PM Wong acknowledges that many families are ‘stretched’ in 2026 National Day message
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has expressed a wish to build a Singapore for families, acknowledging the increasing “strain” faced by many today.
In his National Day Message for 2026, delivered on Saturday (8 Aug), he thus promised a “major review” of how Singapore supports families.
Source: Ministry of Digital Development and Information via Lawrence Wong on Facebook
‘Many families are stretched’: PM in 2025 National Day message
Mr Wong, speaking against the backdrop of the National Stadium that will host this year’s National Day Parade, pointed to the “greater strain” that family life is coming under across the world.
This is no different in Singapore, where many families are juggling “competing demands”, causing them to be “stretched”.
He noted that “expectations have risen”, leading parents to feel like they must give their children “the best possible start in life”.
Many parents are also caring for their own ageing parents, while balancing work demands, he added.
Aim to build a S’pore for families
Mr Wong said he aims for Singapore to be a place where “everyone can pursue their aspirations with confidence”.
That includes raising families with peace of mind and looking to the future with hope, he noted, adding:
Ultimately, economic growth and technological progress must translate into better lives for all Singaporeans.
‘Major review’ on families to encompass entire ‘life’s journey’
Thus, the Government is undertaking a “major review” of how families are supported in Singapore, Mr Wong revealed.
This will encompass the entire “life’s journey”, not just marriage and parenthood, he said, adding:
We are taking a fresh look at issues like the costs of raising children, access to affordable infant care and childcare, and other ways to lighten the load on families.
He will elaborate on these plans during the National Day Rally on 23 Aug.
S’pore will embrace AI ‘on our own terms’
Mr Wong also spoke about artificial intelligence (AI), which is “transforming industries and changing the way we work”.
But he acknowledged that AI is “causing anxiety” among workers, who worry that it would affect their livelihoods.
He noted that Singapore will embrace these advances “on our own terms”, noting that we should not accept every new technology “uncritically”.
Thus, he assured Singaporeans that AI will be made “full use” of to raise productivity and create better jobs, but workers will also be given chances to “adapt, grow and thrive” through investment in skills and training.
Stronger safeguards on social media
Similarly, social media helps us stay connected, share ideas and express ourselves, but parents are concerned about its effects on children and young people, Mr Wong said.
This is especially since excessive use of social media may harm mental well-being, relationships and healthy development.
The Government will therefore put in place “stronger safeguards” to protect our children while navigating the digital world, he added.
Source: Shashank Verma on Unsplash
Govt ‘will always stand by S’poreans’ amid global uncertainty
Turning to global affairs, Mr Wong noted the “more uncertain global backdrop” this year.
Citing the “volatile” Middle East crisis, he said that it had led to higher energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and increased costs across the world.
This has caused Singaporeans to be concerned about their future, but the Government will “always stand by Singaporeans”, he assured.
For example, they responded by bringing citizens home from the Middle East, and introducing support measures for households and businesses, he added.
Preparing for the future
But the Government must also prepare Singapore for the future, Mr Wong said, noting that a comprehensive review of our economic strategies has been completed.
To that end, Singapore is refreshing its approach to industry and trade, strengthening our competitiveness and investing heavily in people, he maintained, adding:
Our goal is not just to weather the current turbulence. It is to emerge stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for whatever lies ahead.
Building for the future is also about remaining open to new ideas, building links globally and welcoming those who wish to contribute and live in Singapore, the PM stated.
He cautioned against turning inward during uncertain times as Singapore “cannot afford to do so”, saying:
Our openness has served us well throughout our history, and it remains vital to our success in the years ahead.
Source: Ministry of Digital Development and Information via Lawrence Wong on Facebook
PM wishes S’poreans a Happy National Day in 2026 message
Mr Wong concluded by saying that the world is becoming more divided and the challenges are real, but the values embodied in our Pledge are “more relevant than ever”.
It reflected a belief that we could become one nation bound together by a “shared commitment” to one another and to the nation, he noted, appealing to our strengths of resilience, openness and unity.
Thus, he urged Singaporeans to keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of the Pledge, adding:
We will build a better and stronger Singapore together.
Watch Mr Wong’s full speech here, or if you prefer, read the transcript.
Also read: ‘To stay ahead, S’pore must remain exceptional’: PM Wong in 2025 National Day message
‘To stay ahead, S’pore must remain exceptional’: PM Wong in 2025 National Day message
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Featured image adapted from Ministry of Digital Development and Information via Lawrence Wong on Facebook.
