Today, Changi Airport is thriving, with strong growth momentum driving its recovery. Passenger traffic is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, and is expected to increase further next year. Our aviation workforce has surpassed pre-Covid numbers. Our Air Hub is stronger than before, and in a few months』 time, we will break ground for the new Terminal 5.
Likewise, we tackled cost of living pressures together. The Government implemented a full suite of measures, including cash support, CDC vouchers and utilities rebates, to mitigate the impact of inflation. Others did their part too. Community groups chipped in with ground-up initiatives, such as food distribution and grocery assistance programmes. Many companies helped out as well, supporting vulnerable groups in different ways.
Our spirit of teamwork shone brightly at the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. We cheered when Max Maeder became the youngest Singaporean to win an Olympic medal, and Yip Pin Xiu secured her seventh gold. Their achievements, and those of their fellow athletes and para-athletes, were not solo efforts. They were the result of the hard work of an entire community – coaches, sports scientists and administrators – as well as the unwavering support of family members.
These experiences highlight a common thread – the importance of working together and closing ranks in the face of challenges. The collective efforts of Team Singapore made all the difference, be it overcoming crises, supporting one another in times of need, or striving for excellence on the global stage.
Looking ahead in 2025
We must carry this Team Singapore spirit into 2025 and beyond. That was why we embarked on the Forward Singapore exercise – to renew our social compact and strengthen our solidarity, so we can navigate uncertainties confidently as one united people.
Through Forward Singapore, we will revise our policies, reset attitudes and mindsets, and refresh the Singapore Dream. We will build a fairer and more inclusive society, where everyone is assured of opportunities to succeed, regardless of their starting points in life; where every one of us can realise our dreams, and live with dignity, security and hope for a brighter future.
We have taken major steps towards these goals. Housing policies have been updated to make HDB flats more affordable. The Majulah Package has enhanced retirement adequacy, especially for those in their 50s and early 60s. New programmes like Healthier SG and Age Well SG are providing seniors better support. We are reforming our approach towards education, and investing heavily in SkillsFuture, to help every Singaporean, including mature workers, develop to their full potential.
This is just the beginning. We will do more. I will set out the next steps of Forward Singapore in Budget 2025. We will sharpen our economic competitiveness, to create exciting opportunities and good jobs for Singaporeans. We will continue to cushion the impact of cost-of-living increases. We will provide more targeted help to those who find it harder to cope, especially older people and lower-income groups. But we will not neglect other segments, including the middle-income and middle-aged, who are caring for both elderly parents and young children. Every citizen has a role and place in our society. No one will be left behind, because we are all in this together.
Faith in our Future
2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. While there is occasion to celebrate, this milestone is really a time for reflection – on our shared values, who we are, and what we stand for. Importantly, it is an opportunity to envision how we can shape our future together.
Our journey ahead will not be short of challenges. But we have never allowed ourselves to be browbeaten or discouraged. Like the older generations, younger Singaporeans too showed resilience and fighting spirit during the pandemic. Thanks to the commitment of their teachers and support from their parents, they adapted to the Covid measures, took them in stride, and continued to thrive.
Each time I meet and engage with Singaporeans, old and young, I feel reassured and confident about our future. We know deep in our bones that Singapore was built against the odds. Together, we turned what seemed impossible into reality. We sustained this miracle through faith in our fellow citizens and our shared purpose. Every generation has done its part, strived for excellence, and made their tomorrow better than today. Now it is our turn to blaze a bold path forward.
I wish all Singaporeans a very Happy New Year.
信息及圖片來源：新加坡總理公署官網
