have been enablers but also game changers. Singapore may not be known for inventing foundational technologies, but we can invent new systems and excel in applications built upon these technologies.
For example, leverage our strategic position in ASEAN and build regional digital financial infrastructure. It could be inter-operable payment rails using tokens to reduce our region's overreliance on any particular currency or cross border payment rail. It could be a cross‑border real‑time payments utility hosted in Singapore, given our strong legal and regulatory trust framework. It could be a tokenised trade and commodities platforms to facilitate trade finance. It could also be an independent digital arbitration and compliance registry trusted by companies and institutions for sanctions, export control vetting and contract enforcement, leveraging our strong legal services, combined with the use of blockchain for audit trails and AI for evidence analysis.
It could be a certified, geopolitically neutral cloud and confidential compute marketplace for regional or international enterprises needing to maintain independence. It could also be a decentralised energy and critical minerals marketplace offering trusted certifications as geopolitical competition for energy and critical minerals intensifies.
Some of these are probably already being considered by the Government or happening as we speak. These are just broad ideas and examples of how Singapore can defy the odds of our extrinsic reality. I am sure there are many other and better ideas out there. So, in this term, I urge that we continue promoting public-private partnerships to discover new ideas, to deliver excellence and to create new possibilities for Singapore.
Ultimately, our relentless pursuit for economic progress – survival, in this case – is and must be rooted in our pursuit of improving lives for our people. So, even as the world churns and pressures, Singapore must endeavour to remain stable. As others build walls, Singapore will build bridges.
Next, defying the odds of demographics. At home, our society is also changing. Our population is ageing. Our younger generations face vastly different challenges. The way we live, work and play are different. Our policies, approach and infrastructure have to evolve.
Gen Z today face challenges different from that of mine. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Z Singaporeans missed out on internships and overseas exchange experiences. Also, with the rise of AI, entry-level jobs are affected and job search strategies that used to work may no longer work now. Fragmented career paths could be a permanent trend.
It is, thus, heartening to observe the Government's efforts in supporting our youths in their education and employment. Such efforts to empower and keep them relevant must continue.
Many may see an ageing population as a burden, but in Singapore, we can and should shape how we age. We can organise ourselves so that seniors enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives supported by better healthcare, stronger communities and lifelong learning.
Much has been said about how to support our seniors better, so I will not expound them again here. But what is worth repeating is that we must make sure that our seniors today and tomorrow do not give up on themselves. We must not be handicapped by our own prejudices towards old age. We must continue to work on our policies, infrastructure and programmes to enable seniors to live healthier, work better, if they so choose, and play harder.
Defy the odds by transforming longevity into our source of strength. It is not just our people who age. So does our hardware and infrastructure.
Singapore's hardware and infrastructure, from HDB flats and estate common facilities to rail networks, power cables and more, underpin daily and community life, economic activity and national resilience. Much of this built capital has served our nation well for decades, but with demographic shifts, technological changes, climate risks and simply the passage of time, mean that the "business as usual" maintenance and periodic upgrades are no longer sufficient. Singapore must refresh existing hardware and infrastructure more intensively and build new, future‑ready ones to sustain living standards.
Firstly, with age comes wear and tear. Pipes, lifts, walls, ceilings and other components in flats and housing precincts suffer wear, obsolescence and greater fault frequency, worse if they happen together. For those of us who have mature housing estates, will know that the lifts cannot last until the recommended 28 years. Our Town Council, for example, had to bring forward the replacement of over 100 lifts in MacPherson because it has come to a point whereby the lifts just kept breaking down, no matter how much we maintained the lifts.
Our rail lines, signalling, substations and power distribution networks could face the same challenge. Hence, deeper interventions and bigger budgets are to be expected.
Secondly, as our demographics shift, demand patterns and standards will evolve. For example, an aging population means greater use of lifts, means more sheltered walkways with more benches needed for resting along the way. With the move to using more electronic vehicles and eventually autonomous vehicles as well, more charging stations and other infrastructure will be needed, and so space and power allocation has to change. Overall, planning norms, quality standards and budgets will have to change.
Thirdly, climate changes will add to the challenges we face. Higher temperatures, more intense storms and rising sea levels can accelerate material degradation, strain our drainage and power systems and increase the need for backup and emergency response capabilities.
Taken together, Singapore must take a strategic approach that treats infrastructure as long‑lived systems requiring continuous investment, greater use of digital solutions for better oversight and periodic, deep renewal. This means having to consider new norms, higher standards, more predictive approaches and, unfortunately, higher public spending. A tough job for the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Though refreshing or building new infrastructure is not exactly defying the odds, it is important because the right build environment can free us from everyday friction, sharpen our focus, spark creativity and unlock our best performance. In Mandarin.
(In Mandarin): In his address at the Opening of Parliament, President Tharman pointed out that Singapore stands at a historical juncture. Despite global turbulence and mounting uncertainties, we must maintain resilience and inclusivity, moving forward with steady steps towards the future.
Singapore's story has never been ordinary. This extraordinariness stems from Singaporeans' quiet determination to "never give up."
We never give up: rising from historical adversity. Our forefathers refused to let circumstances limit us. Through perseverance, unity and foresight, Singapore became a prosperous economy and harmonious society that makes us proud today.
We never give up: we must strive to break through amidst de-globalisition and a turbulent world. Today, we face different but equally severe adversities. The international order is being restructured, US-China rivalry is intensifying, and the economic environment is increasingly uncertain. These changes profoundly affect supply chains, trade and talent flows, and will inevitably impact Singapore.
Geopolitical competition and rising protectionism will reshape choices of procurement and manufacturing locations, logistics patterns and trade flows. This will shake our position as a hub, affect our economic development, and impact our people's long-term livelihoods and quality of life. Deglobalisation also means that globally-minded Singapore enterprises may be unable to fully deploy their capabilities and realise their ambitions.
Therefore, even as the world fluctuates with both old and new pressures coexisting, Singapore must still strive for stability. When other nations build walls, we must build bridges. We must uphold the rule of law, strengthen external and domestic trust in our institutions, remain open whilst ensuring our citizens feel secure amidst turbulence.
We never give up: demographics need not be a constraint. Our society is changing. Population is aging; younger generation is facing vastly different challenges, lifestyles are also changing accordingly. Our policy formulation and implementation must stay relevant.
Many view ageing as a burden. But in Singapore, we can and should reshape how we view old age. Over the years, our government has been committed to supporting our elderly to live healthier, more fulfilling and more productive lives through better healthcare and more diverse social and community structures. We must reject the negative mindset of "waiting to die" or "being useless when old." We must strive to give all Singaporeans, young and old, reasons and motivation to look forward to each new day. With our never-give-up spirit, we will transform longevity into a source of strength.
Just now, WP parliamentary colleagues seemed to insinuate that my party is autocratic in their speech. Let me respond to this.
Since coming to power, the PAP has consistently upheld a people-centric philosophy in governing the nation. Whilst our governing methods may differ at various points in time, our original intentions and principles remain unchanged. In the early days of independence, we faced harsh and volatile environment, surrounded by challenges on all sides. This naturally required decisive leadership to lead the people and nation through difficulties. Our achievement has made people proud. On the international stage, though we are a small red dot, our voice is not small, and the overall quality of life for our people has been substantially improved. This could only be achieved through the dedication of our leaders and the full cooperation of our people.
Today, we have had three Prime Ministers and welcome the fourth generation of leadership led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The PAP's governing philosophy remains unchanged. In the Prime Minister’s many important speeches, he has consistently emphasised people-centric governance and a We-first sprit. The Prime Minister has also promised that the Government will continue to listen to Singaporeans' voices through various channels, so that we can all participate in nation-building, build trust and deepen our national identity to achieve common goals. Facing a diverse society, we must be inclusive and accommodating, drawing strengths from all and learning from each other, so that we can go far.
As elected MPs, we will certainly follow the same philosophy, serve wholeheartedly and trust our constituents, living up to their expectations. As a democratic country, of course we cannot be autocratic. The key point is that we do not make compromises because we fear losing. We do so because we choose to have our nation and the people at heart and work for the long-term interests of the country and people.
(In English): Sir, this year, we celebrate SG60. As a Singaporean, I am glad that we have not let our forefathers down. Singapore remains a shining red dot on the world stage. Yet, as President Tharman reminded us, Singapore now stands again at a pivotal moment. A nation tested by history, by the turbulence of a shifting world and by profound domestic changes.
Singapore has always risen to respond to challenges time and again, through our openness and resilience, through our long-term planning and willingness to take action, through our resolve, grit and unity. And it shall be no different now as we mark SG60.
At this point, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the residents of MacPherson and the broader Marine Parade-Braddell Heights group representation constituency (GRC). Thank you for your trust in us, in me, so that we can continue this journey together, so that we can be your voice in this House.
We have grown together for so many years in the past. We have overcome many different and difficult moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we have come up with new ideas to strengthen our community, to better our services, to deliver common good for the broader community. We have raised funds and crowdsourced for ideas, and I believe that we will continue to grow stronger together.
In conclusion, we have defied the odds then, we will defy the odds again and again. I support the Motion.
Mr Fadli Fawzi.
Mr Speaker, in response to Mr Sharael's clarification, in the article, he said it was a SG60 community fundraising initiative together with M³@Towns.
Mr Sharael Taha.
Mr Speaker, I just wanted to thank Mr Fadli for citing the good work that our M³ and M³ volunteers do. It is really a good example of a "we first" society. In just over a month, during the month of Ramadan, the M³ volunteers raised $2.4 million through stallholders, individuals, businesses and also through temples. It is a good example of a "we first" society where we can work together towards a common good.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.
Mr Speaker, I support the Motion to thank the President for his address. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam reminded us that the world is changing in profound ways; that our global order is fraying; that we must face the future with foresight, with fortitude and with faith in one another. Allow me to frame my remarks under three themes. First, unity at home; second, competitiveness through innovation; and third, conviction in the rule of law.
Mr Speaker, families form the foundation of our nation. They are the fortress where values are first planted and resilience, nurtured. The President was right to emphasise that we must continue to support parents, children and seniors, whether through childcare, housing, eldercare, or help for blended and multi-generation families. Five years ago in my maiden Parliamentary speech in this House, I spoke about my son’s love of playing with Lego blocks and how each Lego brick is like our family unit; the building blocks of our society, with each one unique in shape and form and how we can enhance support and connection with one another.
I have taught my son to pick up chess. What began as a game, quickly became a way for me to share life lessons. I taught him three lessons. First, the goal is to capture the king; you can risk everything, but not your queen. Second, if you play to avoid losing a single piece, then you will surely play to lose. Third, whether you are king or pawn, everyone returns to the same wooden box in the end. These, Mr Speaker, are not just lessons in chess, but also lessons in love and in life. We protect what is most precious to us, we take bold steps when needed and in the end, we must remember that what matters is not status, but how we played the game, the game of life.
Beyond families and into our communities, racial and religious harmony, meritocracy, also form the vital glue that holds a nation together through times of change. In our pursuit of growth and progress, these must never be sacrificed or compromised, for they are not negotiable assets but enduring safeguards of our collective well-being.
Lesson number one: just as in chess, where the goal must be to capture the king but one must never recklessly risk the queen, we must strive for success and advancement, yet we must never endanger the sanctity of family life and our racial and religious harmony. Without them, even the boldest pursuit of victory would come at too great a cost. That is why I am proposing more support for families by extending schemes, such as the LargeFamilies Scheme’s LifeSG Credits to support more families, including blended families with stepchildren. In this House, I have also previously called for more childcare leave and support to be given to families with more children.
Beyond this, let us strengthen parental support, expand inter-generational programmes, enhance after-school care and provide more relief for caregivers. Just as in chess, every piece matters, in Singapore every family, no matter its form, deserves our support. Our nation’s story is one of sacrifice and solidarity. We must continue to choose "we first", not "me first".
Mr Speaker, the President reminded us that global competition is intensifying, costs alone will not carry us forward. We must adapt faster, innovate bolder, compete on skill, on speed and on trust. Here, too, the lessons of chess offer some wisdom. Lesson number two: if you play only to avoid losing a single piece, then you will surely play to lose. The player who hesitates, clinging to pieces, fearing change, will soon find himself cornered. The master anticipates, innovates and deploys each piece to the best advantage. Likewise, if Singapore clings to old ways, paralysed by fear of change, we will be overtaken. To win, we must anticipate, take calculated risks and deploy every piece to its best advantage.
For Singapore, this means skilling up our people, scaling up our enterprises and sharpening our public service. SkillsFuture Level-Up and mid-career reskilling schemes are like pawns steadily advancing, each move creating new possibilities. Enterprises that harness artificial intelligence, green technologies and advanced manufacturing are like bishops and rooks, powerful when used with foresight.
But innovation must not stop with businesses or workers. Government too, must lead by example. In my recent Parliamentary Questions, I asked whether AI tools and technology are being explored in Government’s procurement processes to reduce errors and strengthen oversight and to also introduce more dynamic socio-economic assistance packages that can be more responsive to real cost-of-living pressures.
Mr Speaker, Singapore has always been a city that defies its size: a small but smart nation. If we remain restless in innovation, relentless in improvement and responsible in governance, then like a skilful chess player, we will not merely react to the board but we can be five moves ahead. We will shape the game and remain resilient in a shifting world.
Mr Speaker, the President warned us also that “might is right” is once again rearing its ugly head. Tariff wars and protectionism are weakening global trade rules. In conflict zones and humanitarian crisis places, like Gaza, civilians suffer most when international humanitarian law is disregarded. Here too, I return to that simple lesson I shared with my son. Lesson number three: at the end of the game, whether you are king or pawn, everyone goes back into the same wooden box. It is a reminder of humility, of equality and of the limits of power. In chess, even the strongest piece must obey the rules, without them, the game collapses into chaos. Likewise, in international relations, rules and law are what protect the small from the strong, the weak from the powerful. For Singapore, this means upholding fairness and the rule of law at home, ensuring justice is impartial, combating foreign interference, protecting our people from crime and terrorism. Internationally, it means standing up for the rules-based order, defending open trade against protectionism, affirming humanitarian principles that shield civilians from suffering.
Singapore may be small, but when we stand by principle, we are larger than our size. In choosing rules over power, we safeguard not only ourselves but the very system that allows small states, like us, to stand tall. Mr Speaker, in Malay, please.
(In Malay): Mr Speaker, for a small country like Singapore, adherence to international law is extremely important because it is the main safeguard that ensures our sovereignty, security and right to exist amongst the great powers. In today's increasingly fragmented and uncertain geopolitical climate, we must continue to hold firmly to our principles because only in this way can the international system remain fair, orderly and provide protection to small nations.
Singapore's position on the international stage is not merely due to the extent of our territory or economic strength, but because we firmly uphold international law, principles of justice, and the resolve to always become a trustworthy partner nation. Therefore, although we are small on the world map, we wield considerable voice and influence, because we stand tall on a foundation of principles.
Even as the world outside is increasingly in turmoil, marked by division and conflict, Singapore must not waver. Racial and religious harmony is our most important heritage, while social cohesion and meritocracy is our most powerful weapon. As long as we stand together as one nation, our spirit will not waver – because in unity lies the strength of a country with a great soul.
May I recite two Malay quatrains:
The banyan tree spreads wide and fair
Its shade protects the village way
Racial harmony, our heritage to bear
A treasure for each passing day
The boat anchors where waters meet
The wind brings news from far and wide
We stand together, hearts complete
Our nation's strength and lasting pride
Mr Fadli Fawzi said in his speech earlier that before being able to have a thinking of "we first", we must also first look at ourselves. I thank him for agreeing with this position. In fact, this has been the PAP government's approach all along. For us, meritocracy and helping those who need it more do not contradict each other.
Prof Kenneth Tan and Prof Hussein Alatas also emphasised that not everyone starts from the same position. We acknowledge this. Singapore's meritocracy system is not just for development alone, but to uplift everyone.
The M3 initiative, Project Dian supporting rental flat families, Project Fitrah for vulnerable families, Mathematics classes for preschool children, Workfare and the Progressive Wage Model for low-income workers, assistance through the Merdeka Package, Pioneer, Silver Support and many others. All of these, all of these, are for the various segments of our society who need them.
"We first" does not mean we are blind to the factors that hinder an individual's development Our meritocracy serves to ward off nepotism, tokenism, and cronyism in governance. However, our meritocracy in Singapore is also accompanied by compassion. Our meritocracy gives us the opportunity to help those who need it more.
This is our shared responsibility. This is the "we first" that the President and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong meant.
(In English): Mr Speaker, Sir, the word gotong royong, since it is the Malay language one, duat gotong royong. "Gotong" is derived from the Javanese verb "ngotong", which signifies the act of carrying a burden. "Royong" implies doing it together. Meritocracy is our shared commitment to help one another with compassion, our "gotong-royong", this is how we Singaporeans carry each other together.
Unity at home, competitiveness through innovation, conviction in the rule of law. These are the three coordinates of our course as a nation. Just like the chess lessons I gave to my son who is going to sit for his Primary School Leaving Examination soon, we safeguard what is dearest, we act with courage when the moment calls for it and, in the end, it is not rank that defines us, but the integrity with which we played the game.
Hence, if we keep our families firm and our society inclusive; if we keep our people skilled, our enterprises bold and our Government innovative with integrity; if we keep our politics principled and our laws respected, our people united, then like a well-played game of chess, Singapore will not just survive in this turbulent tournament of nations, but secure a stronger, fairer and more united future for generations to come. Majulah Singapura!
Ms Tin Pei Ling you have a clarification?
Mr Speaker, I forgot to declare my interest that I am working in a major payment institution and therefore, just now, earlier in my speech, I mentioned the closed-door event organised by my firm. I would like to declare my interest here.
PAPERCUTS