Netizens express skepticism over PM Wong’s call to redefine success in Singapore

SINGAPORE:  In a recent video message, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the nation, urging a shift in how success is defined in Singapore.

However, the response from netizens has been mixed, with many expressing skepticism about the vision becoming a reality unless inflation and the cost of living are addressed.

Netizens emphasized that the cost of living and quality of life remain critical issues in Singapore.

PM Wong’s message, delivered on Saturday (22 June), called for a broader definition of success that goes beyond traditional academic and material achievements.

He advocated for a society where everyone is valued for who they are.

In his six-minute video, PM Wong outlined his vision for a society where every Singaporean matters.

He emphasized the collective goals he and his team of ministers hope to achieve, urging Singaporeans to move away from the traditional “5Cs” – cash, car, credit card, condominium, and country club – as measures of success.

While acknowledging that these aspirations are not inherently negative, he pointed out 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.”

PM Wong 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,” he said.

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.”

In his concluding remarks, PM Wong urged the public to celebrate every kind of success, respect all forms of work, and never be afraid to try, even if setbacks are inevitable.

Netizens express doubts about vision amid rising living costs and inflation

In response to PM Wong’s recent video message, many netizens voiced their opinions on The Straits Times’ Facebook page, with many highlighting concerns about the cost of living and quality of life in Singapore.

One user highlighted the pressing issues of living costs and quality of life, stating, “Without improvement in these areas, there’s no point in thinking further.”

This sentiment was echoed by another user, who expressed pessimism about the vision becoming a reality unless inflation, food, housing, car prices, and the overall cost of living come down.

They added, “And not [going to happened] if Singapore is the most expensive in the world to live in. Is living under regular financial handouts and vouchers considered successful?”

On his Youtube video, one wrote, “Motherhood statements are pleasing to the ears. Can there be respect if work cannot pay for the high cost of living? The G cannot on the one hand ask us to broaden the definition of success but on the other hand allocate resources purely using economic principles.”

Another commented, “With all due respect, I think that jacking up the GST to 8% and 9% consecutively for 2 years and then telling the people not to focusing on material things is quite a funny thing to say. People are struggling to make ends meet and you are making it harder for us to live but yet telling us not to achieve so much. How we going to survive when you put us in an environment like that? It’s not just the GST. Price for Food, housing, transportation and everything else is going up. I cannot find a reason to give you my vote Sir.”

Netizen critiques government policies on foreign work pass holders

Another user criticized the government for prioritizing the benefits of foreign work pass holders over Singaporeans.

They suggested a 40 percent pay cut for ministers, with the funds redirected to support Singaporeans’ CPF payouts at age 55.

The user also called for the removal of the CPF system’s basic and full retirement sums, advocating for Singaporeans’ right to withdraw their entire CPF savings.

They also advocated for higher income tax fees for foreign work pass holders to support government expenses and reduce the reliance on Singaporeans’ CPF contributions.

Netizens question economic policies: Are Singaporeans more than economic entities?

One user raised a fundamental long-term question: “Do the PAP’s long-term economic and financial policies define everyone living in Singapore as an economic entity or as a real-life person with a soul and a mind?”

The user elaborated, questioning the concept of an economic entity.

“An economic entity refers to defining a person as an ATM machine or a CPF ATM machine. This definition treats everyone living in Singapore as a number in terms of money throughout their entire life.”

The user described this notion further, explaining that it reduces individuals to their financial contributions and expenditures.