Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong had just delivered his second National Day Rally speech in three languages at the ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio today.
In his speech, he addressed a range of issues, working with unions to support workers with future-ready skills and fair opportunities, navigating AI, caring for seniors, and redevelopment plans for the North.
If you cannot sit still or don’t have the patience to listen to his very long speech, here are the 10 key takeaways:
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The world is getting more troubled
PM Wong reminded Singaporeans that the global order is changing, and peace is no longer guaranteed. Countries are becoming more self-centred, big powers like the US and China are clashing, and small countries like Singapore must be extra careful.
Singapore must take charge of our future, and we must make our own choices instead of leaving our fate to others.
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Innovation and AI will drive our economy
In his speech, PM Wong also highlighted how AI has advanced quickly. He reminded everyone that just five years ago, AI couldn’t even solve basic math properly. Now? It’s winning gold medals at the International Math Olympiad.
It is also not just the tech giants that are leveraging AI. Smaller players like Q&M Dental are now also using AI to detect tooth decay faster.
But here’s the catch: new technology is only useful if workers and companies know how to use it. That’s where the Company Training Committees (CTCs), an initiative by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), comes in.
Through the CTC set up between unions and employers, workers can:
- Get proper training on how to use AI tools in their daily jobs.
- Learn new skills to stay ahead as industries change.
- Give feedback on what training they really need, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
At the same time, companies benefit too, because when workers are skilled up, the whole organisation can innovate faster, adapt better, and stay competitive.
So hor, AI is not just about cool tech. With the government, employers, and unions working hand-in-hand, Singaporeans will be equipped to ride the AI wave and not be swept away by it.
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Our economy will focus on innovation and technology
The US has slapped tariffs on many countries, including Singapore. Even though Singapore got the lowest rate of 10%, it’s still worrying. Why? Because no one knows if they’ll raise it anytime.
That’s why DPM Gan Kim Yong, our “Taskforce Man”, is leading the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce to keep our economy strong.
Furthermore, to stay competitive, Singapore needs a new economic strategy. The government will strengthen its emphasis on innovation and cutting-edge technologies like AI and quantum computing to continue generating quality jobs.
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Jobs, jobs, jobs remain the top priority
While technology may disrupt some jobs, new ones will be created.
- Job matching services will be stepped up.
- Career fairs will be brought directly into tertiary institutions to help fresh graduates explore career possibilities and connect early with employers.
- A new job-matching initiative at the town level will also be launched, led by the Community Development Councils.
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SkillsFuture Level Up Programme gets enhancements
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Vaping will be treated as a drug issue
PM Wong also announced in his speech that the government will take a much stronger stance against vaping.
“We will treat this as a drug issue, and impose much stiffer penalties,” he said.
Selling harmful vapes will attract jail sentences and more severe punishments, not just fines.
Addicted users will get rehabilitation support. A major public education campaign will also be rolled out, starting in schools and during National Service.
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Too much screen time for kids? Government is looking into it
PM Wong acknowledged parents’ worries about screen time, as their kids are now glued to devices. PM said it’s not like the old TV days — now kids are online 24/7.
As such, the government will now study laws from other countries that restrict kids’ access to social media. At the same time, schools will focus on digital resilience so students know how to use tech wisely.
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Caring for seniors through “Age Well Neighbourhoods”
With one in five Singaporeans already aged 65 and above, the government will introduce “Age Well Neighbourhoods” starting in Toa Payoh. This means:
- More Active Ageing Centres.
- Expanded home-based care services.
- Senior-friendly features in homes and neighbourhoods.
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Big redevelopment plans for the North
PM revealed bold new plans for Woodlands, Kranji and Sembawang:
- Woodlands: A bigger checkpoint (5x current size), RTS Link by the end of 2026, new housing and industrial spaces.
- Kranji: Former racecourse land will be redeveloped into a new town with 14,000 homes.
- Sembawang: Shipyard area will be transformed into a vibrant waterfront destination, while preserving its maritime heritage.
Just like how Punggol became a thriving town, PM Wong said that these areas will also be rejuvenated.
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Building a “We-First” society
PM Wong called on Singaporeans not to think only about “me” but also about “we”. He shared stories of volunteers like Yasser (beach clean-ups), Siti Adriana (supporting low-income families), and Mr Koh Seng Choon (Dignity Kitchen).
His message to Singaporeans: Stay united, keep pushing boundaries, and write the next chapter of the Singapore Story together.
From AI to ageing, vaping to town redevelopment, this year’s NDR shows the government is trying to balance economic survival, social cohesion, and future planning.
PM Wong’s speech might have been long for many of us who cannot keep still and focus for too long, but the key message is simple: Singapore may be small, but together, we can still achieve great things.
Beyond SG60, it’s about writing the next chapter of our Singapore Story, side by side, as one united people.
