'One people, one nation': PM Wong rallies Singaporeans to stay true to national pledge amid divided world in National Day Message
There will be a better and stronger Singapore if Singaporeans keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of resilience, openness and unity, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Message was recorded at the National Stadium, where the National Day Parade 2026 will be held on Aug 9.
PHOTO: Ministry of Digital Development and Information
Since Singapore's independence 61 years ago, Singaporeans from all backgrounds have come together as "one people and one nation", and as the world becomes increasingly divided, the values embodied in Singapore's national pledge are more relevant than ever, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
In his National Day message on Aug 8, he called on Singaporeans to keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of the national pledge.
And if Singapore and its people can do so, there will be a better and stronger Singapore, PM Wong said.
"Six decades ago, that conviction found expression in our National Pledge," he added.
"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."
Staying connected to the world is not a choice
Since independence, Singapore has always taken the long view — we think in decades, not just years. And building for the future is about more than physical infrastructure.
It includes remaining open to new ideas, building links with the wider world, and welcoming those who wish to contribute and make Singapore their home, he said.
Elaborating why, PM Wong pointed out that as a small nation, staying connected to the world is not a choice for Singapore.
"It is a necessity," he said, adding that when times are uncertain, there would be temptations for countries to turn inward, but Singapore cannot afford to do so.
"Our openness has served us well throughout our history, and it remains vital to our success in the years ahead."
'We will always stand by Singaporeans'
Earlier in his message, PM Wong also pointed to how Singapore's economy has remained resilient despite rising trade barriers and the spread of conflicts in the Middle East.
He noted that Singapore has benefitted from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, with new jobs being created. This has also led to manufacturing firms, such as those in the semiconductor sector, being optimistic in their outlook about the next six months.
But he also acknowledged that Singaporeans could be concerned about what the broader geopolitical uncertainties could mean for their jobs, families and future.
To this, PM Wong assured Singaporeans that the country will embrace advances in technology on its own terms — ensuring they remain tools that serve people, strengthen communities and improve lives — while standing by Singaporeans.
"We cannot control events beyond our shores. But we can control how we respond. And we will always stand by Singaporeans," he said, referring to how Singapore acted to move citizens caught in the Middle East conflict out of harm's way, and the nearly $2 billion package of measures introduced in April and July to help businesses and households cope with uncertainties.
Better lives for all Singaporeans
Even as Singapore moves to invest in skills and training to help Singaporean workers adapt to the uncertainties and changes, PM Wong also stated that economic growth and technological progress must translate into better lives for all Singaporeans.
