In his first National Day Rally (NDR) speech on 18 August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong promised significant changes across four key policy areas—employment, upskilling, housing, and families—to renew Singapore’s social compact.
However, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged Singaporeans to “change their attitudes,” while government is committed to make these “bold and necessary changes.”
Speaking to residents at a National Day dinner in his Teck Ghee ward, SM Lee said the Government will also tackle immediate issues, such as the rising cost of living.
One of the major announcements by PM Wong during NDR speech was the introduction of the new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which will provide involuntarily unemployed individuals with up to S$6,000 over six months.
However, workers must do their part by attending courses, searching for jobs, and exploring new opportunities, SM Lee remarked.
SM Lee also noted that the government’s commitment to making pre-school fees more affordable and enhancing parental leave—including an additional 10 weeks of shared leave for new parents starting in 2026—will contribute to a more family-friendly environment.
However, he added, young couples must take the initiative to start their parenthood journeys.
Furthermore, SM Lee pointed out that there is now greater financial support for mid-career workers aiming to stay competitive in the job market, but it is up to each individual to embrace lifelong learning.
“These are bold but necessary policy changes to refresh our social compact,” SM Lee said of the government’s initiatives.
“Alone, they won’t be enough to see us through this turbulent period in the world.”
“We also need to change our own attitudes and societal attitudes – workers to embrace upskilling and change, employers to take it upon themselves to support families with young kids.”
On the topic of housing, SM Lee discussed the new classification of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats—Standard, Plus, or Prime—set to take effect from the October BTO exercise.
This new system replaces the current categorization of estates as either mature or non-mature and aims to keep flats affordable for all Singaporeans, even in prime locations.
Plus and Prime flats will have additional subsidies but will come with tighter restrictions, such as longer minimum occupancy periods and the requirement to return subsidies upon resale.
During the NDR, PM Wong also announced that the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant would be increased from 20 August, allowing eligible families to receive up to S$120,000 and singles up to S$60,000, depending on their income.
Previously, the grant provided a maximum of S$80,000 for families and S$40,000 for singles buying their first new or resale flat.
On 24 August, SM Lee reiterated the Government’s commitment to helping Singaporeans cope with inflation.
He mentioned that measures include keeping the Singapore dollar strong, which has been beneficial given that Singapore imports nearly everything consumed.
“When you travel overseas on holiday, when you go shopping, you go to neighbouring countries close to us to shop, and you come back and you are very happy, it is because the Singapore dollar is strong. ”
“But if we make it too strong, we will lose competitiveness and our economy will suffer, so we cannot go too far. But we can do, we have done, and it has helped.”
Beyond the strength of the Singapore dollar, SM Lee noted that the government has also implemented numerous measures to support Singaporeans directly.
Lower-income families receive more help, but everyone benefits from schemes such as CDC Vouchers, GST Vouchers, U-Save Rebates, S&CC Rebates, and cash rebates—there is assistance every month to help Singaporeans care for their families, he added.
SM Lee also urged Singaporeans to continue supporting PM Wong as the government works together toward realizing Singapore’s shared vision.