We must carry the Team Singapore spirit forward: PM Wong

In his 2025 New Year message, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke of the importance for Singaporeans to continue to remain united and work together to tackle the challenges ahead. Here is the full text.

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2024 has been another eventful and turbulent year. Geopolitical tensions continue to rise. The war in Ukraine rages on, while the Middle East faces escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. These conflicts, compounded by extreme weather events and natural disasters, have devastated lives and livelihoods in many countries.

While global inflation has moderated, price levels have not fallen, much less returned to pre-pandemic levels. Across many countries, cost-of-living pressures continue to weigh heavily on families and communities. People feel a deep sense of angst and anxiety about the future. There is a growing malaise. As a result, political systems falter, trust in institutions erodes, and societies become increasingly divided.

Singapore is not immune to these global mood shifts and pressures. But amidst the turmoil and uncertainties, we have been able to distinguish ourselves. We remain a beacon of safety, security and stability in a troubled world. Our students continue to excel and learn, our businesses innovate and expand, and our workers adapt and embrace new opportunities in an ever-changing landscape.

Unlike in many developed countries, we are not plagued by unemployment and stagnant wages. Most workers have received wage increases that outpace inflation, making them better off in real terms. Over the past decade, median income has risen by 2.2 per cent per annum above inflation. In 2024, our economy grew by 4 per cent, exceeding expectations. With the strong economy, I expect real incomes to rise further.

TACKLING CHALLENGES AS TEAM SINGAPORE