60 Years Since Singapore’s Founding: Lawrence Wong Says to Adjust Strategy to Face a Turbulent World; Lee Hsien Loong: It Has Indeed Not Been Easy

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that after 60 years of nationhood, Singapore has reached another crossroads. Faced with a global economic outlook that remains sluggish, Singapore must adjust its economic strategy—including actively adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics, and maintaining excellence in all areas—in order to respond to an increasingly competitive and turbulent, divided world.

He made these remarks in the National Day message delivered on the 8th. Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary of founding on August 9.

He pointed out that the situation is now even more severe. New conflicts are breaking out continuously, geopolitical tensions continue to rise, trade barriers are on the rise, and protectionist sentiments are worsening. This means the global order that Singapore has grown familiar with and relied upon for decades is gradually unraveling.

He said, "Although the road ahead is full of thorns, we will not sit idly by. We will respond calmly to the challenges before us, and, through our own ways and concrete actions, we will forge a future that belongs to us."

With regard to the current situation, Lawrence Wong said that the global economy will face severe challenges, and many companies in various countries are postponing development and investment plans. Although Singapore’s economic performance has been resilient so far, the outlook remains highly uncertain.

He said that besides establishing the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce, the government also recently announced the formation of five new committees to review economic strategies and formulate a long-term blueprint for economic development.

He emphasized that Singapore must plan ahead, anticipate potential changes ahead, and prepare for the next wave of transformation. Other countries have already taken action to shape situations favorable to themselves.

He said, "Therefore, we must adjust our economic strategies to consolidate our competitiveness and deepen our advantages, so that Singapore can stand firm and succeed in this tumultuous world."

He believes that in order to maintain a leading position, Singapore must continuously excel in unity, conviction, and performance, while also responding with greater agility, adapting with more flexibility, and innovating more cleverly—including actively adopting artificial intelligence and robotics and effectively applying them across all areas of the economy.

Confronted with these disruptive changes, he understands that not everyone can easily cope with the pace of rapid reform, and some people may find it difficult to adapt or feel worried. He promised that no one will be left to face the challenges alone—the government will, as always, stand together with everyone, providing more training and upskilling opportunities, while also strengthening the social safety net to help those who encounter setbacks get back on their feet.

Lee Hsien Loong: It Has Indeed Not Been Easy

Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong reminded the people that, as the nation celebrates its 60th year of nationhood, they must remember the contributions of their forebears and carry on the spirit of unity and perseverance, continuing to build a prosperous Singapore for future generations.

On August 9, Lee Hsien Loong wrote in a Facebook post: "60 years is a cycle... 60 years ago, no one could have imagined or predicted the achievements we have attained today. In the early days of founding, our pioneer leaders, faced with great challenges and uncertainties, had to make tough decisions. The path Singapore has taken has indeed not been an easy one."

Lee Hsien Loong said, as the nation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we must remember the contributions of our forebears and generations of Singaporeans. "We carry on the spirit of unity and perseverance, and continue to create a prosperous and thriving Singapore for our future generations. Wishing everyone a Happy National Day!"