Civil Society
Voices of Ordinary Singaporeans to spotlight key voter concerns ahead of general election
Voices of Ordinary Singaporeans, a public forum and book launch, will be held on 25 April 2025, from 7.00pm to 10.00pm at Redrum, The Projector, Golden Mile Tower. The forum will bring citizens, experts, and advocates together to discuss the Cost of Living, Housing, and Healthcare—top issues identified by over 1,000 Singaporeans. Admission is free.
In the lead-up to Singapore’s next General Election, a public forum titled Voices of Ordinary Singaporeans will offer a platform for citizens, experts, and advocates to discuss three major issues dominating public discourse: Cost of Living, Housing, and Healthcare.
The event will take place on Friday, 25 April 2025, from 7.00pm to 10.00pm at Redrum, located within The Projector at Golden Mile Tower. Doors open at 6.45pm, and venue parking is available for attendees.
Organised by Pagesetters Services and rooted in findings from New Naratif’s The Citizens’ Agenda 2024, the event also marks the launch of We Singaporeans are very Concerned.
This book compiles the results of a survey involving 1,129 Singaporeans, highlighting the issues they most want addressed in the coming election.
According to New Naratif, the survey identified Cost of Living, Housing, and Healthcare as the top three national concerns.
The event is designed to put ordinary voices front and centre, encouraging members of the public to contribute their personal insights alongside expert commentary.
The evening will open with PJ Thum, editor of the book and founder of New Naratif, who will provide a brief introduction and set the stage by presenting the survey’s core findings.
From 7.15pm to 9.50pm, the event will be divided into three thematic segments. Each will begin with testimonies from ordinary citizens, followed by responses from invited experts and advocates.
The segment on Cost of Living and Inflation will address the escalating expenses that are tightening household budgets.
The discussion will be informed by insights from Suraendher Kumarr, a community worker with Workers Make Possible (WMP). Kumarr also played a key role in drafting The People’s Manifesto, a two-year grassroots policy effort.
Next, the Housing segment will explore the challenges surrounding home affordability and accessibility. Ku Swee Yong, a property market analyst and real estate broker with International Property Advisor Pte Ltd, will offer data-driven analysis and policy critiques.
The final segment on Healthcare will examine both systemic and lived experiences of healthcare accessibility and affordability in Singapore.
Economist Yeoh Lam Keong, former GIC chief economist and adjunct professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, will provide commentary grounded in economic policy.
The programme concludes with closing remarks from 9.50pm to 10.00pm, rounding off a three-hour event focused on civic participation and democratic dialogue.
Throughout the evening, audience members will be invited to speak briefly on stage, sharing views or experiences related to the topics at hand. Contributions will be moderated to ensure clarity and relevance.
This initiative underscores a broader goal of New Naratif and Pagesetters Services: to strengthen democratic engagement by elevating citizen voices and bridging dialogue between the public and policy experts.
The organisers hope that by foregrounding real concerns and lived realities, the event will serve as a meaningful contribution to the election discourse. With Singaporeans soon heading to the polls, Voices of Ordinary Singaporeans seeks to ensure that the political conversation remains grounded in the day-to-day experiences of the electorate.
The Projector’s Redrum venue promises an intimate setting for this significant public dialogue, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Admission is free, though early arrival is encouraged due to limited seating capacity. Further details and updates can be found on Pagesetters Services’ official platforms.
Visit the event page here. https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/voices-of-ordinary-singaporeans-tickets-1326107666729
