Major review underway to support families across life’s journey: PM Wong in National Day Message 2026

For a small nation like Singapore, it is not a choice, but a necessity, to stay connected to the world.

“When times are uncertain, it is tempting for countries to turn inward. But Singapore cannot afford to do so,” he said.

“Our openness has served us well throughout our history, and it remains vital to our success in the years ahead.”

Throughout the country’s history, Singaporeans from all backgrounds have come together as one people and nation, a conviction which Mr Wong noted was expressed in the national pledge written 60 years ago.

“It reflected a simple but powerful belief: that we could become one nation, bound together not by race, language or religion, but by a shared commitment to one another and to Singapore,” he said.

As the world becomes more divided today, the values embodied in the pledge are more relevant than ever, said Mr Wong.

“The challenges before us are real. But so too are our strengths – our resilience, our openness and our unity,” he said.

“If we keep faith with one another and stay true to the ideals of our pledge, we will build a better and stronger Singapore together.”