Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong addresses Singapore’s future at the IPS-SBF Conference, highlighting national progress and upcoming challenges.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, delivered a keynote speech at the IPS-SBF Conference themed “Global-City Singapore: SG60 and Beyond”. The event, held in conjunction with Singapore’s 60th anniversary, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and business figures to reflect on the nation’s journey and explore its future direction.
Mr Wong began by acknowledging Singapore’s remarkable progress over the past six decades. Recalling the country’s unlikely path to independence, he noted how its founding leaders and Pioneer Generation believed that success was only possible as part of a larger federation. Despite initial doubts, Singapore has since defied expectations and become a thriving global city-state.
Reflecting on the generational shift within Singapore, Mr Wong highlighted the importance of both remembering the past and preparing for the future. He noted that the current generation of Singaporeans was born after independence and must now take on the responsibility of steering the nation forward, especially in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain global environment.
Despite these challenges, Mr Wong expressed optimism about Singapore’s future, citing its strong institutions, global reputation, and high levels of social trust and solidarity. He affirmed his government’s readiness to act decisively to protect the nation’s interests and called for continued collaboration among citizens to chart the next chapter of Singapore’s story.
The conference, jointly organised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), is a key event in the SG60 celebrations and provides a platform for collective reflection and forward-looking dialogue.
Source: PMO
