NDR 2026: Trust remains one of Singapore’s greatest strengths amid a fast-changing world, says PM Wong

Noting that the country is a major hub for business and finance, Mr Wong said Singapore plays a vital role in global supply chains, and brings markets, capital, talent and ideas together.

“All of these strengths depend on one thing: Trust,” he said. “Countries trust us, businesses trust us, investors trust us.”

They know Singapore is a place where the rule of law prevails, institutions are strong and contracts and commitments are honoured, said Mr Wong, who is also the finance minister.

“When Singapore gives our word, we keep it,” he said.

“In a world where trust is becoming harder to find, this remains one of our greatest strengths. We will build on this trust and deepen our links with the world,” he added.

To this end, Singapore will do everything it can to strengthen unity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) when the country becomes the grouping’s chair next year.

“We will also strengthen partnerships beyond our region – bring diverse partners together, build common ground, and keep channels for dialogue and cooperation open,” Mr Wong said. 

However, Singapore cannot assume that others will come to our rescue when trouble arises.

“We must be able to stand on our own, and take care of our own,” he said, noting that Singapore moved quickly to bring its citizens home, secure essential supplies and roll out support packages for workers, households and businesses when the Middle East crisis happened.

The immediate priority has been to steady the ship and help Singaporeans through the turbulence, he said.

“But we must go beyond that and prepare for the deeper changes to come,” he said.