Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his second National Day Rally (NDR) on 18 August, 2025, setting out a vision of gradual renewal and policy adjustment, under the theme “A Singapore Where We Realise Our Dreams.”
The speech follows the 2025 General Election, in which the People’s Action Party (PAP) improved its vote share compared to 2020 and retained its parliamentary majority. The opposition made no gains in terms of additional seats.
Acknowledging the outcome, Wong described the mandate as a responsibility to steward the nation amid “great uncertainty around us.”
“We are writing the next chapter of our Singapore Story amidst great uncertainty… Powerful forces – over which we have no control – are changing our environment,” he said.
These include geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, climate change, and rapid technological shifts such as artificial intelligence.
Tone of continuity and gradual recalibration
While the speech was wide-ranging, covering economic transformation, family support, housing, education, and national identity, its tone was more evolutionary than radical.
Wong signalled a desire to honour institutional stability while adjusting policies where necessary:
“We will be prudent. To honour and respect the past. To uphold the fundamentals that have served us well… But we must and we will be bold. We will not let the past constrain our ability to shape our future.”
He also sought to distinguish his leadership style from his predecessors without rejecting the legacy handed over:
“I may be Prime Minister. But I am also a fellow citizen and a friend, sharing the same experiences and concerns as all of you.”
Economic policy: growth with restraint, innovation with relevance
Wong began the policy portion of his address with the economy, framing growth as a necessity rather than an end in itself.
“Sometimes people accuse the government of being too obsessed with economic performance. But we are not trying to grow at all costs, nor to grow for its own sake. We seek economic growth because that is how we create more opportunities and a better quality of life.”
He acknowledged that global conditions have shifted, with developed countries moving to re-shore manufacturing and assert greater control over strategic industries.
To remain relevant, Wong said Singapore would continue investing in infrastructure, innovation, and local entrepreneurship. He cited the example of Morningstar Engineering, a small firm founded by two Singaporean musicians that now sells digital effects pedals globally.
A major theme was regulatory reform, with Wong noting the need to streamline business processes.
“Every few years or so, we have to do a thorough and proactive review of our rules and processes… Relaxing some rules also means accepting more risk, and Singaporeans need to understand and support these changes.”
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong will lead this review.
SkillsFuture and employment resilience
On workforce policy, Wong announced enhancements to the national upskilling framework, SkillsFuture, particularly for mid-career Singaporeans.
- All citizens aged 40 and above have received S$4,000 in top-up credits since May.
- A new training allowance of up to S$3,000/month will be introduced for those who take time off to retrain full-time, with a 24-month entitlement.
- Part-time learners will receive partial support.
“Going for training is not easy, especially for older workers. But I assure you: you are not alone… Anyone who wants to upgrade their skills – at any point in their lives, no matter how old – will be given the opportunity to do so in Singapore.”
Wong also introduced the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, aimed at lower- and middle-income workers who lose their jobs due to retrenchment or business closures.
“If you lose your job, we will provide you with temporary financial support — up to S$6,000 over six months… But you must do your part too. Go for training, career coaching, as well as job matching services.”
Housing: stabilisation and affordability
Turning to housing, Wong said the market had stabilised after a period of post-COVID volatility. He acknowledged that public concern remained high, particularly over resale prices.
He pointed to the House Price-to-Income ratio of 4.8 for 4-room resale flats — equal to that in 2014, but still higher than pre-pandemic years.
“We know there is still work to be done. And we are pressing on with efforts to make HDB flats more affordable.”
Wong confirmed that the government would meet its target of launching 100,000 new BTO flats between 2021 and 2025.
He highlighted the first projects under the new Standard-Plus-Prime classification, which aims to ensure affordability across different locations through calibrated subsidies and resale conditions.
He also announced:
- Enhanced CPF housing grants for lower-income buyers (details to follow)
- Priority access for singles to live near aged parents, previously restricted to married children
- Additional Community Care Apartments to support seniors
“This is my assurance to all young Singaporeans: once you start work and wish to settle down, we will make sure that there is an HDB flat within your budget, in every region.”
Family support: balancing policy and societal norms
Wong addressed declining birth rates, noting that while most young Singaporeans still want families, they face competing personal and economic goals.
“What the Government can and will do is to create a more family-friendly environment… and hopefully this will motivate more Singaporeans to translate their aspirations into reality.”
New measures include:
- Reducing childcare costs to around S$300/month for dual-income families at government-supported preschools
- Extending mandatory paternity leave to 4 weeks from April 2026
- Introducing 10 weeks of shared parental leave, phased in over two years, paid by the government
“That is 30 weeks, or about 7.5 months, of paid leave… I hope this will go some way in reassuring young couples that we are building a Singapore made for families.”
A new scheme to support larger families — those with three or more children — will be announced in the 2026 Budget.
Housing: Stabilisation, affordability, and ageing in place
Wong addressed concerns over public housing affordability, particularly after the post-COVID spike in resale prices. He noted that the House Price-to-Income ratio for resale four-room flats had stabilised at 4.8 — the same as in 2014 but still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
“We know there is still work to be done. And we are pressing on with efforts to make HDB flats more affordable.”
He confirmed that the government is on track to launch 100,000 new BTO flats between 2021 and 2025. The introduction of the new Standard-Plus-Prime flat classification will start with the October 2025 BTO launch.
To address housing needs across income and life stages, the government will:
- Introduce enhanced housing grants for lower-income first-time buyers (details pending)
- Extend priority access for singles buying flats to live with or near their parents — currently limited to married children
- Continue expanding Community Care Apartments, a housing model integrating senior-friendly features with care services
Wong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting seniors who prefer to age in their current homes, rather than relocate.
“Of course there are seniors who prefer not to move – they want to age in place, where they currently live. So we are also studying ways to improve our existing homes, and to make them more senior-friendly. That is something that MOH and MND are actively working on.”
The Age Well SG initiative, which Wong briefly referenced, will continue to guide improvements in senior housing, home modifications, and community support systems.
This reflects a broader push to enable independent ageing with dignity and accessibility across all estates.
“We will care for our seniors in Singapore; we will ensure everyone can age with dignity, security, and peace of mind.”
Education: reducing pressure, broadening pathways
Wong reaffirmed his commitment to a more inclusive education system, while preserving standards.
“Too much pressure will do more harm than good. It can snuff out the joy of learning early in life.”
Key announcements included:
- The discontinuation of the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) at the primary school level
- Introduction of school-based high-ability programmes in all primary schools
- Expansion of subject-based banding and mixed-ability classes in secondary schools
- More funding and support for schools with high learning needs
Wong also said more would be done to support applied pathways, such as ITE and polytechnic progression schemes, and highlighted the opening of new campuses for SIT, SUSS, and the University of the Arts Singapore.
“We are backing these goals with resources… and fully committed to nurturing the diverse abilities of every Singaporean.”
Sport and urban development
Wong used the final portion of the speech to highlight achievements in sport and announce long-term city planning.
He introduced the Kallang Alive Masterplan, which includes:
- A new 18,000-seat indoor arena
- A consolidated training centre for national athletes
- Conversion of roads into a pedestrian-friendly sports boulevard
He also previewed further waterfront developments along the Marina Bay, Kallang Basin, and Greater Southern Waterfront, as part of a decades-long reshaping of Singapore’s coastal urban core.
Closing: maintaining resilience across generations
Wong closed with a call for long-term confidence, using the story of a town called Singapore in Michigan — now buried under sand — to highlight the importance of endurance.
“We want this Singapore to be around for a very long time – for the next thousand years and beyond… Our faith in Singapore will endure. Our Singapore spirit will not fade.”
While much of the speech centred on existing priorities, Wong’s tone suggested a shift in leadership style. His emphasis on inclusivity, public buy-in, and narrative framing indicated a transition not just of office, but also of approach.
“Let us join our hands and hearts, and chart our new way forward, together.”
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