PAP doesn't want everyone to think the same way, says PM Wong

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said the People's Action Party (PAP) does not want everyone in its ranks to think the same way, calling instead for people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas to help the party tackle the challenges ahead.

Speaking on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at the Young PAP (YP) 40 Festival at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, PM Wong, who is the PAP's secretary-general, addressed more than 1,200 youth activists gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of the party's youth wing.

PM Wong noted that the spirit of youth has long run through the PAP, pointing to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who became prime minister in 1959 at the age of 35, with many of his comrades then in their 20s and 30s.

"This diversity is essential for the PAP to keep renewing itself and to continue governing well for the longer term," he said, adding that the party wants "people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas to tackle our challenges together and respond to them effectively."

"What matters most is that we share the same conviction to build a better Singapore for all Singaporeans," he said. "And if you have that conviction in your heart, there will always be a place in the PAP for you."

"You do not have to agree with us on every single issue," PM Wong said. "In fact, it's the opposite."

"So, if you care deeply about Singapore and about our future, if you have ideas about how we can make our country better, then come and join the PAP," he said.

He acknowledged that some young people are naturally drawn to the "underdog" rather than an established party such as the PAP. "I understand the instinct, we all do," he said.

"Some of you may look at the PAP and say it is already so big, so established, it doesn't need me," PM Wong said. "But you are mistaken, you are mistaken."

The real competition facing Singapore, he said, lies beyond its borders. "We are competing against countries with much larger populations, bigger markets, and far greater resources," he said. "In that arena, Singapore has been, and will always be, the underdog."

"There is no autopilot for Singapore's success," he added.

The PAP's past achievements do not guarantee its future success, PM Wong said. Every generation must bring fresh ideas, new energy and a renewed sense of responsibility to take the country forward.

"The PAP can continue to govern Singapore well only if every generation renews our party with good people who are willing to serve," he said.

He acknowledged that the PAP is not the only avenue to serve the country, noting that Singaporeans can also contribute meaningfully through NGOs, community groups or social enterprises. But governing the country well, he said, requires political leadership.

"Our success did not happen by chance," PM Wong said, adding that it came about because generations of capable and committed Singaporeans had shouldered responsibility, made tough decisions and built trust with their fellow citizens.

PM Wong also addressed the state of politics globally, describing a world marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and fractured, polarised societies.

In many places, he said, politics is no longer about solving problems. Instead, politicians "amplify outrage" to win support, engaging in performative point-scoring rather than tackling serious issues.

While Singapore has not been immune to such pressures, PM Wong said the PAP's response would not be to stoke anger or deepen divisions.

"The answer is to roll up our sleeves, bridge our divides, and solve our problems through actions," he said, adding that this is the kind of politics the PAP would always stand for, and that sustaining it requires "good people who are willing to step forward."

He urged young Singaporeans not to give in to cynicism, noting that Singapore was built by young men and women who "did not feel fully ready" but stepped forward regardless.

"So I say to everyone, all young Singaporeans, do not lose heart, do not lose faith, do not stand on the sidelines, choose to lead, and choose to take action," he said.

The event, where the Young PAP's new logo was also launched, marked the debut of two initiatives: the Young PAP Academy and the YP 40 Under 40 Action Fellowship.

Addressing party activists directly, PM Wong called on them to "help us widen our circle" by getting involved in the two new initiatives. "Reach out to more people, reach out to your friends who care about Singapore," he said.

The Young PAP Academy will partner organisations such as NTUC Youth to connect young leaders through networking, mentorship and leadership programmes, and will run training workshops for activists.

The fellowship will provide S$5,000 (US$3,900) project seed grants to 40 selected Young PAP activists to pilot or expand community initiatives by mid-2027, with guidance from industry mentors and senior party leaders.

Young PAP chairperson and Minister of State (MOS) Alvin Tan, who took on the role in 2025, said the youth wing's focus remains on leadership defined by action rather than words.

"We want to groom leaders who can make an impact at work, at society and at home," MOS Tan said. "We are not looking for perfect leaders, but authentic ones."

He warned against what he called the "politics of appearance", where narrative is prioritised over truth. Authentic leadership, he said, means "choosing the harder right over the easier wrong".

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, MOS Tan said the Young PAP Academy would serve as a pipeline for future election candidates, though its broader aim is to draw more young Singaporeans into public service.

He added that today's youth are a "discerning" and "authentic" generation who weigh what different parties offer, making it important for the PAP to actively identify, recruit and empower young people.

Young PAP activists Jaslyn Ong, 30, and Hafiz, 22, said the new academy would help newer activists gain practical skills, from training modules to software tools for grassroots work.

Ong, who joined the party a decade ago, said she had relied on more experienced members to learn the ropes of running Meet-the-People sessions.

Hafiz, a case writer for the Bukit Batok East branch, said he hoped to learn how to better support residents in distress.

Previous Young PAP chairpersons attended the event, including Lim Swee Say, Teo Ser Luck, Chan Chun Sing, Vivian Balakrishnan and Janil Puthucheary.