STAYING OPEN TO THE WORLD
In the long term, Mr Wong said that every generation must do its part to build a better future for the next, continuing a legacy built through sacrifice, hard work and foresight.
Singapore has always taken “the long view” since independence, thinking not just in years but in decades, he said.
While it will continue strengthening energy security, optimising limited land and investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow, building for the future is about more than that, said Mr Wong.
“It also means remaining open to new ideas, building links with the wider world, and welcoming those who wish to contribute to our society and make Singapore their home,” he said.
For a small nation like Singapore, it is not a choice, but a necessity, to stay connected to the world.
“When times are uncertain, it is tempting for countries to turn inward. But Singapore cannot afford to do so,” he said.
“Our openness has served us well throughout our history, and it remains vital to our success in the years ahead.”
Throughout the country’s history, Singaporeans from all backgrounds have come together as one people and nation, a conviction which Mr Wong noted was expressed in the national pledge written 60 years ago.
“It reflected a simple but powerful belief: that we could become one nation, bound together not by race, language or religion, but by a shared commitment to one another and to Singapore,” he said.
As the world becomes more divided today, the values embodied in the pledge are more relevant than ever, said Mr Wong.
“The challenges before us are real. But so too are our strengths – our resilience, our openness and our unity,” he said.
“If we keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of our pledge, we will build a better and stronger Singapore together.”