David Neo explains viral ‘sunrise’ remark from GE2025 speech, says he was explaining causation and correlation

“When I wake up, the sun rises. But I never make the mistake of thinking that the sun rises because I woke up,” he said during the rally, drawing amused reactions from netizens.

The comment was revisited during the interview, where Mr Lim asks if he could explain what he meant.

“I was trying to make a simple point about the difference between correlation and causation,” Mr Neo explains.

He adds that Singapore has experienced good economic growth over the past two years despite challenging global circumstances, following efforts to create jobs for Singaporeans and develop industries.

When asked whether the viral moment had changed how he writes speeches, Mr Neo says that he would “still continue trying new things, new ways of making sure people get the message”.

The interview also touches on the role of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and his experience as Acting Minister, with Mr Neo joking that “anything that is not under anybody’s portfolio, it’s MCCY”.

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