SINGAPORE’S success must not be judged by economic growth alone, but by how it supports its most vulnerable citizens and enables every individual to live with dignity and contribute meaningfully to society, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said in his address at the opening of Parliament on 5 September.
The Straits Times reported on Saturday that he emphasised that sustaining social mobility with each generation remains a national imperative, and a shared ambition that continues to define Singapore’s direction under the new term of Government.
“Income inequality has declined and wages have risen, but the work to ensure fairer outcomes is never done,” he said. “Every Singaporean must be given the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.”
He called for a rethinking of entrenched ideas about what constitutes valuable work, and said training and career pathways would be enhanced to ensure Singaporeans can thrive across diverse skills and professions.
“Progress means recognising the value in every job – in the trades, crafts, and services, no less than in offices and boardrooms – and ensuring that everyone who contributes to society earns respect and can build a good life,” he added.
Cautioning that wealth tends to become entrenched in maturing societies, he stressed the need for vigilance against inequality becoming self-perpetuating.
“We cannot allow this trend to be ingrained in Singapore. We must actively resist it and find practical ways to narrow the gap,” he said.
He identified early childhood as the foundation of social mobility, and pledged further investment in the early years to give every child the best start in life. Education, he said, must go beyond academics.
“Beyond academic abilities, we must equally value technical expertise, creative flair, practical problem-solving skills, and sporting and artistic virtuosity,” he said, citing work-study programmes at polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education as examples of the Government’s evolving approach.
Turning to those in more vulnerable circumstances, he said they must not only be supported with compassion but also empowered to pursue their aspirations.
The Government, he said, will continue to assist lower-income families in overcoming their challenges and progressing in life, although he did not elaborate on specific measures.
He also pledged stronger support for persons with disabilities, including expanded education and training opportunities to ease their transition into employment, alongside greater assistance for caregivers.
“This is the promise of Singapore: that birth does not dictate destiny, that no one is left behind, and that every generation can look ahead with optimism and hope,” he said.
He gave assurances that Singaporeans at all stages of life will not be left to face economic and global uncertainties alone. The Government, he said, would equip young people with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world and ensure they have access to good jobs.
“Young people will also be given a stronger voice in shaping the Singapore they want, as they must own the nation’s next chapter,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to keeping public housing affordable and accessible, and said families with young children would see better access to quality and affordable early childhood services.
Support for caregivers managing both the young and elderly will also be strengthened, with more flexible work arrangements and a deeper ecosystem of community care.
For seniors, he said those wishing to continue working will be supported, while efforts will be made to help those preparing for retirement to build their savings.
He highlighted the Healthier SG and Age Well SG initiatives as key to helping older Singaporeans maintain their health and independence. Healthier SG, launched in 2023, promotes preventive care through consistent engagement with a family doctor, while Age Well SG is a multibillion-dollar initiative aimed at fostering active ageing and strong community care networks.
Taking a wider view, he acknowledged the pressures households face from rising costs and promised continued efforts to alleviate financial burdens.
“That is why we will continue to cushion these burdens,” he said, adding that every citizen should have confidence in their ability to pursue aspirations and support their families in an increasingly uncertain world. - Sept 6, 2025
