Trust as a strategic asset in a volatile world
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong used his National Day Rally address on Sunday, Aug 23, to argue that trust is one of Singapore's greatest strengths in a world where trust is increasingly scarce. Addressing the nation amid growing pressures in international trade, competition among great powers, and the emergence of new technologies, Mr Wong painted a stark picture of the global environment.
"This is our world today – more contested, more unstable and more dangerous than before," he said. These are not temporary disruptions, he stressed, describing them as "the new normal that Singapore will have to endure and survive for many years to come."
The Prime Minister said Singapore cannot respond to this reality by retreating or turning inward. Instead, the country must continue building on its success, which has come from connecting with and creating value for the world. Singapore will deepen connections, stay relevant, and create opportunities for its citizens, he added.
The foundation of trust
Mr Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, underscored Singapore's role as a major hub for business and finance, noting that the country plays a vital role in global supply chains and brings markets, capital, talent, and ideas together.
"All of these strengths depend on one thing: trust," he said. "Countries trust us, businesses trust us, investors trust us."
That trust, he explained, rests on the rule of law, strong institutions, and a record of honoring contracts and commitments. "When Singapore gives our word, we keep it," the Prime Minister said. In a world where trust is hard to come by, he added, "this remains one of our greatest strengths. We will build on this trust and deepen our links with the world."
Strengthening regional and global ties
To advance its interests, Singapore will do everything it can to strengthen unity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when it assumes the grouping's chairmanship next year. Mr Wong also mentioned plans to strengthen partnerships beyond the region by bringing diverse partners together, building common ground, and keeping channels of dialogue and cooperation open.
He cautioned that Singapore cannot assume that others will look out for it, stating the country must stand on its own. He cited the government's quick action during the Middle East crisis as an example of moving fast: bringing citizens home, securing supplies, and rolling out support packages.
The immediate priority, Mr Wong said, is to "steady the ship" and prepare for deeper changes on the horizon.
A vision that endures
The Prime Minister's views on the economy, housing, defence, population, and new citizens were also ared by a Singaporean observer in a piece that appears on The Straits Times. The author, who has worked and lived abroad all their life, said that listening to the Prime Minister's National Day Rally speech helps align citizens with the nation's policies and direction under his stewardship.
The writer pointed to Singapore's longstanding tradition of thinking for the long term, citing Jurong Island as an example of a long-term bet and the creation of a new western an island that will handle future power needs and more. The author expressed hope that after listening to the rally speech, all Singaporeans would be "more motivated and aligned" with the government's vision.
Listening from the ground up
The Straits Times piece also highlighted that the Singapore Government, under the new leadership team, listens. "Watching the National Day Rally," the author wrote, "made me realise that the Singapore Government... listens. For any leader and organisation, true progress requires active listening from the ground up, because this matters just as much as vision."
The author acknowledged the uncertain world, describing it as a period of deglobalisation, where fragmentation of global trade, supply chains, and multilateral cooperation means major nations and economic blocs are increasingly turning inwards. In these trying times, the author wished Singaporeans to stay united.