Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasizes the importance of collective effort and citizen participation in shaping Singapore’s future at the launch of the Forward Singapore Festival.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, delivered the opening remarks at the launch of the Forward Singapore Festival on October 27, 2023. The festival marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s ongoing journey towards a forward-looking and inclusive future.
Initiated in June the previous year, the Forward Singapore exercise was born out of the recognition of a pivotal moment in Singapore’s trajectory. The global landscape has shifted from a period of benign globalization to one characterized by heightened global competition and increased disorder. This, coupled with domestic challenges such as inequality and an aging population, necessitated a collective reflection on charting a new path forward.
Over 200,000 Singaporeans actively participated in the exercise, contributing their aspirations and perspectives through various engagement sessions, workshops, and Citizens’ Panels. The resulting Forward SG Report stands as a testament to the shared consensus and co-created roadmap for the nation’s next phase of development.
The Singapore Dream has evolved beyond material success, emphasizing fulfillment, meaning, and purpose in one’s endeavors. It encompasses a vision of a Vibrant and Inclusive society, offering equal opportunities for all, irrespective of background or educational path. The goal is a Fair and Thriving environment where individuals can flourish and thrive, supported by necessary policy changes and resource allocation. Additionally, a Resilient and United society is envisioned, where collective efforts and unity become paramount for sustained success.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong underscored the need for continued citizen participation and collaboration, emphasizing that success lies in working together as a society and a nation. He stressed that the refreshed Singapore Dream is a collective endeavor, transcending individual interests for the betterment of all.
As the Forward SG journey continues, challenges are expected, but the nation draws strength from its history of transforming challenges into opportunities. The Forward Singapore Festival, launched alongside the report, aims to provide a platform for citizens to engage with the future roadmap, encouraging active participation in shaping Singapore’s trajectory.
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Wong expressed the commitment of the leadership team to engage with Singaporeans and work towards solutions that serve the best interests of the nation. The Forward Singapore Festival, through a series of roadshows, seeks to involve more citizens in the process of turning ideas into tangible actions and results.
