10 takeaways from PM Wong's speech

Good plans and strategies are just the first step for Singapore and Singaporeans to continue progressing.

- Chin Soo Fang

What matters as much, if not more, is the collective will of the people—the Singapore spirit that binds the nation together and propels it forward.

This was a key message from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who delivered his second National Day Rally speech on Aug 17 at the ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio.

Singapore got through the Covid-19 pandemic not only because of government measures, but also because of the Singapore spirit, said PM Wong. To keep the Republic going beyond SG60, it must be a "we first" society where everyone thrives together, he added.

"That's how my team and I intend to lead," he said. "Not just doing things for Singaporeans—but doing things with Singaporeans."

Here are 10 highlights from his speech in English, Malay and Mandarin:

1 NEW STATE-FUNDED TRAINEESHIP PROGRAMME
A new traineeship programme will be launched for Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnic and university graduates. Funded by the Government, it is aimed at addressing concerns about finding jobs amid the current economic uncertainties.

During the pandemic, a traineeship programme co-funded by the authorities helped keep the graduates' skills warm as they prepared for economic recovery. With fresh government support, companies can offer more training opportunities, and the new programme will be scaled up should the economy worsen.

2 JOB MATCHING BY CDCs
A new job-matching initiative at the town level will be led by the Community Development Councils (CDCs).

Given their strong networks with local merchants, small and medium-sized enterprises and community partners, CDCs are well placed to match job seekers with vacancies, especially those who prefer to work closer to home, said PM Wong.

The mayors will share more details soon.

3 ENHANCEMENTS TO SKILLSFUTURE LEVEL-UP