National Day Rally initiatives part of broader goal for fairer, more inclusive Singapore: Lawrence Wong

“A VERY SIGNIFICANT SHIFT” IN TACKLING SOCIAL INEQUALITY

Mr Wong mentioned the Government has been actively tackling social inequality – a key precedence – for a while.

“From year to year, you may not see so much of the changes but if you look back over the last 10 years, cumulatively all the things that we’ve been doing add up to a very significant shift in the Government's position and the way we approach social security,” he added.

It has “considerably strengthened social support across every life stage”, ranging from pre-schools to present each youngster begin in life. More has additionally been completed in schooling, not simply for the younger but additionally for adults by means of SkillsFuture initiatives. 

The minister additionally talked about that work is underneath manner in different areas equivalent to making certain inexpensive housing, uplifting of incomes particularly for low-wage employees and enhancing on common healthcare.

All these add as much as a strengthening of security nets to present Singaporeans better assurance to deal with life's uncertainties, Mr Wong mentioned.

“I think that’s an important part of ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at opportunity and security, and that we strengthen our social compact so that we can be better positioned to deal with any future challenges in the post-pandemic world,” he added.

Asked how the nation can transfer ahead on the difficulty of race and privilege as one society, the minister replied that Singapore has all the time taken a really robust stance towards racism and has completed its utmost to advertise concord in a multiracial society.

But its method just isn't one of confrontation and compulsion the place one group asserts most entitlements or presses its rights and claims towards one other.

Instead it prefers a “partnership approach”, characterised by mutual lodging and respect, session, discovering consensus and increasing the frequent floor shared.

This method has labored nicely, mentioned Mr Wong, and can stay important in strengthening unity amid variety and forging a more inclusive society.

“So whether it’s dealing with the issue of uniforms for nurses which Prime Minister touched on, or putting in place a new Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act … we will continue with this partnership approach,” he added.

“It's a more difficult approach, but I think it’s more sustainable. As they say, if you want to go fast you can go alone but if you want to go far, then we do it together. This approach, I think, is one where we want to bring everyone together.”