President's Speech

Mr Speaker, Sir, I rise in support of the Motion to thank President Tharman for his Address at the Opening of the First Session of this 15th Parliament.

President Tharman's call for unity, inclusivity and resilience deeply resonates with me, because these are not abstract ideals but real challenges we see on the ground. His Address is a timely reminder that while policies set the direction, it is a collective effort of Government, businesses, unions and our communities that will determine whether every Singaporean feels supported and included in this journey. I am committed to do my part in Parliament and in my Nanyang division to help translate this vision into reality for our people.

Mr Speaker, Sir, I have stood in this House on at least six occasions since 2021, to sound the alarm and plead for stronger action against the notorious rise of vaping. At that time, the burden of enforcement fell almost entirely on the shoulders of the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), an agency I believed was not sufficiently resourced to combat this growing crisis. My belief was strengthened when I saw the dangerous infiltration of illicit products like Kpods into our schools and communities, and the possible involvement of criminal syndicates in trafficking vapes and Kpods.

So, it was with a profound sense of relief that I, along with many concerned Singaporeans, listened to President saying that "we must guard dangers at home, including vape". Similarly, Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong had earlier voiced his concerns about vaping, especially those laced with harmful substances, during the National Day Rally. He affirmed the urgent need for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties. And true to his word, swift and decisive action followed, powerfully backed by our dedicated Home Team officers, working closely with MOH and HSA officers.

What we are seeing now is the strength of a whole-of-Government response. A united front involving MOH, Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and MINDEF, is working to detect smuggling, and to protect our young people in schools, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and army camps. While I deeply wish this decisive move had come sooner to curb vaping's nasty spread, I am, nonetheless, grateful, for in matters of public health and safety, it is always better late than never.

This very success, which demonstrates what we can achieve when agencies work in concert, brings me to my next point, the critical importance of seamless coordination within our Government to truly serve our people.

We have come a long way since the famous "fish ball stick issue" was first raised in by then-backbencher Ms Low Yen Ling and mentioned by then-Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong during his National Day Rally in 2014. Today, Ms Low Yen Ling is a Senior Minister of State, and inter-agency coordination has undoubtedly improved. Yet, some stubborn challenges remain.

Let me share an example of the challenges we face in the fight against pest birds, whether they are pigeons, mynas, or crows.

Recently, Nanyang has seen more of such birds, and I believe many other parts of Singapore face the same issue. When I noticed people feeding birds, which technically counts as littering, I referred the matter to the National Environment Authority (NEA). But NEA explained that they only handle high-rise littering, such as when food is thrown from windows to feed the birds. On the issue of bird control, they told me it is not under their purview and referred me to the National Parks Board (NParks).

When I approached NParks, I was told that they mainly manage pigeons. For crows, they would request the Town Council to remove nests from trees. As for birds scavenging for food waste, responsibility depends on location. When the birds eat on the food waste in hawker centres, NEA steps in. If it happens at coffee shops, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) takes charge. If it happens at food courts in industrial estates, then JTC Corp is responsible – and the list goes on.

So, here is my question. If NParks is the main agency responsible for pest bird management, and this is clearly an island wide issue, would it not make sense for NParks to set up a taskforce with NEA, Town Councils, HDB, JTC and other relevant partners, so that efforts can be coordinated instead of fragmented? Surely, we should not need to escalate this, the fight against bird nuisance to our Defence Minister, who is also the Coordinating Minister for Public Services, to lead the war against bird nuisance.

Someone suggested we could consult ChatGPT. But, of course, ChatGPT or generative AI cannot chase away the birds for us. But it remains an important tool to help us tackle everyday challenges.

During my recent trip to China, I once again saw first-hand how technology is transforming daily life, from sophisticated self-driving functions in mass-market electric cars to simple voice commands that can open curtains or switch off lights in a modest three-star hotel, technology has touched everyone's lives.

What I witnessed shows us the true potential of AI. It can amplify human creativity, solve problems once thought impossible, and unlock entirely new levels of productivity. More than that, AI adoption creates new kinds of jobs, just like the rise of social media created opportunities for content creators and influencers. Yet, we must also acknowledge the very real concern that AI may displace jobs. As tasks become streamlined, some roles will inevitably be lost and this is where our greatest challenge and our deepest responsibility lie.

We must embrace technology but also ensure no one is left behind. We must not see displaced workers as collateral damage. They are our partners in this transition. Beyond the measures already introduced by the Government and our unions, I believe we can and must do more to support workers who may be displaced by generative AI adoption.

Firstly, we need to strengthen lifelong learning not just as a policy, but as a culture. Workers must feel empowered, not fearful, when faced with new technology. Instead of asking, "Will AI take my job?", we should encourage them to ask, "How can I use AI to do my job better?"

Secondly, let us look into community-based learning hubs. Just as we have libraries and community centres in every town, why not also create AI learning spaces, where residents, regardless of age or background, can get hands-on exposure to digital tools, guided by trainers and volunteers? This makes reskilling accessible at the heart of every neighbourhood.

Thirdly, we must build stronger partnerships with industry. Companies that adopt AI should not just think about profits and productivity. They should also take responsibility to retrain their workers, so that technology uplifts people rather than leaves them behind.

Finally, we should encourage and celebrate second careers. A displaced worker does not mean a discarded worker. With the right training, a driver today could become a remote controller of autonomous vehicles tomorrow; a cashier could become a digital customer service specialist; a technician could become an AI maintenance trainer. Each career transition is not an end, but a new beginning.

Mr Speaker, Sir, whether it is the fight against vaping, the nuisance of pest birds, or the disruption of AI, one lesson is clear. No challenge can be solved alone. Our strength lies in people working together: the Government, the unions, the businesses and communities. With unity and courage, we can turn every challenge into opportunity, protect every worker and ensure every Singaporean has a place in the future.

Mr Speaker, as we mark SG60 this year, it is clear that Singapore has attained significant achievements by most standards – from third world to first, from mud flats to metropolis, as the Singapore story goes.

Today, Singapore stands as the world's fourth richest country by GDP per capita, around US$93,000, according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF's) 2025 projections and ranks 26th globally by a total of GDP, notwithstanding our modest size, making us ASEAN's second largest economy, surpassing in Thailand which has a population exceeding 71 million.

We often label ourselves as a small country with limited resources, no hinterland of our own, but, perhaps, in this century, physical size and natural resources have become secondary. Singapore's population exceeds most of the top 10 GDP per capita countries and many of which do not enjoy abundant natural resources.

Africa's struggles with the resource curse reminds us that natural endowments are no guarantee of prosperity. I am sure everyone knows of Nvidia, now the world's most valuable company at more than US$4 trillion or roughly $5.5 trillion, yet it employs merely 36,000 workers. Consider instead, one of the largest palm oil plantation companies listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, which employs over 100,000 workers and yet creates far less value with a market capital of about $4 billion.

Which model do we aspire towards? Human capital and financial resources now loom larger than natural endowments or physical space. According to a recent article from The Financial Times, they believe GIC could well be the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, with assets worth somewhere between US$1 trillion and $2 trillion, a testament to Singapore's success in capital accumulation at the national level.

Yet the troubling paradox remains. According to ADP, 60% of Singaporeans are living paycheck to paycheck as of 2024, a figure that surpasses regional neighbours, like China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia. And why is the cost of living the top voter concern, according to the Institute of Policy Studies' (IPS') post-election survey, when we are supposedly one of the richest countries in the world? In our day-to-day interactions, we witness residents anxious about their financial security and seeking help through MPS.

Moreover, are Singaporeans truly happy and satisfied? Though ranked the world's third happiest city by the Institute for the Quality of Life in 2025, one cannot help but feel a healthy dose of scepticism as to whether this reflects the lived reality of most Singaporeans. Numerous surveys in recent years point to widespread workplace burnout. One in four primary school students experience bullying. And we see all these manifestations of anxieties and stress around us, from growing neighbour disputes and noise complaints, to road rage and superiors lashing out against junior employees. What gives?

Singapore's economy is at a crossroads. Economic growth, growing the pie has always been the Government's fundamental goal and the Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong recently affirmed that we should grow as much as we can, aiming for rates faster than the eventual 2% to 3% long-term target.

This is not wrong in principle. But we must now ask, is it more important to grow the pie or to grow most Singaporeans' share of the pie? President Tharman reminds us, "The old playbook is no longer sufficient."

Yet, in the short term, much remains largely unchanged. On the capital front, the focus remains on attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) to anchor multinational companies (MNCs) here. Singapore is still keen to continue incentivising MNCs, in spite of Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 and the global minimum tax. And with regulatory certainty and the rule of law in place in Singapore, as opposed to what we are seeing in other countries, including the US right now, I am sure there will be companies keen to locate themselves here.

On the labour front, again in this fractured world, there will be many who will want to call Singapore home. Non-resident employment growth continues to stay at elevated levels of 152,000 across 2023 and 2024, according to MOM statistics, reflecting both the demand and supply of non-resident labour. However, there are limits to growth by boosting capital and labour. The world's largest economy, the US, increasingly ties trade agreements to domestic investment for tariff reductions. How will global supply chains shift and will Singapore's economic relevance continue to endure in this new world order?

Meanwhile, Singapore's population has touched six million, raising questions: how much further can we drive economic growth through workforce expansion in one of most densely populated cities in the world? While the Government had anticipated for our population to remain well below the 6.9 million mentioned in the 2013 population White Paper, a 2% annual increase, which is the same rate as that of last year, would see us reach roughly 6.8 million by 2030; and at 1%, we would still hit 6.4 million.

So, Mr Speaker, I fully agree with our President that we need to urgently rethink our playbook. I acknowledge that we have been attempting to refresh our economic strategies and Singapore has never lacked taskforces or committees: the Economic Strategies Committee launched in 2009; the Committee on the Future Economy in 2016; which was followed by the Future Economy Council; Future Economy Advisory Panel; Industry Transformation Maps; then the Emerging Stronger Taskforce in 2020; and most recently, the Economic Strategy Review and Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce this year. Many even have multiple sub-committees.

However, if you take stock of where we are today, our economy remains very much driven by attracting global MNCs and capital. This is a model that has prevailed since Albert Winsemius advised Singapore in the 1960s. Looking at the share of value-add to the indigenous workforce and citizen-owned companies, this has declined from roughly 70% in the late 1980s, to 50% to 60% in the decade prior to 2015.

Unfortunately, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) shared, in response to my Parliamentary Question in 2022, that the Department of Statistics ceased indigenous GDP and gross national income (GNI) data compilation from 2011 and 2016, respectively, due to the perceived lack of public interest. But these numbers are crucial. The Yearbook of Statistics 2012 noted eloquently that Singapore's economic development depends heavily on foreign capital, foreign technology and foreign workers, with a large share of employee compensation and operating surplus accruing to foreigners and foreign enterprises. Per capital GNI, as conventionally defined on the residential basis, may not, therefore, reflect correctly the income accrued to Singaporeans. How then can we reverse this? How many homegrown Singapore firms have become global giants?

AI is the buzzword of the day, prompting reflection. You do not need huge physical space or underground natural resources. Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab is valued at US$12 billion, with just around 50 employees. Why do we not have our own open AI equivalent, despite Singaporean students having one of the best math and science scores in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), for decades? When local entrepreneurs succeed, many still choose overseas listings and foreign bases to access supportive ecosystems. This despite our financial hub status and acclaimed business friendliness.

Prime Minister Wong's Addendum to the President's Address highlights investing in productive capacity, ensuring stable tax, customs, regulatory environment and infrastructure investment. To me, these are necessary, but insufficient conditions. Because, as what President Tharman has said, "Above all, we must foster an outgoing and experimental spirit among our enterprises and people."

In the near term, it is crucial to prevent a lost generation by securing jobs. Young graduates are justifiably anxious. AI-driven seniority-biased technological change may disproportionately impact juniors and entry-level positions. Grades is a good start, but full-time entry-level role creation must also be incentivised. For example, reintroducing the jobs growth incentive for fresh graduates. If GRaduate Industry Traineeships @ Gov (GRIT@Gov) mimic full-timer duties, then the Government should take the lead in levelling pay and benefits.

Long term, re-invigorating our workforce demands that our education system fosters critical thinking and independent learning, not rote memorisation. As Alvin Toffler wrote back in 1970, the illiterate of the future are not those who cannot read or write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and re-learn.

More pressing still is raising our total fertility rate (TFR), which slipped below one in 2023 and stayed low in 2024. Looking at our population pyramid, one might be forgiven for thinking we do not have an ageing population, thanks largely to immigration. We recently debated the Families Motion and without repeating myself, our low TFR remains an existential threat to Singapore and our identity.

President Tharman pledged, "in this term, we will do more to help parents better manage their work and family commitments and work with stakeholders, such as employers and community partners to build a culture that celebrates and values families".

Minister Indranee has said earlier that our marriage and parenthood policies are not incremental. But, perhaps, the most urgent task force we need now is one to tackle the critical challenge of our record-low TFR. Do we show the same resolve in tackling population as we do economic challenges? Because without enough Singaporeans, there will be no Singapore economy to speak of.

Ultimately, our greatest challenge, in my view, is how to refrain from rent-seeking or rent-maximisation behaviour as a society. To develop an entrepreneurial culture and let the thousand flowers bloom, we must encourage open-mindedness and diversity of ideas. More entrepreneurs mean more risk takers, but this also requires robust safety nets so Singaporeans can pursue entrepreneurial or vocational change without risking destitution.

We see rent-seeking across our society. Individuals buying investment properties, prompting Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty measures; companies prioritising property over their core business; even Government that focuses on maximising rents and nothing less than market value for land, lest it be seen as raiding the Reserves.

But such behaviour permeates every corner of the economy, raising costs. We must set the right tone at the top.

Policy should not inevitably reward the highest bidder at the expense of wider societal outcomes. I am encouraged that there are initiatives for more price quality tenders downstream; and as a matter of policy, whether it is for general practitioner (GP) clinics or hawker stalls, we need to move away from simply awarding sites based on the highest price alone.

I agree with Minister Ong Ye Kung in his response to the $52,000 monthly rental bid for a GP clinic at an HDB estate, where he shared that this must translate to higher cost of healthcare one way or another; and that the higher rental bids do not necessarily translate to the best healthcare that the community needs. Upstream, however, we must go further. State land forms part of our Reserves, but excessive land prices push up development costs and rents, impacting tenants and consumers.

As a local C-suite member of one of Asia's largest real estate groups recently shared, in Singapore, land costs now form roughly 70% of total project development expenditure, up from just 4% in the 1980s when Raffles City was built. These costs inadvertently get passed down and perhaps, it is time to consider reviving the two envelope or concept and price land tenders, focusing on desired developmental outcomes beyond just the highest bids. Mr Speaker, allow me to say a few words in Mandarin.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] The 15th Parliament convenes at a critical juncture and we have a long road ahead. The nation faces severe challenges: geopolitics, the rivalry between the US and China, trade wars, and the revolutionary changes brought by AI will all test the collective wisdom and resilience of Singaporeans.

The President spoke passionately, emphasising unity, trust, a “we first” society . I believe that the spirit of unity and “we first” Singapore does not mean everyone speaking with one voice, but rather, that we can address issues by exchanging different opinions with a rational and open attitude. The Workers' Party (WP) Members of Parliament (MPs) have always been a minority in Parliament. However, I believe that the presence of WP MPs can demonstrate the value of diverse voices and better embody the “we first” Singapore spirit mentioned by the President and Prime Minister.

Especially in the coming five years, the variables in the international situation and the transformation of the global economy will become increasingly rapid. How to pool collective wisdom to respond to drastic changes is homework we must do. Therefore, I hope the Government can listen to different views from Singaporeans with an objective, rational and open attitude.

From a policy-making perspective, some core issues are interconnected, for example, the various problems brought by AI and economic transformation. The Prime Minister mentioned that Singapore should embrace AI to improve productivity and create new employment opportunities. We agree that AI and new technologies can indeed help enterprises improve efficiency and drive innovation but, at the same time, we must also see that it will permanently change the employment environment. If we do not prepare in time, many Singaporeans will be left behind.

To ensure that no one is left behind, we must strengthen employment stabilisation policies in the short term and encourage the public sector and private enterprises to increase employment opportunities. At the same time, WP also calls on the Government to strengthen the social safety net to respond to the impact brought by AI.

Most crucially, in the age of AI, education should not just be for examinations but should prepare people for life. We need to align education with economic needs and help students develop important soft skills. These human qualities cannot be replaced by AI and are essential for future social and economic development.

In summary, Mr Speaker, a “we first” society also requires us to uphold the principle that collective interests take precedence over individual interests. However, unity cannot be built on inequality. When the nation achieves success but many citizens still feel forgotten, trust becomes difficult to maintain. We need not just economic growth but also inclusive growth that ensures every Singaporean can share in the nation's future. The true measure of our success lies not in GDP rankings or the size of sovereign wealth funds but in whether young Singaporean couples can afford to start families, whether our elderly can retire with dignity and whether our children are willing to call this island home.

Mr Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion of Thanks to the President for his Address and the measures in the Addenda announced by the various Ministries to take Singapore forward in an increasingly uncertain and turbulent world with a changing world order.

I am heartened by how our people and the Government have been working hand in hand to overcome the numerous waves of challenges pounding our shores. They emanate from continents far from our island – economic upheavals, armed conflicts, technology changes – yet, they have significant impact on our everyday lives.

On the one hand, I am confident of our ability to catch some of these waves to survive and thrive. On the other hand, let us never forget the need to protect the vulnerable amongst us and prevent these powerful waves from sweeping them under.

I am cognisant of the immense responsibility that my residents and fellow Singaporeans have entrusted me with. I applaud the great progress that we have made so far together to address some of the issues faced by our vulnerable groups. But our work is far from done and that is why I continue to champion change that will benefit Singaporeans and my residents and keep our country going in this new reality.

MPs play an important role to help the Government to continue to review the effectiveness of our policies on the ground. Where necessary, we must be willing to recalibrate and make improvements to narrow the gaps and plug any loophole. Let us never forget that spirit of sensible policy-making and pragmatic government administration that has been a hallmark of Singapore's success.

Sometimes, the solutions can be deceptively simple and I would like to call upon us all, the people, private and public sectors, to be daring to raise practical and smart solutions, and our policy-makers to listen to good ideas from our people. This is how we stay united as a nation, by caring and looking out for one another. It is worth reminding ourselves that we are only as strong as our weakest link and the tides of change must not leave anyone behind.

I am assured and heartened by the commitments made by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) in its Addendum to the President's address. I support the suite of enhanced and new measures to help our families cope during this challenging period. I support the enhanced employment support and opportunities for lifelong education for lower-income families and persons with disabilities (PwDs). Reviews and updates of ComCare assistance and payouts, and Family Services are timely. I welcome the introduction of a new Domestic Violence Act and the commencement of the Mental Capacity Act review, just to name a few.

Our social and healthcare workers play an essential and critical role in ensuring that appropriate help and care is provided in a timely manner. This was best demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now that we have moved on from that crisis, it does not mean that we forget their roles and contributions.

In fact, I would like to urge the Government to consider dedicating more resources to our social care sector, in view of the needs arising from our rapidly ageing population, as our population pyramid starts to invert amid shrinking family sizes and changing social norms.

Our social care workers are professionals and they must be treated as such. They need to be equipped with more support and resources in order to achieve better outcomes for their clients. Much research worldwide over the last two decades have resulted in new findings in this field and we can tap on these to provide constant professional upgrading so that they can be even more effective.

In addition, we should elevate and accord better recognition of and compensation for their work. Due to the nature of their jobs, burnout and attrition rates are high. Their heart work is hard work. We have to do more to better retain our existing talent pool of social workers, while attracting new blood to boost our ability to care for our people. Foreign workers do help to fill many of the gaps, but let us not end up as a country that relies too heavily on others to take care of our very own.

Singapore is rapidly ageing. Our silver tide is here. We must accelerate efforts to strengthen community-based eldercare, expanding Active Ageing Centres, daycare facilities and home-based support services. These not only enable our seniors to age-in-place, with dignity and autonomy, but also reduce pressure on families.

Caregiving, often performed by middle-aged adults juggling work and family, must also be better supported. Caregivers want to be able to care for their families, but they also have their own dreams and aspirations. All too often, I have met residents who have had to sacrifice their careers to look after their loved ones. Indeed, they have chosen to do so out of love, and we need to celebrate that and provide them with better support. The toll that they experience goes beyond the physical and it is quite common that their mental well-being is also at risk.

I urge the Government to consider enhanced caregiver leave, more accessible respite services and financial assistance tailored to caregiver households. Our seniors are not a burden; they are a blessing. Let us honour their contributions not just in words but through concrete policies that uphold their well-being as well as that of their loved ones.

We have to double down on our efforts to support families holistically, so that they can remain strong and resilient in the face of change. For families under duress, our social care workers need to be empowered to coordinate with partners, such as mental and physical healthcare professionals, financial counsellors, schools, eldercare centres and so on.

Sir, poverty in Singapore may be less visible, but we still have families struggling even for basic provisions, including food. Families living in rental flats, often headed by single parents or elderly caregivers, face daily struggles. For children in these households, we must do more to ensure their well-being and that they can access healthcare, nutritious food and be able to focus on their education.

We must intervene early and effectively. Programmes like KidSTART are commendable and we need to go further in scaling them up, with holistic support for families – not just for children, but also for parents. Empower them with good parenting skills, stable employment, access to mentoring and even overcoming addictions, such as to vaping, alcohol and even drugs.

Sir, we have watched with horror how divisive many countries overseas have become, splintering along racial and religious lines, and increasingly along the lines of immigration and social economic backgrounds. There are heightened tensions between established resident communities and new arrivals, and distrust between the rich and the poor, manifesting in rallies, riots and violence. Almost daily, we see alarming images of looting, burning vehicles and buildings, and people attacking each other on television and social media.

Social harmony did not happen by chance. It is the result of careful stewardship, addressing root causes of problems as soon as they surface, building mutual respect and reaching the national consensus to agree to engage in difficult conversations, even over sensitive topics.

Yet in today's digital age, we face new threats, from misinformation, polarisation and imported ideologies that can erode trust and amplify division. How can we build unity in diversity? Inter-faith platforms like the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles (IRCCs) must be re-energised for a new generation. Many of our youths that I met have good questions and think about such issues very seriously. Let us support engagements for deeper, ongoing conversations about faith, tradition and coexistence, especially among our youths.

Civic education in schools should place greater emphasis on empathetic understanding of different faiths and worldviews. We must move beyond mere tolerance, to deepen our mutual understanding, appreciation and respect.

Strong communities are not built by governments alone. They exist when neighbours look out for one another, when residents take ownership of shared spaces and when there is deep trust among people, in our institutions and in our leadership. We must also support faith and community leaders who work quietly to build bridges. Our bridge-builders must be seen, supported and safeguarded against threats.

Our Community Development Councils (CDCs), Social Service Offices (SSOs) and grassroots organisations must continue to be strongly supported to work closely with ground-up groups and volunteers. Policies must enable not only professional help, but also "kampung"-style initiatives and mutual aid.

One example where multiple stakeholders came together to try to solve a long-running problem is the Skyville@Dawson sky gardens. For years, residents have been putting up with the disamenities of noisy and inconsiderate visitors who litter, smoke, urinate and cause disturbances even in the wee hours. Volunteers, despite feeling burnout, continue with patrols, even as we continue to engage with HDB, the Town Council, Residents' Committees, NEA, the Police and other Government agencies. Unfortunately, the disamenities continued and we sought to present alternative solutions which have been proven effective in other sky gardens, such as the Pinnacle @ Duxton. When problems remain unsolved and proposals are not accepted, it is not surprising for my residents to feel disappointed.

You may recall that in 2022, I moved an Adjournment Motion in this very House to explore solutions on how we can better manage our common spaces in housing estates. I will not hesitate to speak up for my residents if I feel that more can be done.

Securing Singapore's future lies not in grand slogans, but as our President put it, in everyday deeds and action, like little acts of kindness; helping an elderly neighbour with groceries; guiding a child in need; and lending a hand in crisis. These are the encounters that strengthen our social compact and build a "we first" society.

In closing, allow me to reiterate our first principles. To build a united and resilient Singapore, we have to be inclusive and caring, respectful of differences in diversity and united in core values. Every child who falls through the cracks, every elderly person who dies alone, every caregiver who burns out is a reminder of work yet to be done. Similarly, every neighbour who helps another, every volunteer who steps forward, every employer who provides a second chance, is a sign of the better Singapore that we are building together. Sir, in Mandarin.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Speaker, securing Singapore's future lies not in grand slogans, but as our President puts it, in everyday deeds and actions, like little acts of kindness: helping an elderly neighbour with groceries; guiding a child in need; and lending a hand in crisis. These are encounters that strengthen our social compact and build a "we first" society.

In closing, allow me to reiterate our first principles. To build a united and resilient Singapore, we have to be inclusive and caring, respectful of differences in diversity and be united in core values. Every child who falls through the cracks, every elderly person who dies alone, every caregiver who burns out, is a reminder of work that is yet to be done. Similarly, every neighbour who helps another, every volunteer who steps forward, every employer who provides a second chance, is a sign of the better Singapore that we are building together.

Mr Speaker, 60 years ago, as Singapore became independent, many in our community faced a difficult choice: to cross the causeway where many of our friends and relatives were; or to stay in Singapore, face economic uncertainties and a precarious future and forge a shared destiny with our Chinese and Indian comrades.

Our forefathers chose to stay. They sunk their roots here, threw in their lot with Singapore and made this island their home. Our Pioneers, led by Malay leaders like Yusof Ishak, Othman Wok and Ahmad Ibrahim, strived hard to meet the social, economic and religious needs of our community. They were also crucial members of our Pioneer leadership team, united in the common vision of a Singapore for all Singaporeans. The courage, dedication and tireless work of our Pioneers laid strong foundations for our community to make progress generation after generation.

Last month, I joined many Singaporeans in celebrating our nation's birthday, and like many in our community, my heart swelled with pride as Lieutenant Colonel Firdaus Ghazali led the National Day Parade; and as Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Iskandar led the F-15 bomb burst salute. This is just one of the many examples of how members of the Malay/Muslim community have excelled in their respective fields and continue to contribute to the Singapore story. As we celebrate SG60, it is timely to reflect on our progress as a society and as a Malay/Muslim community.

Over the last 30 years, I had the privilege of journeying with our community, through my community work and across six Ministries. I have seen first-hand what we can achieve when Government and the community strive with common purpose. Indeed, our community has grown in strength, in confidence and in our ability to rally and contribute to Singapore's shared future.

The M3 agencies and Malay/Muslim organisations (MMOs), which include the Indian Muslim organisations (IMOs), have worked together with Government agencies to better serve the needs of the Malay/Muslim community. However, the world is undergoing significant shifts: technological advancements, trade wars, climate change and geopolitical volatility are just a few examples.

The Malay/Muslim community must similarly confront these uncertainties. I am encouraged by the renewed vigour from many community stakeholders, such as our MMOs, to find new and better ways to engage, collaborate and synergise efforts to take us forward. As the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, I hope to build on the good work of my predecessors and fellow community leaders.

I will deepen collaborations among the M3 agencies, MMOs, IMOs and the Government, to chart a stronger future for our Malay/Muslim community while contributing to our multiracial and multi-religious society. Since taking office, I have been engaging widely and listening actively. I have engaged our youth groups, mosque committees, working professionals, grassroots volunteers, MMOs and IMOs, arts and cultural groups and many more. I have also engaged the community at various settings, including coffee shops, markets and food centres and formal dialogues. I am touched by their stories of resilience and contribution, feel their concerns and inspired by their hopes and aspirations for community and the nation.

To achieve these, we must tap on our collective energies and abilities as well as imagination. Every member of our community should have the chance to be the best version of themselves at different stages of their lives. Let us share in the joy of each other's success and rally around those who stumble so that they can find their feet again.

For instance, Mr Muhammad Feroz Haron is the founder of Action in Motion (AIM) Society, which recently celebrated its sixth anniversary last month. Sharing his past experiences, Feroz founded AIM with three other ex-offenders to provide social and emotional support for others on the drug rehabilitation journey. His wife, Madam Salmah Johari, also founded Women in Support to Develop Outstanding Men (WISDOM), a support group for spouses and partners of ex-offenders.

Or the story of Dr Norham Erlyani, who inspires us through her pursuit of excellence. She holds a PhD in stem cell and developmental biology from the National University of Singapore Graduate School and currently serves as Head of Strategy and Public Relations at Hilleman Laboratories. Beyond her professional portfolio, she contributes actively to the community as the lead for Life Sciences under the MENDAKI Professional Networks and as a member of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) Council.

I am committed to supporting people like Mr Feroz and Dr Norham Erlyani, who have taken diverse paths at different stages of their lives, so that they can do better for themselves, and give back to those around them. Let me elaborate on three areas where my fellow PAP Malay/Muslim MPs and I will focus on in the years ahead.

One, to give our community a better life through improved social and economic outcomes.

Two, to uphold the confidence of our community to practise our faith in a multi-cultural society.

And three, to preserve and celebrate our rich Malay arts, culture and heritage.

Sir, let me first speak on improving the social and economic outcomes for our people. We will focus on four areas: first, nurture strong families; second, invest in our children and youths; third, equip our workers to seize growth opportunities; and fourth, support our seniors to age with dignity.

Families form the bedrock of our society. They create stable and loving environments for us to pass shared values from one generation to the next, and for our children to realise their potential. Strong marriages are the first step to flourishing families. Over the years, we have seen good progress from our investments to support strong marriages. The number of Muslim divorces in 2023 have fallen by 30% compared to 2019.

We will continue to do more in this area, led by incoming Minister of State Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. For instance, through the Bersamamu programme, which supports newlywed Muslim couples with religious guidance on marriage and family life, and with practical skills, like financial planning, communication skills and conflict resolution.

With strong families as a foundation, we will invest more in the development of our children and youths.

Education is key to provide our children with a good start in life. As a community, we can do more to encourage the enrolment of our young into preschool, and to sustain their attendance. We must also better support the learning of our students in primary and secondary schools, including after school hours. For instance, under Project Jalan Kukoh, MENDAKI, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS), the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (PA MESRA), 4PM, and other Government agencies reach out to youths in the Jalan Kukoh precinct. I thank our community partners, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) for your support in these areas.

Outside of school, we will equip our youths to deal with the challenges of the future. Beyond the academics, we will also support them with career guidance, personal development opportunities and exposure to new experiences.

For example, Ms Sherlita Almeyra serves as the President of MudaSG, a youth-led organisation that has organised volunteer opportunities in sectors, such as community building, education, environmental sustainability, and social outreach, encouraging youth to contribute to society while fostering a spirit of care, collaboration and service.

I recently announced the formation of a Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce. This will bring together youth champions to advocate for the needs and aspirations of Malay/Muslim youth and co-create initiatives in support of the national SG Youth Plan. Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam and incoming Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi will lead this effort.

I hope that these efforts will position our youths to seize new opportunities in our fast-evolving economic landscape. The workforce in the years to come will look very different from today and our workers must be prepared to ride the waves of growth in the future economy.

This will require a culture of lifelong learning, underpinned by the partnerships between the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), MENDAKI and other MMOs. Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamed and labour MP Dr Wan Rizal will helm this area to develop community platforms to complement national-level programmes to support our workers.

In particular, I hope that more of our workers can tap on opportunities in growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services like finance.

As we progress, we cannot forget our seniors, particularly those in the Pioneer and Merdeka generations. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlined Singapore’s plans to improve long-term care options through the Age Well Neighbourhoods for our seniors and their caregivers at the National Day Rally. This initiative builds upon national programmes like HealthierSG and Age Well SG. I similarly hope to mobilise our community, so that we can better meet the healthcare, social and emotional needs of our seniors. I look forward to the support by Members.

For instance, how can we tap on the experience of our seniors to benefit the community, as they transit into retirement? Or how can we better support caregivers through active ageing services and caregiving networks?

To this end, the Santunan Emas programme by Masjid Al-Muttaqin, in collaboration with Ma:een and Muhammadiyah Active Ageing Centre, is a commendable effort. The programme provides holistic support for our elderly – from spiritual guidance through lectures by former Mufti, Ustaz Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, to physical and social activities led by volunteers from Muhammadiyah for their overall well-being.

Let us continue to explore new ways to collaborate with various partners in support of our seniors.

I have spoken about improved social and economic outcomes. Let me now turn to how we will support the community to practise our faith in our diverse society.

Our faith is central to our character as a Malay/Muslim community. It guides our values and how we engage one another, whether family members, neighbours or fellow citizens. Our faith also guides us to live harmoniously with others in a multicultural and multi-religious society. Since taking on this role, I have visited different mosques each week. These visits gave me the opportunity to meet congregants from all walks of life and speak with them on religious life in Singapore, among others.

Let me highlight three areas of feedback and what we are doing in these areas.

One, is the need for more prayer spaces, particularly in newer residential areas. I have announced further details about the new mosques in Tampines and Tengah, and we are exploring ways to bring forward the completion of these mosques. We are also exploring how interim prayer spaces can be provided while mosque upgrading and development works are underway.

Our mosques and prayer spaces are fully funded by the community. So, we must be prudent in designing them and maximise our existing spaces by conducting second sessions for Friday prayers.

Two, beyond physical spaces, we must groom the next generation of religious leaders. Our asatizah play a critical role in guiding our community and should be recognised and fairly compensated for their work, as Mr Sharael Taha mentioned earlier. As we navigate a more complex world, they must be keenly attuned to global changes while appreciating our local context. The new Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) represents a significant investment in this future by equipping our asatizah with robust Islamic knowledge and practical skills to serve the community, be it in the religious sector or in adjacent sectors like counselling and social work. I also agree with Mr Sharael Taha that SCIS’ partnership with the Singapore University of Social Sciences will be important in exposing our future asatizah to diverse academic experiences and develop them not just as capable religious teachers, but also compassionate community leaders who can help the community navigate contemporary social challenges.

Three, our religious institutions must develop new capabilities to guide the community in contemporary issues. Recent fatwas on cultivated meat and alternative proteins, and carrier screening for severe genetic diseases and antenatal testing have helped our community navigate new questions about food technology, environmental sustainability and medical sciences. These rulings exemplify how our Fatwa Committee and asatizah can provide guidance that is both religiously sound and practically relevant. We will continue to empower our asatizah to guide the community in these complex issues and in so doing, deepen trust in our religious institutions.

Importantly, the ability to maintain confidence in our religious life depends on the trust in our religious institutions and the partnerships with the broader network of Muslim organisations. We will strengthen these networks of trust and partnerships to address the religious needs of our community. Together, I am confident that we will engender a fulfilling life for our Singapore Muslims who actively contribute to their community and society.

I have spoken about improved social and economic outcomes, and about practising our faith in a multicultural society. Let me now speak on how we can celebrate our Malay arts, culture and heritage. This is an integral part of Singapore’s cultural diversity and national identity.

Pak Zubir Said's composition of our national anthem, "Majulah Singapura", is a prime example of how Malay artistic expression has shaped our national identity. Contemporary Malay artists like Madam Som Said are instrumental in championing Malay dance in Singapore, while writers like Djamal Tukimin have become cornerstones of Singapore’s Malay literary scene. We also have practitioners dedicated to preserving our living heritage and craft, such as Yaziz Hassan who is passing down the knowledge of crafting and repairing traditional Malay drums to future generations.

In my engagements, many in the community have told me that they hope we can hold fast to what has nourished our hearts and souls over generations, even as we pursue economic growth and prosperity. My team and I hope to galvanise the community to celebrate and develop our arts, culture, and heritage sector, showcase the vibrancy of our unique Singaporean Malay culture and preserve our cultural traditions for future generations.

The reopening of the Malay Heritage Centre in April next year represents a significant milestone in this effort. It will provide a new platform to celebrate the stories of the Malay community and recognise how their contributions have shaped Singapore's development and national identity. The refreshed centre will enhance representation of Malay ethnic sub-groups, showcasing the diversity that exists within our community, with increased focus on women's contributions to education, literature and the arts. The centre will also see newly commissioned works by both emerging and established Malay artists in support of contemporary cultural expression.

This is part of a wider national plan. We strive to develop Wisma Geylang Serai as Singapore’s first social, arts and cultural heritage hub where culture is not just preserved but also experienced. The National Heritage Board is also partnering with community and precinct stakeholders in Kampong Gelam to strengthen its distinctive cultural identity and heritage value.

Our culture should be celebrated and enjoyed by all. We will continue to support the People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (PA MESRA) and the Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAECs) in various events to preserve the Malay culture, whether through performances during festive seasons, or through cultural festivals and activities. Mr Speaker, allow me to continue my speech in Malay.

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Sir, our Malay/Muslim community has made much progress over the last 60 years. This is borne out of the courage, dedication and resilience of our pioneers, such as Yusof Ishak, Othman Wok and Ahmad Ibrahim, to make this country home – a place where we belong. They worked alongside fellow Singaporeans to build a strong foundation for the nation and enabled us to progress as a community and society. I hope to build on the good work of our past leaders, together with our community.

Since taking office as the Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, I have engaged widely with various segments of our community, from youth groups, arts and heritage groups, mosque committees, professionals, grassroots volunteers, Malay/Muslim organisations and many more. I am deeply grateful for the feedback and feel inspired by their ideas to strengthen our bonds, uplift lives and realise our potential.

My fellow People's Action Party (PAP) Malay/Muslim MPs and I are committed to continue supporting the Malay/Muslim community. We will focus on three key areas in the years ahead.

One, we will improve social and economic outcomes by nurturing strong families and investing in our children and youth. We also want to equip our workers so that they are able to seize opportunities in emerging sectors, and support our elderly to age gracefully and with dignity.

Two, we will support the religious life of the Muslim community within the context of Singapore's plural society, and provide for evolving needs. This includes increasing prayer spaces, and ensuring strong religious guidance through asatizah development and the upcoming SCIS.

Three, we will preserve our Malay arts, culture, and heritage which have nourished our hearts and souls over generations. With the reopening of the Malay Heritage Centre next year, we will have more opportunities to showcase our unique Singaporean Malay culture and enrich Singapore's cultural and national identity.

Mr Speaker, my team and I have outlined a shared agenda and vision for our Malay/Muslim community, based on our broad engagements and consultations with the community. However, we will constantly refine it through continuous engagement with more members of our community. In tandem with rapid social and economic changes, we want to provide opportunities to every community member to be the best versions of themselves and thrive, regardless of their background, and also be able to contribute actively.

We will also need new ways of integrating partnership networks with Malay-Muslim organisations and other community groups to galvanise their efforts and strengths in addressing the three focus areas that I have just outlined.

As we hoist our sails to harness the winds of opportunity, I hope that we also anchor our work on three values – trust (“Amanah”), sincerity (“Ikhlas”) and gratitude (“Kesyukuran”) – which our forefathers and successive generations of leaders have embodied.

Sir, the President reminded us earlier in his Address that we must aspire to be a society that puts "we" before "me", where we look beyond our individual needs. We must consider how our actions and choices contribute to the well-being of the larger society. By looking out for each other, we can go far together.

Our goal for a “Stronger Future Together” is not a destination, but a continuous journey of growth, adaptation and mutual support. It is not just for the Malay/Muslim community but the whole of Singapore. Therefore, I call upon every member of our community, regardless of age, profession or background, to contribute to our shared success.

Our pioneers and the past generations played a pivotal role in writing the Singapore Story. They chose to build a multiracial and multicultural society regardless of race, language or religion. Now, it is our turn to expand the Singapore Story and write the next chapter that charts the journey and progress of the Malay community, in particular, and the wider society. It encompasses our efforts to celebrate strength in diversity, forging close ties between communities to strengthen our solidarity and work alongside fellow Singaporeans. This solidarity is key in helping Singapore navigate uncertainties ahead and build an endearing home for all.

Let us embark on this journey together, guided by lessons learnt and wisdom gained from past endeavours, as well as with the hopes and dreams of our community to contribute to the happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation. Thank you, and Mr Speaker, I support the Motion.

Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise in support of the Motion. I will speak on how our foreign policy is adapting to geopolitical shifts and the growing presence of foreign interference, and how Singapore can remain vigilant against it.

As noted by previous speakers, the global economic and strategic order is indeed shifting. As a small, open and trade-dependent country, Singapore is especially sensitised to these shifts. Let me briefly elaborate on some of the key geopolitical trends affecting us.

First, great power contestation between the US and China is intensifying. The Asia Pacific region has become a primary arena of their contestation which spans trade, security, ideology and technology. The South China Sea is an example of how tensions between major powers could have direct implications for peace and prosperity in our neighbourhood.

Second, geopolitical conflicts weigh heavily on the international system. Some wars continue unresolved and are difficult to end, while others have been rekindled in recent times. They have resulted in immense humanitarian suffering and generated strong emotional resonance in many countries, including ours. Such conflicts have also delayed or impaired decision-making at regional or international groupings, making cooperation more difficult.

Third, nationalism and protectionism are on the rise. Countries are taking a narrower and more transactional view of their national interests. Declining strategic trust between countries has also led to increased contestation. We are seeing the fragmentation of global trade and technology ecosystems, export controls on sensitive technologies and competing standards in areas, like AI. Consequently, multilateralism and rules-based international trade are under considerable strain.

These trends are keenly felt by Singapore, an open economy and global business hub, whose security and prosperity have been boosted in the post-war era by favourable conditions, such as an extended period of relative peace in Southeast Asia, a rules-based international order largely shaped by US leadership and China's success in reform and opening up. We now face greater risks, narrowed room for manoeuvre and sharpened trade-offs in our foreign policy decisions. In the face of these geopolitical shifts, it would be natural to wonder whether Singapore’s foreign policy should change significantly.

But in fact, Singaporeans can expect to see more continuity, rather than change, in our foreign policy; and this is because we have never taken for granted favourable global and regional conditions. We took pains to develop a diversified diplomatic strategy, just we have built a diversified economy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has invested as much effort and energy into advancing Singapore's contributions at multilateral fora and regional groupings, as we have in maintaining bilateral accounts with our partner countries, which together, constitute a broad geographical spread.

We have also remained consistent in being a trusted friend and honest broker to our partners, adding value wherever we can, but also accepting the limitations of being a small country. While there will be some adjustments to our diplomacy, these will not be abrupt shifts. Let me elaborate.

Mr Deputy Speaker, we are doubling down on existing international partnerships and networks. At the core of this effort is ensuring that our relationships with our closest neighbours – Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei – remain strong, wide-ranging and forward-looking. We have embarked on long-term projects to enhance connectivity and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties, such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link. We will also expand our partnership into emerging areas like renewable energy and human capital development.

ASEAN remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy. Deeper economic integration within ASEAN remains vital to unlocking the vast potential of our region. We will work towards this by upgrading and fully implementing our trade agreements, deepening cross-border digital frameworks, developing the ASEAN Power Grid and advancing green economy standards.

We will also expand ASEAN's network of partnerships, ensure key international players have a stake in our region's success and maintain an open, inclusive and ASEAN-centred regional architecture. Singapore's upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2027, which coincides with ASEAN's 60th anniversary, will be an important opportunity for us to help amplify ASEAN's voice, effectiveness and relevance globally.

We have built strong relations with major powers over the years and will continue to do so. The US is our top trading partner in services and our largest foreign investor. We are also the US' only Major Security Cooperation Partner.

China is our top trading partner in goods and we are China's largest foreign investor. Our bilateral interactions with China are multi-tiered, led by the Joint Council for Bilateral Coorperation at the Deputy Prime Minister level, and comprising three government-to-government projects and eight province-level economic councils. We see much potential to advance mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation between Singapore and the US and between Singapore and China, in multiple areas.

However, the space for us to do more together would narrow if US-China contestation were to escalate. We must remain clear-eyed and have the resolve to make decisions that are in Singapore's long-term national interest.

We have also been deepening strategic relationships with other partners, such as Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), India, the European Union (EU), Australia and New Zealand. We have strong economic and security cooperation with Japan and the ROK, as well as a like-minded approach towards free trade. I look forward to the upgrading of our relations with the ROK to a Strategic Partnership next month.

With India, we upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and are working to expand collaboration in forward-looking areas, such as digitalisation, connectivity, advanced manufacturing, fintech and space.

With the EU, our Free Trade Agreement and latest Digital Trade Agreement have given Singapore businesses preferential access to one of the world's largest markets, while our cooperation in sustainability and green transition opens up new areas of growth.

As we embark on the next round of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, we are exploring initiatives with a regional focus, as well as collaborations in frontier areas, like critical technologies and space. With New Zealand, we are upgrading our Enhanced Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with significant initiatives across the defence, trade and economic, and supply chain and connectivity pillars.

By anchoring trusted partnerships across different regions, we will reduce our exposure to volatility, such as supply chain disruptions, and strengthen our national resilience in key domains, such as defence, energy and technology, and continue to serve as a "safe deposit box", not just for capital but also technology and innovation, and be a trusted and secure node in the global network, where ideas, data and partnerships are protected, nurtured and scaled.

Singapore has also been building new partnerships and networks with countries in emerging regions of growth, such as Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and South America, to avail our companies of new opportunities and partnership, and nurture coalitions among the like-minded to pursue shared objectives. We are planning to open new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America in the coming years.

In addition, through our Development Partnerships Directorate, MFA will enhance the Singapore Cooperation Programme to share Singapore's experience and best practices in areas where we have relevant strengths. This is part of our diplomatic toolkit to deepen relationships with partners. And when humanitarian crises strike, we will contribute where we can and seek to deliver practical assistance to alleviate the immense civilian suffering and displacement. We have done so when a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar in March 2025 and are providing ongoing aid to the civilians in Gaza, something that we discussed in this House yesterday.

The rules-based international order may be under strain, but many countries still believe that there is more to be gained from cooperation than contestation and that like-minded partners can continue to cooperate on initiatives like digital economy agreements, green economy partnerships and global governance initiatives, albeit on a smaller scale, and we are among them.

This is why we will do our utmost to support multi-lateral institutions, enhance international law, contribute to global governance discussions and promote peaceful dispute resolution. We contribute actively to the development of global norms, by leading groupings like the Forum of Small States and the Global Governance Group, to discuss issues affecting small states and to champion practical cooperation on issues, such as respect for international law, climate change adaptation and digital transformation.

Singapore's chairmanship of the Open-Ended Working Group on Cybersecurity at the United Nations (UN), from 2021 to 2025, led to the establishment of a UN Global Mechanism on Cybersecurity. The Agreement on Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement, successfully concluded under the leadership of Ambassador Rena Lee as President of the Intergovernmental Conference, has just crossed the threshold of 60 state ratifications and will soon enter into force.

Singapore has also made contributions to the world Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, particularly, the development of carbon markets.

Singapore will also continue taking up leadership roles in international bodies where we have significant expertise. For example, at the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and WIPO, as mentioned earlier.

To this end, the Singapore Government has nominated Ambassador for International Law Rena Lee as a candidate for Judge on the International Court of Justice; and Mr Daren Tang for re-election as the Director-General of WIPO, with both elections taking place in 2026.

Mr Deputy Speaker, I turn now to foreign interference and hybrid threats, an increasingly prominent feature in this contested global landscape. To be sure, countries have long interfered in other countries' domestic politics, overtly or covertly, to advance their own interests. This is not new.

What is new is the landscape in which foreign actors conduct these operations. The ubiquitous digital environment and development of advanced digital tools have supercharged their ability to mount hostile information campaigns (HICs) to advance their interests. By exploiting the internet, digital and social media, foreign actors can mount HICs at scale, speed and precision.

Colleagues may have heard of the "sprinter" network, a complex web of fake accounts that spread disinformation on the war in Ukraine, manipulated public opinion and amplified politically-charged content. There is even disinformation-for-hire. In 2023, the Guardian uncovered a team of contractors that conduct disinformation operations for private companies, intelligence agencies and political campaigns.

With a diverse population that is highly digitally connected, Singapore is an attractive and vulnerable target. Last July, MHA had to issue Account Restriction Directions under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (or FICA) to block a network of social media accounts alleging that Singapore was in the pocket of a foreign actor, and that the foreign actor was behind the selection of Singapore's fourth generation leader. The network could have been used to mount other HICs against Singapore.

In October 2024, the Government blocked 10 websites set up by foreign actors masquerading as Singapore websites, including by using AI to generate content with local features. At the same time, traditional methods of interference continue apace, through local and influential proxies.

In 2024, the US arrested and charged a former CIA analyst for allegedly acting as an agent for a foreign country, while an Australian court convicted a businessman for secretly attempting to improperly influence an Australian federal minister through donations, in order to advance the aims of a foreign power.

Singapore is not immune to these examples of interference.

MHA has therefore taken preventive measures, one of which was to define persons who are directly involved in Singapore’s political processes, including Members of Parliament, and designating several other individuals, as Politically Significant Persons under FICA.

Transparency requirements and reporting are imposed on these individuals. Foreign interference tactics will evolve and grow in sophistication. They touch on our everyday lives – through what we see, hear and read in an increasingly permeable infospace. Our defences must therefore grow stronger too. To this end, MHA plans to amend FICA to update and strengthen our levers to address foreign interference threats.

Mr Deputy Speaker, foreign interference aims to weaken the targeted country, for instance by sowing division and internal strife. It could also aim to influence the targeted country’s policies, including its foreign policy.

Vigilance against foreign interference is therefore a shared concern of Governments and foreign policy circles throughout the world. But this does not mean that we discourage the public from learning about and discussing foreign policy. On the contrary, we would like Singaporeans to continue being interested in and knowledgeable about global affairs, because it affects our security and prosperity.

MFA is stepping up engagement efforts with domestic audiences, including students, youths and businesses, through closed-door dialogue sessions and workshops to help Singaporeans better understand Singapore’s operating context and foreign policy considerations.

Even as we consume and exchange views on foreign policy, let us remain alert to the possibility of external attempts to influence our foreign policy by shaping our people’s perception of, and support for it. Through manipulating public sentiments, including through local opinion leaders, in addition to spreading misinformation and fake news.

We encourage Singaporeans to be discerning about the news and messages we are constantly receiving, including on social media, from a wide variety of sources. Always question what you see, hear or read – ask where the information came from; is it true and what is the intent?

I would like to share a few scenarios where it would be particularly useful for Singaporeans to exercise more vigilance and remind others to do so too.

First, where discussions grow emotional. Inflamed sentiments can hamper judgement and create rifts between groups of Singaporeans that are hard to repair, especially if race and religion are involved. Let us maintain calm and mutual respect when discussing current affairs, including global developments.

Second, where discussions centre around which countries Singapore should be closer to, or which countries’ lead Singapore should be following. Such chatter, though not uncommon, does not reflect how Singapore conducts foreign policy. Those who find themselves in such conversations could gently remind their friends and associates that Singapore bases our foreign policy on our national interests.

Third, where leaders of local institutions and groupings or those with a following, find themselves commenting publicly on international developments. In such instances, it would be useful to consider the content carefully beforehand, and check if it can be construed to mean anything other than the view of a Singaporean who is well-versed in our national interests.

Mr Deputy Speaker, over the past weekend, I spoke to a group of mostly young people who attended a workshop that unpacks how foreign actors might seek to interfere in another nation’s policies against the nation’s interests and I was heartened that they were so keen to know more about Singapore’s approach to foreign policy And supportive of the need to safeguard Singapore’s autonomy and agency in a complex world. Through more of such engagements, I hope that youths and community leaders can spread the word in their own circles.

Mr Deputy Speaker, foreign policy starts at home; we have repeated this many times in Parliament because it is not an abstract slogan, but a vital shield. Singapore’s relevance to the world depends on our ability to create value. We can be reliable and trusted by other countries only if we remain principled and consistent. We can only achieve this if we speak with one united voice and this stems from domestic stability as well as public trust in the Government. If our social fabric frays, our international credibility will weaken. Malignant actors may seek to exploit our divisions for their own interests.

Support for our foreign policy does not mean unconditional agreement with all decisions, but a shared commitment among Singaporeans to safeguarding Singapore’s sovereignty and long-term national interests. National unity and domestic support allow our leaders to stand firm under external pressure, to say no when it matters most and to negotiate confidently on behalf of all Singaporeans to protect and advance our interests.

The Government will continue to do its part through legislation, broadening education and regular engagements with different segments of society to raise awareness and understanding of our foreign policy considerations and Singapore’s global contributions.

But more crucially, we must, as a nation and as a people, be alive to attempts by foreign actors to interfere in our politics, policies and way of life. Legislative levers can only do so much, and they are often brought into play only ex-post. The ultimate line of defence against foreign interference is an aware and discerning people. Mr Deputy Speaker, in Mandarin, please.

(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mr Deputy Speaker, the international order is being weakened day-by-day, the world is also not very peaceful. Under such circumstances, we need to guard against foreign interference and hybrid threats. MHA plans to amend FICA to strengthen our levers to address foreign interference threats.

There are many objectives for conducting foreign interference. Foreign interference aims to weaken the targeted country, for instance by sowing division and internal strife. It could also aim to influence the targeted country’s policies, including its foreign policy. Vigilance against foreign interference is therefore a shared concern of governments and foreign policy circles throughout the world.

But this does not mean that we discourage Singaporeans from learning about international developments and discussing foreign policy. On the contrary, we would like Singaporeans to continue being interested in and knowledgeable about global affairs, because it affects our security and prosperity. Therefore, MFA is stepping up engagement efforts with Singaporeans, including students, youths and businesses, to help them better understand Singapore’s operating context and foreign policy considerations.

Even as Singaporeans consume and exchange views on foreign policy, we need to remain alert to the possibility of external attempts to influence our people’s understanding of international developments and change their perception of, and support for Singapore’s foreign policy. This could be done through manipulating public sentiments, including through local opinion leaders, as well as spreading misinformation and fake news. We encourage Singaporeans to be discerning about the news and messages we are constantly receiving, including on social media, from a wide variety of sources.

There are a few scenarios where it would be particularly useful for Singaporeans to exercise more vigilance and remind others around them to do so too.

First, where discussions grow emotional, inflamed sentiments can hamper judgement and create rifts between groups of Singaporeans that are hard to repair, especially when sensitive topics such as race and religion are involved. Let us maintain calm and mutual respect when discussing current affairs, including global developments.

Second, where discussions centre around which countries Singapore should be closer to, or which countries’ lead Singapore should follow. Such chatter, though not uncommon, does not reflect how Singapore conducts foreign policy. Those who find themselves in such conversations could gently remind the speakers that Singapore bases our foreign policy on our national interests.

Third, where leaders of local social and business institutions comment publicly on international developments. In such instances, it would be useful to consider the content carefully beforehand and check if it can be construed to mean anything other than the views of a Singaporean well-versed in Singapore’s national interests.

Mr Deputy Speaker, “foreign policy starts at home” is not an abstract slogan but represents a vital shield for Singapore. Singapore can be reliable and trusted by other countries only if we remain principled and consistent. We can only achieve this if we speak with one united voice. This stems from domestic stability as well as public trust in the Government. If our social fabric frays, our international credibility will weaken. Malignant actors may seek to exploit our divisions for their own interests.

Support for our foreign policy does not mean unconditional agreement with all foreign policy decisions, but a shared commitment to safeguard Singapore’s sovereignty and long-term national interests. National unity and domestic support allow our leaders to to stand firm under external pressure, to say no when it matters most, and to negotiate confidently on behalf of all Singaporeans to protect and advance our interests.

(In English): Mr Deputy Speaker, we are facing uncertain times, but Singapore has never been fatalistic. We have agency.

We have succeeded by staying united at home, relevant abroad and nimble in adapting to change. I believe that with the trust and support of our people, we can continue to secure a better global future for Singapore and Singaporeans. Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Motion. [Applause.]