PM Wong’s on The Singapore Spirit: Why ‘We’ Matters More Than ‘Me'

What keeps Singapore moving forward? Beyond policies, strategies, and government action, it is the collective will of its people, the Singapore Spirit. This spirit embodies belief in one another, resilience, and a conviction that the nation’s best days are still ahead.

The speech highlighted how pioneers set the foundation during times of hardship. Stories like that of Mdm Florence Yuen Siew Mei reflect the grit of the first generation of Singaporeans. She lived through racial riots, helped her large family, pursued night school, and worked her way to become a manager in a cosmetic firm. Even today, at 85, she continues to volunteer in her community.

These pioneers endured extreme struggles: war, riots, poverty, and deprivation. Their shared experiences gave them a strong sense of purpose, and they looked out for one another. Later generations grew up in better conditions, but must not forget the lessons of unity. Even during COVID-19, Singaporeans displayed this spirit again of standing together, protecting each other, and overcoming the crisis.

But this spirit should not emerge only in times of crisis. It must live on daily, guiding how Singaporeans treat one another, and shaping society into a “We-First” community. If people focus only on “me” over “we”, society will fracture. But if each person contributes to the collective good, everyone benefits.

The speech also showcased present-day examples of this spirit in action. Yasser Amin, who started as a beach clean-up volunteer, now organizes regular clean-ups at East Coast. Siti Adriana co-founded the Empowered Families Initiative to support lower-income families, offering grants, matched savings, and peer support. Mr Koh Seng Choon, founder of Dignity Kitchen and 2024 Straits Times Singaporean of the Year, created employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, restoring dignity and hope through work.

Such efforts prove that the Singapore Spirit thrives when individuals step forward to take responsibility for one another. While Singapore’s government remains strong and responsive, true progress comes when citizens, businesses, unions, and community groups all work together. The government will continue encouraging involvement through hackathons, Citizens’ Panels, and Youth Panels, ensuring that ideas from the ground can shape real policy.

This journey will not always be smooth, but it will strengthen trust and ownership, ensuring that Singapore remains united. The speech concluded with a reminder: the Singapore Spirit must endure across generations. It is not just about today or tomorrow, but about building a nation that thrives on unity, resilience, and a shared purpose for many generations to come.

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