New ‘Singapore Dream’ is more than just ‘material success’, No 2 leader Lawrence Wong says

Lawrence Wong, Singapore's second-in-command, recently discussed a revised 'Singapore Dream' that goes beyond material wealth. Wong, who is likely to be the next prime minister, mentioned that a nationwide initiative called 'Forward Singapore' has been ongoing for 16 months. This initiative, which involved around 200,000 Singaporeans, revealed that citizens still have genuine concerns about housing and the cost of living. However, it also highlighted that the 'Singapore Dream' is not solely about material success. It encompasses fulfilment, meaning, and purpose in life.

Wong emphasized that this is not a government-imposed agenda. Instead, it's a shared consensus, a jointly created plan for the country's future. He firmly believes that the updated Singapore Dream is less about individualism and more about community. Wong, who also serves as the deputy prime minister and finance minister, spoke at the Reinventing Destiny Conference in Singapore on August 14. The 'Forward Singapore' initiative, led by Wong, was launched shortly after the People's Action Party (PAP) promoted him to his current position, effectively making him the designated successor to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Similar large-scale feedback gathering exercises have been launched by past prime ministers, including Lee, before they assumed the nation's top political role. The findings from these initiatives served as a guide for their terms in office. A comprehensive 180-page report on the findings of 'Forward Singapore' was published on Friday. The report, co-authored by Wong and ministers from the PAP's fourth generation or '4G' group, revealed that the concept of a 'good life' in Singapore, one of the world's wealthiest nations, has evolved. While society still measures success by the size of paychecks and property, younger generations are embracing broader definitions of success.