Tharman delivers President’s Address, says Singapore has resisted global erosion of trust through stewardship

Delivering his address on behalf of the Government at the opening of Singapore’s 15th Parliament on 5 Sept 2025, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam emphasised that the Republic’s success depends on sustaining trust — both between the Government and citizens, and among Singaporeans themselves. He cautioned, however, that such trust must be continually earned, as he outlined the Government’s priorities, policies, and programmes for the new parliamentary term. In Singapore, the President’s Address at the Opening of Parliament is traditionally prepared by the Government following a general election and delivered by the President, setting out the administration’s agenda and priorities for the new term. The 15th Parliament was inaugurated with the election of the Speaker and the swearing-in of 97 elected Members of Parliament (MPs), along with two Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs). This came nearly five months after the dissolution of the 14th Parliament on 15 Apr, ahead of this year’s General Election. Tharman noted that public trust in governments and institutions has been eroding across many parts of the world. He highlighted how political systems elsewhere have often been paralysed by gridlock or focused narrowly on immediate issues while neglecting long-term challenges. “Singapore has avoided the dysfunction that has bedevilled so many other countries,” he said. “But trust must be continually earned – through continuous dialogue, listening, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.” He explained that Singapore’s capacity to make difficult decisions, including those with short-term costs, rests on this foundation of trust. It has enabled long-term planning beyond electoral cycles, fostering stability amid growing global and domestic uncertainties.

Emphasis on inclusive growth and resilience

In his wide-ranging address, President Tharman highlighted national unity, resilience, and inclusive growth as guiding principles for Singapore’s next chapter. He reaffirmed Singapore’s ambition to remain a place where ideas and enterprises can thrive. “We seek not just growth, but inclusive growth – a society where every citizen shares in the nation’s prosperity, and every Singaporean has the confidence that tomorrow will bring brighter opportunities and a better life,” he said. This, he stressed, would require both economic dynamism and strong social cohesion.

Supporting workers and families

The President detailed plans to support workers and families through Singapore’s economic transformation. He noted that schemes to assist retrenched and mid-career workers would continue evolving, equipping them with skills to adapt to a changing economy. “These efforts reflect our conviction that Singaporeans should never face uncertainty on their own,” he said. He referenced the Forward Singapore exercise, which outlined support across life stages. Youths would be provided with meaningful jobs and opportunities to shape the nation’s future. Families would see expanded access to affordable housing, early childhood education, and caregiver support. Seniors would be encouraged to live fulfilling later years, whether through continued work or secure retirement.

Addressing rising costs

Acknowledging anxieties over inflation and cost pressures driven by global conflicts, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions, President Tharman said the Government would continue cushioning households. “The Government understands these burdens, and will continue to cushion them to ensure every citizen has access to life’s essentials,” he stated. But he added that Singapore’s response could not rely on short-term relief alone. Policies must sustain opportunity and confidence in the future, while ensuring citizens have the tools to succeed in a competitive world.

Tackling inequality and sustaining mobility

President Tharman cautioned against the risk of entrenched inequality, stressing that “privilege is passed down, while disadvantage becomes harder to escape.” Singapore, he insisted, must resist this trend. He pointed to progress made in narrowing income inequality and raising wages, but highlighted that sustaining mobility would remain a central priority. Social mobility, he said, begins from early childhood. The Government would deepen investments in early years to ensure every child has a strong start, regardless of background. He added that every contribution to society deserves respect, and this required creating pathways for recognition across diverse skills and professions.

Empowering the vulnerable

The President reiterated that national success cannot be judged by economic growth alone, but by how society uplifts its most vulnerable. “It must be judged by how we support the vulnerable, and how we enable every Singaporean – young and old – to contribute and to live with dignity,” he said. He pledged continued support for lower-income households, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers. Singapore, he added, should be a home where compassion is matched by empowerment, allowing every individual to pursue aspirations.

Fostering a “We First” society

A key theme of the President’s speech was the strengthening of community spirit. He urged citizens to build a “We First” society, marked by solidarity in both organised initiatives and simple daily gestures. “Offering a seat on the train or lending a hand in times of need are threads that hold our social fabric together,” he remarked. He added that community groups, businesses, and individuals all had roles in weaving this culture of solidarity, which would prove crucial to national resilience.

Economic renewal and global competitiveness

Turning to economic renewal, President Tharman underlined the need for Singapore to restructure industries and develop deeper capabilities in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital services, and finance. He emphasised cultivating a spirit of experimentation among businesses and individuals, enabling the growth of leading enterprises that could secure rising incomes for workers. “We cannot match other countries in size or scale. But we can compete on speed, ingenuity and trust,” he said. In a fragmented global economy, Singapore must remain a safe harbour for trade, capital, and talent. Competing solely on cost was no longer sustainable; instead, agility and innovation would define the nation’s edge.

Safeguarding national security

President Tharman also addressed domestic and external security threats. He highlighted the dangers posed by terrorism, scams, and drug abuse, including vaping products. These risks, he said, were not only law enforcement issues but also threats to social trust. Strengthening Total Defence, enhancing National Education, and supporting national servicemen would remain central. Citizens would also be invited to play a greater role in security, broadening avenues for civic contribution. He further warned of the risk of foreign interference through disinformation campaigns. “We must equip Singaporeans to discern fact from fiction, uphold our national interests, and resist external manipulation,” he cautioned.

Navigating global rivalries

The President highlighted intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, noting its impact on economic, technological, and security domains. These dynamics, he said, would shape the global strategic environment for decades. “While Singapore cannot command the tides, neither are we a vessel adrift. By charting our course with quiet confidence and resolve, we can shape our own destiny,” he said. Singapore, he noted, had long prospered under a US-led rules-based order. Yet fragmentation, coercion, and the weaponisation of economic ties had made the environment more unsettled. Singapore would continue to seek deeper ASEAN integration, push for reforms in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and World Trade Organisation, and build partnerships with like-minded countries to secure stability, he said.