Building our Shared Future, Together
*October 2024 update - Together, for Better reflects our commitment to support every Singaporean individual and family on the road ahead.
As we work towards refreshing our Singaporean dream, new policies are needed to help us achieve our goals – from housing and career needs, to family support and retirement planning. The Together, for Better campaign engages Singaporeans on these policies, as part of Forward Singapore.
We launched the Forward Singapore (Forward SG) exercise in June 2022, engaging Singaporeans from all walks of life on how we should refresh our social compact for the road ahead.
What is a social compact? It is the glue that holds society together, the shared understanding of our roles and responsibilities towards each other, and our shared values and aspirations as a people.
In Singapore, this manifests through various examples:
• Individuals taking responsibility for themselves and their families, but also caring for others in society
• Employers paying fair wages, looking after their employees and supporting their development
• Community organisations caring for those in need
• The Government using the taxes it collects to deliver high-quality public services, to invest in the well-being of all Singaporeans, and to build for the future
A functioning and robust social compact creates trust. It leads to a sense of assurance that someone’s got our interests in mind — that we have got each other’s backs.
For us to feel that way, our social compact should be collectively agreed upon. Everyone should recognise that we have a meaningful stake in society, and we are all invested in one another and in our shared future.
Our social compact is not static. It must be refreshed to adapt to changing times.
Singapore is now in a prime moment for change. We face new challenges and uncertainties but also new opportunities.
• Geopolitical tensions are contributing to a less benign and less hospitable environment for small states like Singapore.
• Technological advancements will open up new opportunities, but they will also make existing job roles obsolete, and add to workplace anxieties.
• Rising inequality and slowing social mobility have already fractured social cohesion in many developed countries and will create similar pressures in our society.
• Our rapidly ageing population will increase strain on our people, especially those who are sandwiched between caring for both their young children and elderly parents.
• Longer-term trends like climate change will pose additional challenges. We have to make difficult trade-offs as we decarbonise our economy and society. Everyone must be ready to adapt to the realities of global warming and prepare for threats such as extreme weather events, food shortages and rising sea levels.
We are fortunate to be dealing with these challenges from a position of strength. We have a high level of trust and a strong sense of social solidarity.
This helped us pull through the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic was a baptism of fire for Singapore and the 4G leadership team. We managed to emerge stronger because of the collective efforts of everyone in society.
But we cannot just continue with the status quo.
Now, as we enter a new era, we should look ahead and prepare for change. If we fail to do so, our society can easily fall apart in the face of disruptions like economic downturns, pandemics, or other crises.
The reality is that despite our success, we are still a small city-state that is vulnerable in many ways. No one is obliged to come to our rescue if we falter. It is up to us to fend for ourselves and determine our own future.
This is why we embarked on the Forward SG exercise. Together with Singaporeans, we have identified several key elements in our new way forward:
a) More opportunities for all Singaporeans to chart our own path, that we feel empowered and valued, as we pursue our diverse aspirations and our own definitions of success.
b) More assurance for Singaporeans that they will be taken care of at every life stage as basic needs like education, retirement, healthcare and housing will be met.
c) More collective responsibility from all stakeholders — the Government doing more but businesses, community groups, families and individuals also doing their part to support and uplift those around us, and ensure that Singapore remains strong and united for generations to come.
This vision of the Singapore we seek to create will provide a roadmap for our next bound of development.
Together we will build our shared future for a better Singapore.
Forward SG and You
Find out how the Forward SG report is relevant to you.
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CHAPTERS
Our New Way Forward
The ideas from Forward SG provide a roadmap for our next chapter of the Singapore Story.
Find out moreEmbracing Learning Beyond Grades
So that we strive to learn and improve throughout our lives.
Find out moreRespecting and Rewarding Every Job
So that we create diverse pathways to be the best version of ourselves.
Find out moreSupporting Families through Every Stage of Life
So that we create a conducive environment for families to thrive.
Find out moreEnabling Seniors to Age Well
So that everyone can retire with peace of mind, and enjoy golden years.
Find out moreEmpowering Those in Need
So that opportunities are provided for all, regardless of starting points.
Find out moreInvesting in Our Shared Tomorrow
By stewarding our resources responsibly and sustainably.
Find out moreDoing Our Part as One United People
So that we can build our collective strength as a society for our shared future.
Find out moreAfterword & Acknowledgement: Forward Singapore, Together
Thank you for being part of the Forward Singapore exercise.
Find out moreForward SG Report
Read Forward SG Report
Ideas and pledges for our shared future
We are a diverse society, yet we have many common goals and aspirations. Together, we can write the next chapter of our Singapore Story.”
Opportunities
Related Stories
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Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr. Koh Poh Koon, along with Minister for Social ...
Forward Singapore (Empower Pillar): Strengthening Our Employment Resilience Together
Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng engaged over 60 participants at The Ngee An...
Forward Singapore (Care Pillar): Refreshing Our Understanding of Meritocracy and Streng...
Minister of State (MOS) for Social and Family Development and Home Affairs, Ms Sun Xueling, joined students from Institu...
Forward Singapore (Unite Pillar): Exploring What It Means To Be "One United People"
Through a series of interactive stations, members of the public were invited to reflect, discuss, and think about what a...
Forward Singapore: IPS Singapore Perspectives 2023: Work
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Forward Singapore: Ground-up conversations with youths in the heartlands
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Ideas by Forward Singapore participants
Find out how Singaporeans imagine our refreshed social compact.
Forward Singapore: Refreshing the social compact on public housing to ensure affordable...
On 6 November 2022, Minister Desmond Lee visited the MND housing roadshow at Our Tampines Hub.
Forward Singapore (Empower Pillar): Building a More Resilient Economy Together
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong engaged over 60 members of the public at the closing of the...
Gallery
Watch highlights from the launch of the Forward Singapore Festival with DPM Lawrence Wong.
Let’s Begin: The Forward SG Story - Chapter 5
Let’s Begin: The Forward SG Story - Chapter 4
Let’s Begin: The Forward SG Story - Chapter 3
Let’s Begin: The Forward SG Story - Chapter 2
Let’s Begin: The Forward SG Story - Chapter 1
Watch some highlights from the launch of the Forward Singapore Festival with DPM Lawrence Wong.
DPM Lawrence Wong, Min Masagos Zulkifli and Min Josephine Teo interacted with Singaporeans at the heartland engagements.
Minister Josephine Teo affirmed the need to actively bridge digital divides as Singapore digitalises.
To stay competitive, Singapore needs to evolve with global changes. Watch to learn more.
DPM Lawrence Wong shared three key areas of our refreshed social compact at the IPS 35th Anniversary Conference.
DPM Lawrence Wong and Minister Grace Fu interacted with various community partners at the launch of Go Green SG.
Minister Edwin Tong joined over 90 youths to discuss their role in shaping Singapore's future on issues they care about.
How do we create opportunities for Singapore and the region? Watch to find out more.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli interacted with various community partners at the SG Cares Community Network session.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli interacted with various corporate representatives at the engagement session. Watch for more.
How can we strengthen and build employment resilience in tough times? Watch for more.
What are the aspirations, challenges and solutions for a greener Singapore? Watch to find out more.
Minister Tan See Leng engaged some 60 participants at the Citizens’ Panel on Employment Resilience. Watch for more.
Participants from the Singapore Scouts Association discussing possible environmental sustainability initiatives.
Minister Grace Fu speaking to members of the Singapore Scouts Association at their Diamond Jubilee Launch on 14 Jan.
Scouts took turns to ask questions on environmental sustainability during the dialogue with Minister Grace Fu.
Min Chan Chun Sing delivering his closing remarks at the Equip pillar engagement on education and lifelong learning.
Participants exchanged views on their aspirations for education and lifelong learning at the Equip pillar engagement.
Minister of State Gan Siow Huang speaking with participants during a small group discussion.
How should the Singapore economy and jobs available reflect our shared values and beliefs? Find out here.
Senior Minister of State Sim Ann exchanging views with a visitor at MND’s housing roadshow.
Watch highlights of Dialogue on Strengthening Protections for Platform Workers on 11 Oct involving SMS Koh Poh Koon.
DPM Lawrence Wong giving his opening speech on Forward Singapore at NTUC’s Labour Movement Conversation.
Fireside Chat between DPM Lawrence Wong, NTUC President Mary Liew, NTUC Sec-Gen Ng Chee Meng and event attendees.
Strengthening our social compact
Charting a new path forward, together
DPM Wong's hope for Singapore's future
Building a better and stronger Singapore
Helping all Singaporeans succeed in the next phase of development
INFOGRAPHICS
National Day Rally 2024 - Affordable and Accessible Public Housing
National Day Rally 2024 - Enhanced Parental Leave
National Day Rally 2024 - SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme
Budget 2024 - Support for Singaporeans
Budget 2024 - Majulah Package
Budget 2024 - Support for Families
Budget 2024 - Support for Seniors
Budget 2024 - Investing in Our People
MSF - Enabling Persons with Disabilities to Live and Work in the Community
MSF - Parents and Families
MSF - Supporting our Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and Professionals
MSF - Uplifting Lower-Income Families
Chapter 8 - Doing Our Part as One United People
Chapter 7 - Investing in Our Shared Tomorrow
Chapter 6 - Empowering Those in Need
Chapter 5 - Enabling Seniors to Age Well
Chapter 4 - Supporting Families through Every Stage of Life
Chapter 3 - Respecting and Rewarding Every Job
Chapter 2 - Embracing Learning Beyond Grades
Findings from the Forward Singapore Engagement
[Forward Singapore] Refreshing our social compact together
[Empower] How can we maximise every Singaporean worker’s potential with opportun...
[Equip] What does having a “good education” mean to you?
[Care] As society evolves, we need to review and refresh our social compact so t...
[Build] How can we build the Singapore we want to live in?
[Steward] How can we be better stewards of our environment?
[Unite] What does it mean to be a cohesive and united Singapore?
National Day Rally 2024 - Affordable and Accessible Public Housing
National Day Rally 2024 - Enhanced Parental Leave
National Day Rally 2024 - SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme
Budget 2024 - Support for Singaporeans
Budget 2024 - Majulah Package
Budget 2024 - Support for Families
Budget 2024 - Support for Seniors
Budget 2024 - Investing in Our People
MSF - Enabling Persons with Disabilities to Live and Work in the Community
MSF - Parents and Families
MSF - Supporting our Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and Professionals
MSF - Uplifting Lower-Income Families
Chapter 8 - Doing Our Part as One United People
Chapter 7 - Investing in Our Shared Tomorrow
Chapter 6 - Empowering Those in Need
Chapter 5 - Enabling Seniors to Age Well
Chapter 4 - Supporting Families through Every Stage of Life
Chapter 3 - Respecting and Rewarding Every Job
Chapter 2 - Embracing Learning Beyond Grades
Findings from the Forward Singapore Engagement
Thank you to all who have participated in the conversations so far! Your perspectives on how we can build a better and brighter Singapore matter. Read what fellow Singaporeans have shared at the Forward Singapore engagements: go.gov.sg/fsgupdate
[Forward Singapore] Refreshing our social compact together
We need to review and refresh our social compact on this journey to a stronger Singapore.
[Empower] How can we maximise every Singaporean worker’s potential with opportunities and assurance?
If you have ideas on how we can empower every Singaporean worker, share them here: go.gov.sg/empowerquestionnaire
[Equip] What does having a “good education” mean to you?
We need to refresh and review our shared understanding and common goals for education and lifelong learning in order to build an inclusive space for Singaporeans to realise their aspirations. For more: go.gov.sg/forwardsg-equip
[Care] As society evolves, we need to review and refresh our social compact so that it stays relevant
Have some ideas about what more we can do to collectively strengthen families by providing better support and uplift lower-income families and those in need? Share your views: go.gov.sg/msf-carepillar
[Build] How can we build the Singapore we want to live in?
Building a Singapore for us to call home includes working towards affordable housing and an inclusive mobility and community living environment, with the aid of technology. Take part in the conversation: www.forwardsingapore.gov.sg/feedback
[Steward] How can we be better stewards of our environment?
What can we do to foster a more sustainable way of life and build a green, liveable and climate-resilient Singapore for current and future generations? Take part in the conversation: www.forwardsingapore.gov.sg/feedback
[Unite] What does it mean to be a cohesive and united Singapore?
We need to work together to maintain a cohesive, inclusive and united society. This is key in securing and protecting who we are as Singaporeans. Take part in the conversation: www.forwardsingapore.gov.sg/feedback
#MyFSGPledge - Lai Chun Ying
Meet Lai Chun Ying, a long-time volunteer whose passion for sustainability led to growth of a vibrant zero waste community in her neighbourhood.
#MyFSGPledge - Nathan George
Volunteering has become and essential part of his life, even with a full-time Job. Nathan shared his experiences at #ForwardSG session, to inspire others to build a more compassionate Singapore.
#MyFSGPledge - Ranjanni & Mom
Changemakers who are passionate about helping others, Sivaranjanni and Sugarthi participated in the #ForwardSG sessions to engage with other Singaporeans.
#MyFSGPledge - Louis Push
Learn how Forward SG participant Louis Puah has taken his love for gaming into the classroom, helping youth develop critical thinking.
#MyFSGPledge - Dieky Dzulkarnaen Deo
Forward SG participant Dieky Deo taps on his love for painting to nurture a close-knit neighbourhood community.
#MyFSGPledge - Noor Azhar
Forward SG participant Noor Azhar shares how he is taking action towards building our shared future through the arts.
#MyFSGPledge - Adrian Tan and Greg Tan
Forward SG participants Adrian Tan and Greg Tan experienced personal struggles in caregiving and decided to set up a social enterprise SG Assist, that supports caregivers and anyone needing a hand when they are down.
#MyFSGPledge - Sylvia Loh
Forward SG participant Sylvia Loh prioritises giving back to the community as it teaches her empathy and that every contribution matters. She lives by this mantra to make her community more united and vibrant.
#MyFSGPledge - Sherman Ho
In a world where you can be anything, be kind - to yourself and others. Forward SG participant Sherman Ho shares how he is making a positive difference in society by making skills to cultivate well-being accessible.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Ingo Laubender would like to see more successful individuals within the local community step up to pass on real-world knowledge and experiences, as he believes that to be one way to nurture the next generation of Singaporeans.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant and Paralympian Steve Tee believes more opportunities can be created for the visually impared, given the latest technologies available today.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
To make a difference to Singapore's environment, Forward SG Participant V Nashvinntherann initiates beach clean-ups with his friends and collected kilos of rubbish on their first trip.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Yatinahwiah Mohamad Rasep shares how we can minimise food wastage by changing our personal habits.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
As a mother of three young children, Forward SG Participant Clara Ong believes that instilling values of sustainability should be a priority.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Cynthia Chow believes in a simple solution to better bring together Singaporeans from all walks of life - playing the angklung in community centres.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Ashari Ali misses a time where neighbours young and old bonded over a friendly game of soccer, and believes sports is the key to bringing back the kampung spirit.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Mark Sin has lived overseas for decades and observed a strong desire in Singaporeans living abroad to stay connected with local culture and fellow citizens.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Geline Lim works at a charity for seniors and advocates giving the older generation a chance to contribute to society, helping them maintain their mental and physical well-being.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Jasmine Lee, a mother and caregiver of a child with special needs, says anyone can support families like hers in practical ways.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Geetha Mukunnan shares how companies can take the lead in combating ageism, as we aspire to become a society that leaves no one behind.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Fong Yoong Kheong believes that finding the right mentor can change one's life journey and those who need it most can benefit if mentorship initiatives are more widely available.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Nur'Aini Sidik is a hospital administrator who believes that more can be done to engage our elderly citizens in conversations and keep them abreast of national developments.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Reuben Tan is a data scientist and active community volunteer who believes in the power of staying curious and continuous learning.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
Forward SG Participant Nana Syafiqa feels that the key to sustaining ourselves for old age is to set financial goals early and to have open conversations with your loved ones about financial matters.
Forward SG Participant Shares Idea for a Better Singapore
For Forward SG Participant S. Narresh Babu, he feels that for a more inclusive Singapore, it begins with employers having heart, such as offering flexible work arrangements for those with accessibility issues.