Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad interacting with several youths at the REACH-Friendzone “Singapore_v2050” Conversation session on 17 January 2023.

Forward Singapore: Ground-up conversations with youths in the heartlands

Published on 17 Feb 2023

Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad joined some 40 young Singaporeans at the REACH-Friendzone “Singapore_v2050” Conversation session on 17 January 2023. This is one of the five sessions that REACH is partnering with Friendzone to engage youths across Singapore on the Forward Singapore exercise that seeks to refresh Singapore’s social compact across six thematic pillars – Empower, Equip, Care, Build, Steward and Unite.

To facilitate genuine conversations, participants used the conversation cards to select discussion topics of their interest under the six pillars.

Participants using the conversation cards to guide their conversations. (Credit: MCI / Kevin)

SMS Zaqy participated in several of the small group discussions, listening to their concerns and suggestions for a better Singapore.

Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad interacting with several youths residing in the North district at the REACH-Friendzone "Singapore_v2050" Conversation session on 17 January 2023. (Credit: MCI / Kevin)

Among the topics discussed, many participants spoke passionately on the importance of building an inclusive society and strong community ties in Singapore. Some expressed a desire for Singapore to build on the past accomplishments in order to improve the lives of future generations of Singaporeans. Other participants were concerned about Singapore’s future, citing challenges such as rising sea levels induced by climate change, the rising cost of public housing, and uncertainties brought about by geopolitical tensions.

Participants exchanging views on issues impacting Singapore’s social compact. (Credit: MCI / Kevin)

Shaping Singapore’s future together

In his closing remarks at the engagement session, SMS Zaqy highlighted the importance of such open conversations. He urged them to continue participating in the Forward Singapore exercise and expressing their views and suggestions. This would help Singaporeans, together with the Government, examine our values and aspirations, forge consensus and refresh our social compact for a stronger Singapore.

Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad delivering his closing remarks at the REACH-Friendzone “Singapore_v2050” Conversation session on 17 January 2023. (Credit: MCI / Kevin)

SMS Zaqy also encouraged youths to embrace the principles of good stewardship of Singapore’s resources when thinking about the future of Singapore.

Some may assert that if Singapore becomes more advanced, we will become more selfish and self-centred, thereby causing society to regress. However, economic growth does not mean that (as a society) you cannot be more caring. In fact, it is economic growth that enables us to do more for our people.

- SMS Zaqy Mohamad sharing his thoughts on the concerns raised at the REACH-Friendzone “Singapore_v2050” Conversation session on 17 January 2023.

SMS Zaqy cited the recent GST hike as an example of the Government practising good stewardship. He explained that a good steward wisely channels more resources into essential needs such as healthcare, social services, and education that would help to advance society. He explained that good stewardship in our homes, communities and the Government would strengthen our social compact and ensure Singapore would continue to progress for the years to come.

Want to be a part of the discussion?Share your ideas and feedback for Forward Singapore here.