Forward Singapore: A series of citizen-led open discussions on various issues impacting Singapore’s social compact

15 November 2022

A crowd together with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong listening to a speaker intently

At the REACH x Forward Singapore Conversations on 20 October 2022, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister of State & REACH Chairman Tan Kiat How joined participants in meaningful conversations about diverse topics under the six pillars of the Forward Singapore exercise.

Members of the public discussing and sharing ideas

Members of the public sharing ideas on possible solutions to issues facing Singapore’s social compact. (Credit: MCI / REACH)

A new way to exchange ideas

To facilitate open dialogue and empower participants to decide discussion topics, the session adopted an engagement modality called “Open Space Discussions”. Participants were given the autonomy to suggest and vote on which topics to be discussed. Those who had raised the selected topics were then appointed to lead the discussion on their topic of choice. The rest were encouraged to join in the various discussion groups throughout the session, allowing for a more dynamic flow of conversation.

SMS Tan Kiat How exchanging views with a participant on a wheelchair

SMS Tan Kiat How exchanging views with a participant at the REACH x Forward Singapore Conversations. (Credit: MCI / REACH)

It is probably better that it is not just a conversation where it is one-way – you ask questions and we answer – but it is a conversation amongst all of us. You also get a chance to say what you feel strongly about, what you desire, and others can listen to you too and share their perspectives. Then it is really a conversation that we are having amongst ourselves.

— DPM Lawrence Wong's closing address at the REACH x Forward Singapore Conversations on 20 October 2022.

DPM Lawrence Wong speaking to participants on discussion topics at the REACH x Forward Singapore Conversations. (Credit: MCI / REACH)

I want to assure all of you that your inputs, your feedback, and your participation tonight is well appreciated, and we will definitely consider, very seriously, all the suggestions that you have given to us, as part of our review exercise.

— DPM Lawrence Wong's closing address at the REACH x Forward Singapore Conversations on 20 October 2022.

Among the topics that were selected for discussion, many showed interest in sharing their views on diversity and inclusion for people with disabilities, for the elderly, and across racial and ethnic groups. Other popular topics included education and lifelong learning, as well as issues around mental wellness and health.

At the end of the session, DPM Wong thanked participants for playing their part in co-creating and shaping Singapore’s future together. He encouraged them to continue to give feedback on how such engagements can be improved and urged them to be involved in the Forward Singapore exercise in months to come.

It is probably better that it is not just a conversation where it is one-way – you ask questions and we answer – but it is a conversation amongst all of us. You also get a chance to say what you feel strongly about, what you desire, and others can listen to you too and share their perspectives. Then it is really a conversation that we are having amongst ourselves.

— DPM Lawrence Wong's closing address at the REACH x Forward Singapore Conversations on 20 October 2022.

Want to be part of the discussion? Submit your views here or sign up for the next Forward Singapore engagement here.