Since the Singapore T ogether Emerging Stronger Conversations (ESC) commenced in June 2020, more than 1,650 Singaporeans and community partners have participated in various ESCs¹. These conversations have yielded fruitful insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Singapore in a post-COVID-19 world, and suggestions on how we can emerge stronger from this crisis. As we work towards recovering from this pandemic, this spirit will help Singaporeans to chart a new path and emerge stronger from the crisis.

(i) Singapore Together Emerging Stronger Conversations (ESCs)

2 We have undergone a shared experience which will shape the attitudes and worldview of an entire generation. Through the ESCs, we want to draw this out and use these reflections as core elements on which to build an even stronger society.

3 At least 20 Emerging Stronger Conversations will be organised between June 2020 and February 2021, including sessions in Mother Tongue Languages. This is in the spirit of Singapore Together; we would like the ESCs to be inclusive and accessible so that Singaporeans who might not be fluent in English can still participate.

4.  [New] The Singapore Together ESC for Youth, involving some 50 Singaporeans on the 31 October 2020 is organised by REACH. (Please see Annex A for a snapshot of the participants at the ESC for Youth on 31 October 2020.)

5 These Conversations will be conducted digitally by default, until the situation allows for face-to-face gatherings to take place safely. Each Conversation will involve some 40 to 50 participants from diverse backgrounds and hosted by a political office-holder. Over 2 hours of discussion, participants will, in their facilitated breakout groups, share their reflections about the Covid-19 crisis, their hopes for Singapore, and what actions we can take to reach the desired outcome together.

6 These Conversations are open for public sign-up. Those who are interested can still register their interest for one of the forthcoming Conversations taking place, at https://go.gov.sg/ESconversations. (Please see Annex B for the list of public Conversations.)

(ii) Other Platforms

7 The government is committed to engaging widely across different stakeholders and will also invite partners to convene their own Conversations, to enable more to participate, and multiply the potential for action. Outside of these Conversations, Singaporeans can also share their reflections and aspirations at www.singaporetogether.gov.sg/reflect.

8 Stories and ideas shared by participants of across these channels will be shared on Our SG social platforms and on the Singapore Together website for interested members of the public to catch up on the perspectives of other Singaporeans.

(iii) Emerging Aspirations from the ESC

9 In the first few Conversations, participants shared their experiences and candid thoughts on a wide range of issues including supporting the vulnerable, equipping both younger and mid-career workers with necessary skills and digital tools, and having greater civic participation across all segments of society. Through these Conversations, there was a common thread of aspiring towards a more caring, resilient and cohesive Singapore, and the belief that by working together, and pooling together our experiences, expertise and efforts, we can emerge stronger as a society and country. (Please see Annex C for a snapshot of the topics discussed at recent SG T ogether Emerging Stronger Conversations)

(iv) Singapore Together Action Networks

10 These Conversations are in their early days. More will take place in the coming months. As key issues emerge from the Singapore Together Emerging Stronger Conversations, we will form the Singapore Together Action Networks (“Action Networks”) to work on them and give effect to the aspirations shared by participants.

11 The Action Networks will bring together a diverse group of people from different sectors – Government, community, businesses – to co-create, and co-deliver ideas and solutions. They will be important drivers to mobilise our collective energies and expertise and exemplify the Singapore Together governance approach of working in partnership, towards Singapore’s recovery and future. The number and composition of Networks will be determined by the issues surfaced through the Emerging Stronger Conversations, and the actions needed.

12 There are currently four Action Networks – UPLIFT, Youth Mental Well-being Network, SG Cares, and most recently, the Beyond Covid-19 Taskforce (Please see Annex D for more information on the SG Together Action Networks). Partnerships between Government and Singaporeans are important to build the society we want to become. During this period, we continue to see partnership efforts; for instance, two citizen workgroups have been convened to look into sustainability topics.

13 We encourage all Singaporeans to play a part in the Singapore Together efforts. We can stay united amidst the challenges ahead and emerge stronger together.

Annexes
A. [New] Snapshot of the participants at the ESC for Youth held on 31 October 2020 
B. Singapore Together ESC Public Sessions
C. Infographics - Snapshot of the topics discussed at recently held SG Together Emerging Stronger Conversations 
D. SG Together Action Networks

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¹ The number includes the ESC surveys conducted earlier between Sep – Oct 2020 on two apps – LifeSG and OneService.