Singaporeans must play their part to help the government tackle the problem of a widening income gap, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day rally speech.

Speaking in Mandarin, he noted that the Chinese community pioneers were heavily influenced by Confucian values to help others.

They include people like Tan Kah Kee, Lee Kong Chian, Tan Tock Seng who contributed generously and left behind lasting legacies, Mr Lee said.

He urged the new generation of Singaporeans, especially those who have been successful, to continue to uphold this philanthropic spirit.

Many are already doing this, he noted, citing the examples of Khoo Teck Puat family and Sim Wong Ho who recently donated generously to public causes.