PM Lawrence Wong advocates for broader success metrics beyond 5Cs, ahead of upcoming GE

In a six-minute video message released on 22 June, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the need for a broader definition of success in Singapore.

He outlined his vision for a society where every individual is valued for who they are, and where success is not a zero-sum game.

PM Wong urged Singaporeans to move away from the traditional definition of success embodied by the “5Cs” – cash, car, credit card, condominium, and country club.

While acknowledging that these are not inherently negative aspirations, he highlighted their adverse effects. “We have seen how such a narrow definition of success can lead to negative consequences,” he said.

“We become more anxious and stressed, and worse, we pass this on to our children. This is not the society I want Singapore to become.”

Instead, PM Wong in his video, says that he envisions a Singapore where everyone matters and is valued for their individuality.

“We can all strive to be the best possible versions of ourselves. Our success is defined by how we help each other to do well collectively,” he stated.

He emphasized that success should be about excelling at what we do today with pride and perseverance, rather than seeking status or rewards.

“My team and I want to build a society that allows space for U-turns, side-steps, slowdowns, pauses, experimentations, and outliers. We want to broaden our concept of achievement.”

PM Wong also shared his personal experiences, including his initial desire to leave the government sector due to constant competition and comparison.

He called for an expanded perspective, citing healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic as examples of unsung heroes who deserve recognition alongside doctors. “There are many unsung heroes – nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers – who put in their hearts and souls in supporting every patient’s recovery,” he said.

“To me, they are all successful role models we should look up to.”

PM Wong, in his parting message, asked the public to celebrate every kind of success, respect all forms of work, and never be afraid to try even if setbacks are inevitable.

Previous Statements on the 5Cs

Previously, at the launch of the Forward Singapore report at Gardens by the Bay in October 2023, PM Wong had also touched on the topic of 5Cs and attributed it to the evolving nature of success in Singapore.

The Forward Singapore initiative started in June 2022 and seeks input from diverse segments of society to revitalize the nation’s social compact for the future.

During the launch, PM Wong noted that contemporary Singaporeans are less focused on the “5Cs” and more concerned with issues like housing and the cost of living.

“The Singapore Dream is more than just material success. It is also about fulfilment, meaning, and purpose in what we do,” he stated.

However, this shift away from material goals — rather than shifting values  — might be just be influenced by the increasing difficulty in attaining traditional markers of success due to rising living costs and a widening wealth gap.

PM Wong’s comments may be driven by how the 5Cs are now beyond reach for many Singaporeans, who may feel cheated out of the Singaporean dream touted by the People’s Action Party in the 1990s.

Given that the general election is expected to happen in the coming months, PM Wong might just be trying to manage Singaporeans’ expectations to avoid this issue, which it cannot address or fix in the immediate or short term — putting aside how many years have passed without having fulfilled the Swiss standard of living as promised by former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

A YouTube comment on PM Wong’s call for Singaporeans to move away from the pursuit of 5Cs—a sentiment echoed by other commenters—reflects a critical view of his motivations: “This is pretty tone deaf considering the rising costs of living and exorbitant housing prices.”