PM Wong’s Message to Singapore Youth: Opportunities, AI, and the Future

 

During the 17 August 2025 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong focused on young Singaporeans, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges they face in today’s rapidly changing world. He began by comparing today’s youth to his own generation, noting that nearly all students now progress to post-secondary education, compared with over 40% in his Primary 1 cohort in 1979. Young Singaporeans today have unprecedented opportunities to travel, learn, and use technology to connect globally.

However, PM Wong noted that modern youth face new and complex challenges. Vaping, particularly e-cigarettes laced with harmful substances such as etomidate, remains a serious concern. Singapore treats vaping as a drug issue, with stricter enforcement, stiffer penalties, jail sentences for sellers, and rehabilitation support for users. Authorities will also mount a nationwide public education campaign targeting schools, Institutes of Higher Learning, and National Service, led by MHA and MOH.

Technology’s impact on youth is another focus. While digital access provides immense benefits, excessive screen time, social media, and AI use may lead to social isolation, mental health challenges, and over-reliance on technology. For instance, students using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve essays risk bypassing fundamental learning and critical thinking. PM Wong stressed the importance of guiding youth to balance technology use, building digital resilience, and fostering critical judgment.

Teachers are central in this effort, integrating AI creatively into classrooms. Examples include AI chatbots to practise Mandarin at Corporation Primary and using AI to enhance learning outcomes across disciplines in tertiary institutions. PM Wong emphasized that human qualities, creativity, empathy, character, and purpose remain essential and cannot be replaced by technology.

The government is committed to supporting youth beyond education. This includes expanding traineeship opportunities, modeled after successful COVID-era programmes, to help graduates gain real-world experience and secure full-time jobs. He highlighted Syainda Abdul Halil, who transitioned from a JPMorgan Chase traineeship to a full-time Associate Technology Project Manager role. Housing, parenting support, and cost-of-living measures have also been expanded to support young families.

PM Wong concluded with a message of reassurance and encouragement: despite global uncertainties and complex challenges, young Singaporeans are not alone. The government sees them, hears them, and will walk with them through education, career, and life milestones, fostering resilience, confidence, and hope for the future.