On August 17, 2025, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took the stage at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central in Ang Mo Kio for his first National Day Rally since taking office and securing a fresh mandate in the 2025 General Election. With a packed auditorium—including Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, and Opposition leader Pritam Singh—Wong charted an ambitious path for the nation’s future, addressing Singapore’s 60th birthday, looming global uncertainties, and the need for unity and adaptability as the country enters a new era.
Wong opened by reflecting on the significance of Singapore’s 60th anniversary, celebrated earlier at the Padang and Marina Bay. "Sixty may not seem like a major milestone, but for us it carries deep meaning, because it comes at a turning point in global history and it marks the start of a new chapter in our Singapore story," he said, as reported by AsiaOne. His message was clear: Singapore cannot afford to be "mere bystanders in a world shaped by others." Instead, he called on citizens to take charge of their collective destiny, emphasizing, "We will shape the future we want – through our own actions, and our own choices," according to The Online Citizen.
At the heart of Wong’s rally speech was a single, resounding priority: employment. "Jobs, jobs, and jobs. That’s our number one priority," he declared. The government’s economic strategy, he stressed, is fundamentally about safeguarding and creating jobs for Singaporeans, regardless of age or background. To this end, Wong unveiled three major initiatives aimed at boosting employment readiness and resilience.
First, a new government-funded traineeship programme will be launched for graduates from Institutes of Technical Education, polytechnics, and universities. This initiative is designed to help fresh graduates gain real-world experience and transition smoothly into the workforce. Second, a town-level job-matching scheme will be rolled out, led by Singapore’s five Community Development Council (CDC) districts. These councils, Wong noted, already have strong networks with local merchants, small and medium-sized enterprises, and community partners—making them well-placed to connect jobseekers with vacancies, especially those wanting to work closer to home. Details on both programmes will be revealed in the coming months.
Third, enhancements to the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme will focus on mid-career retraining, with a special emphasis on workers aged 40 and above. The scheme will be expanded to allow a portion of the S$3,000 monthly training allowance to be claimed for part-time courses, and more "quality courses" will be offered by industry leaders and private training providers. Wong reassured Singaporeans that as new technologies and artificial intelligence disrupt traditional industries, "we will not lose sight of our key priority. Singaporeans will always be at the centre of everything we do." He promised that the government would not "just rush headlong to adopt new technology," but would empower workers to handle changes brought by automation and AI—ensuring that no one is left behind.
Beyond jobs, Wong addressed the challenges faced by Singapore’s youth and seniors—two groups whose needs are rapidly evolving in today’s digital and ageing society. For young people, he sounded the alarm on two fronts: the rising prevalence of vaping and the risks of excessive screen time. Vaping, Wong said, has become a "serious concern" and will be treated with the same gravity as drug offenses. "So far we've treated vaping like tobacco—at most we impose a fine. But that's no longer enough," he explained. The government will introduce much tougher penalties, including jail time for sellers and supervision and rehabilitation for users. Etomidate, a potent drug found in some e-vaporiser pods, is expected to be listed as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. According to AsiaOne, medical experts have warned that etomidate through vaping can cause anxiety, seizures, and erratic, "zombie-like" behavior. A major public education drive on vaping will also be conducted in schools, institutes of higher learning, and during National Service.
Wong also addressed the digital risks facing children, warning that "when young people become overly immersed in the virtual world, they may lose touch with the real one." Harmful or toxic content online can negatively affect their self-esteem, emotional development, and mental wellbeing. The government is currently studying the experiences of other countries that have passed laws to tighten access to the internet and social media for children, aiming to "understand what truly works." The goal, Wong emphasized, is to "find the right balance—protecting our young from harm, while empowering them to harness the full potential of technology."
For Singapore’s rapidly ageing population, the Prime Minister unveiled a suite of initiatives designed to help seniors live independently and with dignity. The new "Age Well Neighbourhoods" scheme, building on the existing Age Well SG programme, will first be piloted in Toa Payoh and up to two other areas with higher concentrations of seniors. Inspired by the HDB’s Community Care Apartments model, these neighborhoods will feature more Active Ageing Centres for social connection, expanded home-based care services (including basic health checks, housekeeping, and laundry), and improved access to healthcare within local communities. Public hospitals will set up health posts in neighborhoods, deploying nurses on the ground to provide medical consultations without the need for seniors to travel to clinics. "That’s how we will grow old—not in isolation, never alone, but always together as one Singapore family," Wong said.
Wong’s address also touched on Singapore’s long-term planning, reaffirming commitments to climate adaptation and the redevelopment of the country’s north—including Woodlands North, Kranji Racecourse, and Sembawang Shipyard—under the URA Draft Master Plan 2025. He highlighted the government’s efforts to protect coastlines from rising sea levels, emphasizing that "Singapore’s progress will never be left to chance."
Throughout the speech, Wong returned to the theme of shared responsibility. "We certainly do not want to end up as a society where people rely solely on the government. It’s about all of us—government, businesses, workers and unions, community groups and civil society—doing our part." He called for a shift toward a "we first" society, where "if each of us does our part for the 'we'—care, contribute and look out for one another—then the 'me' will thrive and flourish too." This collaborative spirit, he said, would be central to his leadership: "Not just doing things for Singaporeans—but doing things with Singaporeans."
In closing, Wong urged Singaporeans to stay united, adapt boldly, and continue striving for excellence. "Standing still today is the same as falling behind. We never give up and we never let each other down. That’s how we’ve achieved exceptional performance. That’s how we will continue to stay exceptional—as a people and a country."
Wong’s vision for the next chapter of Singapore’s story is clear: a nation where every citizen, young or old, is supported and empowered, and where collective action drives progress in an uncertain world.
