Singapore to celebrate 60 years of independence with nationwide events, public engagement initiatives

Singapore will commemorate its 60th anniversary of independence in 2025 through a series of events encouraging national reflection, unity, and community participation.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlined these plans on 4 November, inviting Singaporeans to play an active role in the celebrations.

Speaking at the soft launch of SG60 during the Community Club Management Committees (CCMCs) 60th anniversary event organised by the People’s Association (PA) at One Punggol, Wong emphasised the significance of this milestone as a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to Singapore.

With the theme “Building Our Singapore Together,” SG60 will spotlight Singapore’s journey, with activities throughout the year focused on upholding values such as multiculturalism, resilience, and openness.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), the SG60 celebrations will build on the Forward Singapore exercise, encouraging Singaporeans to connect with each other and contribute to their communities.

Wong expressed hope that Singaporeans would use this occasion to “renew our commitment to Singapore” amid a global climate marked by instability, violence, and societal divisions.

“While there is much uncertainty and conflict in many parts of the world, we are fortunate in Singapore,” said Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister.

“We aren’t perfect, but we keep striving to improve. This milestone is a chance to build upon what we have achieved and to continue working towards a better future,” he added.

Celebratory events and key initiatives

The SG60 programme will include national events such as Chingay, Exercise SG Ready, and the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Project Citizens – The First Million, a tribute to Singapore’s founding generation, will be part of the celebrations at the Founders’ Memorial.

Other events like Racial and Religious Harmony Month and Singapore World Water Day will foster civic engagement and highlight critical social values.

Youth-oriented engagements, organised by the National Youth Council and PA, and public consultations led by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) as part of its Draft Master Plan Exhibition, will further enable citizens to participate in shaping Singapore’s future.

Wong noted that these initiatives were designed to reinforce Singaporeans’ sense of shared identity and purpose.

Role of community clubs in fostering national spirit

In his speech, Wong highlighted the evolving role of community clubs (CCs) in Singapore’s development.

Since the 1960s, CCs have been instrumental in uniting diverse communities, supporting residents during crises, and adapting to the changing needs of society. The PA’s 2025 initiatives aim to strengthen the role of CCs in fostering community bonds and engagement.

Among the initiatives, ten CCs will participate in a pilot programme to establish community innovation spaces for residents, volunteers, and partners to collaboratively address local issues.

These spaces will host brainstorming sessions, workshops, and other events to inspire creative solutions for community challenges.

“We aim to build a platform where residents feel a stronger sense of ownership and belonging,” Wong said. “By engaging residents in solving local challenges, we hope to foster a deeper connection within our communities.”

In addition, the PA and CCMCs will organise a Community Innovation Hackathon in early 2025, which will bring together residents, tech experts, and volunteers to explore solutions to local issues.

This initiative, Wong stated, will go beyond generating ideas to implementing practical actions, aiming to inspire collective problem-solving and community involvement.

Building Singapore’s shared future through ground-up participation

The SG60 celebrations will encourage Singaporeans to come together to reflect on shared values and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.

Wong urged the public, as well as various organisations, to join in the SG60 celebrations. Beyond the PA and CCMCs, businesses, community groups, and individuals are also encouraged to participate, promoting a ground-up approach to national celebration.

Wong also acknowledged CCMCs’ crucial role in Singapore’s community engagement, from the early days of running vocational training courses to organising cultural and sporting events that united residents of various backgrounds.

The contribution of CCMCs, he said, has made CCs a cornerstone of community life in Singapore.

In his closing remarks, Wong expressed hope that SG60 would inspire more Singaporeans to actively contribute to the country’s progress.

“Instead of waiting for others to solve problems, we take ownership because we are all Singaporeans,” he said.

“We strive to make things better for ourselves and our fellow citizens, and I hope that SG60 will inspire many more Singaporeans to do the same.”

No indication on upcoming general election

Despite the detailed outline of the SG60 events, Wong made no reference to the upcoming General Election, which must take place by November 2025. As the Prime Minister, Wong is responsible for calling the election but did not provide any indication on the timing or plans for the election in his remarks.