NDR 2026: Singapore has to survive in a world that is 'more contested, unstable and dangerous' says PM Wong

Singapore must leverage its strengths and adapt accordingly amid a time of heightened global uncertainty, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

During his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 23) at ITE College Central, PM Wong said that the rules and norms that underpinned stability and prosperity for decades are being overturned, especially with intensifying US-China tensions and the current energy crisis in the Middle East.

"This is the world today – more contested, more unstable and more dangerous than before," he said.

The changes are "not temporary disruptions", but a "new normal" that Singapore has to adapt to, said PM Wong.

As such, Singapore cannot "retreat and turn inward", but capitalise on its existing connections while building trust with more partners. 

"We have succeeded by connecting to and creating value for the world," he said, highlighting Singapore's vital role in global supply chains and position as a major business hub.

PM Wong said: "As countries pull apart, we will build more connections, not fewer."

@asiaone PM Lawrence Wong said at the 2026 National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 23) that Singapore will instead built on the trust from other countries, businesses and investors, to deepen that trust and deepen its links with the words. #sgnews #Singapore #NDR2026 ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

Singapore must prep for 'deeper changes to come'

In particular, PM Wong said that Singapore will strengthen ASEAN centrality and unity, while strengthening partnerships beyond the region to "bring diverse partners together, build common ground, and keep channels for dialogue and cooperation open".

This comes as Singapore takes on the chairmanship of ASEAN next year.

At the same time, Singapore will also need to fortify itself and cannot solely depend on partnerships to tide through uncertainty, as "we cannot assume that they will come to our rescue when troubles come", he said.

PM Wong stressed that Singapore must be able to stand on its own and take care of its own people, adding that when the Middle East crisis broke out, the government moved quickly to bring Singaporeans back home.

"Our immediate priority has been to steady the ship and help Singaporeans through this period of turbulence," he said, referring to the Middle East conflict and how the Government also developed two support packages for workers, households and businesses.

Separately, Singapore must also prepare for "deeper changes to come", he said, adding that it will do so by harnessing new technologies including artificial intelligence, supporting families and building for the long term.

"These are not separate agendas. They are all part of one larger mission: to keep Singapore trusted, relevant and resilient, ready for whatever lies ahead."

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dana.leong@asiaone.com