Singapore Govt publishes ‘Forward SG’ report following year-long engagement with citizens

SINGAPORE: The Forward Singapore (Forward SG) report, spanning approximately 180 pages, was unveiled on Friday (Oct 27) by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

DPM Wong characterized the exercise as a guiding “roadmap” for Singapore’s future under the stewardship of the nation’s fourth-generation leaders.

Highlighting the nation’s trajectory towards a more people-centric policy approach, the report envisions a redefined “Singapore Dream” that fosters inclusivity and embraces diverse individual aspirations and achievements

“In the past, Singaporeans talked about chasing the Five ‘C’s — condo, car, cash, credit card, country club. Nowadays we no longer focus on the Five ‘C’s.

“But as a society, we continue to measure ourselves and others on the same old yardsticks — the size of our pay cheques or the property we own,” the report said.

“We seek a more inclusive Singapore Dream — one where we value every individual, support them in their diverse aspirations and pathways, and celebrate their achievements and successes together.”

Anticipating a series of detailed announcements in the upcoming months, including during Budget 2024, the report will outline various policy adjustments and recommendations. These adjustments will be focused on critical areas such as education, employment, family support, assistance for seniors and vulnerable groups, sustainability, and the cohesive strength of society.

The recommendations were derived from 275 interactive partnerships and engagement sessions, comprising both physical and virtual interactions conducted in diverse formats, including role-playing exercises.

In response to mounting global geopolitical tensions and internal challenges, including an aging population and concerns about diminishing social mobility, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Wong emphasized Singapore’s pivotal juncture in June last year, labelling it a “crossroads.”

Positioned as a likely successor to the role of Singapore’s Prime Minister, Mr Wong announced the launch of the Forward SG initiative led by the nation’s fourth-generation leaders.

The primary goal of this initiative was to construct a comprehensive roadmap for the future and to revitalize the foundation of Singapore’s “social compact,” which he described as the cohesive force that binds society together.

According to the Forward SG report, a vital component of this social compact is the collective set of values and aspirations shared by Singaporeans, encapsulated in the concept of the “Singapore Dream.”

The report acknowledged an evolution in the perspective of the younger generation, with a growing emphasis on seeking purpose and fulfilment in their careers beyond mere financial success. This signifies a broader interpretation of success beyond material gains.

Outlined in the report are seven pivotal shifts that aim to enhance the quality of life for the majority of society, including their children, while ensuring continued support for the most vulnerable segments of the population.

The report emphasized the need for collective participation from all sectors of society — individuals, communities, and businesses — to facilitate the realization of these objectives.

The initiatives outlined in the report include:

1. Learning Beyond Grades

The report emphasizes a shift in the educational focus from grades to the development of life skills, fostering quality relationships, and promoting active engagement in schools. It also stresses the importance of continuous learning beyond formal education.

Government Action:

• Abolishment of streaming in favor of full subject-based banding to cater to diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities
• Integration of adaptive learning technologies like Artificial Intelligence and deep analytics for personalized curriculum development
• Increased support for special needs students across various educational institutions
• Enhancement of the SkillsFuture program to facilitate reskilling and upskilling, including substantial SkillsFuture credit top-ups and training allowances for mature workers

Society’s Role:

• Encouragement for caregivers to actively participate in building children’s life skills and fostering curiosity
• Collaboration between industry players and educational institutions to develop education modules for both students and adult learners
• Encouragement for employers to consider factors beyond qualifications in the hiring process and to create a conducive environment for employee development.

2. Respecting and Rewarding Every Job

To address the demand for meaningful employment and skill mastery, the report suggests measures to recognize and adequately compensate workers in ‘hands’ and ‘heart’ jobs. It also outlines strategies to support career advancement and international exposure.

Government Action:

• Recognition and improved remuneration for workers in ‘hands’ and ‘heart’ jobs to minimize wage disparities
• Assistance for ITE graduates in pursuing further education
• Implementation of a support scheme for retrenched workers in lower and middle-income brackets
• Collaboration with employers and industry associations to foster local talent for leadership positions, especially in multinational corporations

Society’s Role:

• Encouragement for communities and employers to value and fairly remunerate professionals in manual labor and care-giving sectors
• Facilitation of overseas career development for Singaporeans, with assistance provided for the smooth reintegration of their children into local schools.

3. Supporting Families through Every Stage

The report emphasizes the importance of supporting families across various life stages, facilitating work-life balance, and providing assistance in caring for both children and elderly family members.

Government Action:

• Ensuring affordable and socially inclusive HDB housing through a new classification framework
• Exploration of extended parental leave and expansion of childcare facilities
• Introduction of tripartite guidelines on flexible work arrangements and the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy
• Enhanced support for caregivers of children with special needs through increased affordability of early intervention and education services

Society’s Role:

• Adoption of supportive and flexible work practices by employers and co-workers to promote work-life harmony
• Creation of a workplace culture that encourages family support and caregiving responsibilities.

4. Enabling Seniors to Age Well

To promote healthier aging, the report suggests a paradigm shift in Singapore’s healthcare system towards preventive care and community-based support.

Government Action:

• Revamping and expansion of Active Ageing Centers for community engagement
• Incorporation of senior-friendly features in living environments and integration of care provisions into housing options
• Enhancement of the Silver Support scheme, Matched Retirement Savings scheme, and Majulah Package

Society’s Role:

• Encouragement for family members, friends, and volunteers to actively engage seniors in maintaining a healthy and socially connected lifestyle
• Promotion of personal responsibility among seniors for their health and well-being through healthy lifestyle choices, regular screenings, and active community participation.

5. Empower Those in Needs

The report underscores the necessity of empowering lower-income families and ensuring inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities. It highlights the importance of addressing developmental gaps and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Government Action:

• Collaboration with community partners to provide sustained support for the advancement of lower-income families
• Initiatives to enhance preschool accessibility and affordability for children from lower-income backgrounds, particularly those aged three to four, to prevent developmental disparities upon entering primary school
• Strengthening lifelong learning opportunities and creating inclusive environments for persons with disabilities to foster independence and active participation

Society’s Role:

• Encouragement for businesses and communities to offer financial support, volunteer time, or provide other forms of assistance to aid lower-income families
• Call for active participation from Singaporeans in fostering a fair and inclusive society for persons with disabilities.

6.  Investing in Collective Tomorrow

The report underscores the critical need to optimize Singapore’s limited land resources and ensure a resilient response to climate change.

Government Action:

• Strategic infrastructure investments to address future water demand and combat the impact of climate change
• Diversification of food import sources and scaling up of local production within the agri-food industry

Society’s Role:

• Encouragement for Singaporeans to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, such as water conservation, to contribute to the preservation of resources
• Support for the local agri-food industry by promoting the purchase of locally produced goods.

7. Promoting Unity Through Generosity

The report emphasizes the importance of nurturing a robust culture of giving and reinforcing Singapore’s multiracialism and national identity.

Government Action:

• Facilitation of a more effective connection between donors, volunteers, and local community needs
• Promotion of increased interactions between different segments of the Singaporean population
• Creation of additional avenues for civic engagement and support for community-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing local communities
• Establishment of the Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO) to streamline communication between contributing citizens and relevant government agencies

Society’s Role:

• Encouragement for businesses to prioritize the investment in their employees, creating a conducive work environment that promotes growth and development
• Encouragement for Singaporeans to actively engage in appreciating, understanding, and respecting various cultures and traditions
• Promotion of interactions between different groups within the Singaporean community at the community level.

Forward Singapore unveiled ahead of impending General Election

The Forward SG workgroup affirmed its commitment to ongoing engagement with citizens regarding its policies and programs, extending beyond the report’s release.

To foster greater public involvement, individuals can explore the Forward SG initiatives and share their input during the inaugural Forward Singapore Festival. The event will debut at Gardens by the Bay from Oct 27 to 29, followed by subsequent showcases at various locations until Jan 28 next year.

The government initiated the Forward Singapore (Forward SG) exercise in June 2022, soliciting input from diverse segments of Singaporean society on revitalizing the nation’s social compact for the future.

The recent launch of these initiatives assumes particular significance, given the current economic challenges.

Political analysts are foreseeing the possibility of an early General Election in 2024, although the constitutional deadline for the next election is set for July 2025.

Current circumstances suggest the likelihood of an accelerated political timeline.