A survey conducted by the People’s Action Party Policy Forum (PPF) has found that, across various age groups, Singaporeans are aligned on the focus areas for the nation moving forward. Key areas include upholding a shared vision of a fair – not welfare – society; of ensuring a clean and capable government; ensuring Singapore has an exceptional edge, and defending Singapore against threats.  

The findings were released today at the PPF | Insights – ‘From Ideas to Action: Policies to Build a Nation’ dialogue – the second of a three-part dialogue series to commemorate the birth centenary of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The dialogue series marks the PPF’s continued efforts to drive change and champion policies for Singapore’s future.  

The closed-door dialogue was headlined by People’s Action Party’s former Party Chairman Mr Khaw Boon Wan and attended by 335 activists, retired MPs, and invited members of the public. It featured a panel discussion anchored by Mr Khaw, alongside esteemed panellists. Together, they discussed Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s views on sound governance across diverse aspects from defending Singapore against threats, and sustaining a fair society, to greening Singapore, and nurturing and attracting talent. Mr Khaw also shared his experiences working with Mr Lee, highlighting the latter’s key policy moves and foresight on complex ideas that included introducing NEWater, building a global transport hub, and developing the Suzhou Industrial Park project, among others.  

PPF Advisors Mrs Josephine Teo and Mr Chee Hong Tat, with panellists at the PPF | Insights ‘From Ideas to Action: Policies to Build a Nation’ dialogue.

Shifting expectations of the Government across generations 

During the event, PPF Advisor Mrs Josephine Teo also shared findings from an online survey commissioned by the Forum, aimed at studying the areas of governance Singaporeans consider most challenging for the 4G leadership. Across age brackets, Singaporeans held varied views – for instance, older respondents were more likely to highlight the capability and incorruptibility of the government, and our defence against external threats, as key focus areas for our 4G Government; younger respondents, conversely, were more concerned with areas of media management, and less on our defence against external threats. 

Mrs Teo said, “The differences in views among various age groups on Singapore’s bigger challenges are an important reminder that each generation has valuable insights, borne of their unique conditions and experiences. But there is also commonality amid the differences. In a time when generational differences have polarised societies, it is encouraging that Singaporeans are largely aligned on our overarching vision for Singapore. 

I believe our survey respondents across all ages have expressed their hope for Singapore to remain a fair society, and an exceptional nation. These themes are in fact at the front and centre of the ongoing Forward SG conversations. The 4G leaders led by Comrade Lawrence Wong will continue to work closely with all Singaporeans, so that we can move forward as one.” 

PPF Advisors Mrs Josephine Teo and Mr Chee Hong Tat, and panellists, with participants at the PPF | Insights ‘From Ideas to Action: Policies to Build a Nation’ dialogue

• Refer to PPF Advisor Mrs Josephine Teo’s opening remarks
• Refer to Former Party Chairman and Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, and Chairman of SPH Media Trust, Mr Khaw Boon Wan’s speeches for the dialogue – speech as delivered at event, and speech circulated to participants for pre-reading.
• Annex A – List of Panellists
• Annex B – ‘From Ideas to Action: Policies to Build a Nation’ Survey Findings

About the PPF 

Since its inception, the Party has championed for a Singapore with opportunities for all. The People’s Action Party (PAP) Policy Forum (PPF) serves as a platform to enhance the understanding of policies and the policymaking process and facilitate deep engagement with government leaders on policy issues.   

In commemoration of the birth centenary of PAP’s founding Secretary-General Lee Kuan Yew, PPF will introduce PPF | Insights, a dialogue series discussing key ideas and values espoused by Mr Lee in the areas of tripartism, policy-making and international policies. The series is headlined by past and present PAP Chairmen – Mr Lim Boon Heng and Mr Khaw Boon Wan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Mr Heng Swee Keat; and marks the PPF’s continued efforts to drive change and champion policies tailored for Singapore’s future. Prior to each dialogue, PPF will also conduct a survey to understand the public’s perspective on the values to be discussed at the dialogue.