{"id":49131,"date":"2026-05-02T10:11:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T02:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=49131"},"modified":"2026-05-02T10:11:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T02:11:51","slug":"spore-must-brace-itself-for-difficult-times-ahead-but-govt-will-do-more-to-help-if-needed-pm-wong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=49131","title":{"rendered":"S\u2019pore must brace itself for difficult times ahead, but Govt will do more to help if needed: PM Wong"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013<!-- --> Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged on May 1 that his Government would do more to help if the present crisis worsened, but cautioned Singaporeans to brace themselves for a more difficult period ahead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">While the Government has moved quickly to put in place an initial response, it expects the situation arising from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/world\/middle-east\/us-israeli-attack-on-iran-what-we-know-so-far?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">conflict in the Middle East<\/span><\/a> to become more challenging over the course of the year, he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cAnd if that happens, we will do more to help you,\u201d said PM Wong in his May Day Rally speech.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cBecause in times like this, Singaporeans can count on one thing \u2013 your Government will act. We will do so decisively and we will stand with you, with every Singaporean, every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">At the same time, the Republic can look ahead with quiet confidence, he said.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"[FULL] May Day Rally 2026 and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong\u2019s keynote speech\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fKVzkMq_T0E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe do not face this crisis from a position of weakness,\u201d he said. \u201cSingapore is better prepared and in a much stronger position today.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">It is because of the efforts of workers, and the choices the country made decades ago, that Singapore can respond to the crisis from a position of strength, he told more than 1,600 union leaders and tripartite partners at the rally in Downtown East.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The conflict in the Middle East, which began on Feb 28 when the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran, has forced the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/opinion\/strait-of-hormuz-the-tollbooth-in-the-middle-of-the-world?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz<\/span><\/a> and crippled a large proportion of international trade flows.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Amid this crisis, Singapore is working closely with like-minded countries to strengthen supply chain resilience and provide mutual support, and is securing supply lines for energy and other essential goods, said PM Wong.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">At the same time, the Government is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/govt-to-bring-forward-budget-measures-provide-targeted-support-to-cushion-wars-impact-pm-wong?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">stepping up support for Singaporeans<\/span><\/a> and acted early in April to roll out a support package, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/nearly-1-billion-in-extra-help-for-sporeans-amid-rising-costs-govt-to-do-more-if-needed-minister?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">Close to $1 billion was set aside<\/span><\/a> to cushion the impact of price increases for households and businesses, and provide broader support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This includes help for businesses most affected by higher energy prices. It also includes U-Save rebates, higher cash payouts and the bringing forward of a CDC voucher disbursement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong encouraged companies to do what they can to support workers and help ease the burden on Singaporeans.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This ability to operate from a position of strength was built up over time, he noted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Hard choices were made early \u2013 Singapore managed its finances prudently and built up its reserves, he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">It also worked to strengthen its energy resilience, such as by reclaiming land to build Jurong Island and developing its refining and petrochemical industries. Underground storage was also created in the Jurong Rock Caverns.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said: \u201cWe had no oil, no natural gas and no guarantee that any of this would work. But we pressed on and we built something that did not exist.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Today, Singapore is a key node in global energy flows, and this gives the country a significant advantage, he said.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"PM Wong: Singapore can look ahead with quiet confidence\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6UaSmI6dBI8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">With the world\u2019s leading energy companies refining, storing and trading oil here, Singapore is connected to diverse supply networks, which means that when one source is disrupted, others can be drawn on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThat is the advantage we have built over decades \u2013 not by chance, but through deliberate choices, sustained effort and discipline,\u201d PM Wong said. \u201cWe made this happen together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">None of this runs on its own \u2013 behind all of it are the workers here, he said. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He reiterated that the Middle East crisis will not be over any time soon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe did well last year. But there is no time to rest. Unfortunately, the first storm has not passed fully. And already, another storm is upon us \u2013 and this one is more severe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b2043e7269dd0b93b3b4e759190a943d1e96cf7f10023b9797b7946dc07d9a03?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b2043e7269dd0b93b3b4e759190a943d1e96cf7f10023b9797b7946dc07d9a03?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b2043e7269dd0b93b3b4e759190a943d1e96cf7f10023b9797b7946dc07d9a03?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b2043e7269dd0b93b3b4e759190a943d1e96cf7f10023b9797b7946dc07d9a03\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/b2043e7269dd0b93b3b4e759190a943d1e96cf7f10023b9797b7946dc07d9a03\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (centre) greeting some of the more than 1,600 union leaders and tripartite partners who attended the rally in Downtown East on May 1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Besides supply disruptions persisting and potentially worsening, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/business\/economy\/higher-petrol-prices-drive-singapore-inflation-to-1-8-in-march?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">inflation on essentials like food and energy rising globally<\/span><\/a>, he warned that some economies may well slip into recession.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cSingapore will feel the impact directly,\u201d he said, adding that growth in 2026 will slow and inflation will be higher. All this will put pressure on businesses, workers and households.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He also cautioned that even after the Strait of Hormuz reopens, it will not be an immediate return to normal as ports and energy infrastructure have been damaged and shipping lanes will need to be cleared of mines.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Confidence that it is safe for ships to sail through must be restored, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThese things do not recover overnight. It will take months at least before the situation stabilises.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">As he concluded his speech, PM Wong said the road ahead with conflict, disruption and rapid technological change will not be easy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe are and will always be a small nation \u2013 exposed, vulnerable, with little margin for error. But what defines Singapore is this: We do not give up. We do not abandon one another,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He was moved to tears as he read out a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/opinion\/forum\/forum-what-welcome-home-means-to-a-singaporean-on-board-an-rsaf-evacuation-flight?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">forum letter published in The Straits Times<\/span><\/a> in March, written by a Singaporean who was on a repatriation flight from the Middle East carried out by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"[FULL] PM Wong tears up reading Singaporean&#039;s &#039;welcome home&#039; letter after repatriation flight\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-uNhx8xJwmc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Nisar Keshvani had recalled how, in a moment of solidarity, applause broke out when the plane lifted off and passengers joined in singing Majulah Singapura. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The words \u201cwelcome home\u201d were a promise, he wrote in the letter. \u201cThat wherever Singaporeans may be in the world, our nation will look after its own. And that is a promise worth protecting \u2013 generation after generation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong pledged that no Singaporean would be left behind: \u201cWhether it is an energy crisis or the AI revolution \u2013 we will look after our own.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/spore-must-brace-itself-for-difficult-times-ahead-but-govt-will-do-more-to-help-if-needed-pm-wong\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013 Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged on May 1 that his Government would do more to help if the present crisis worsened, but cautioned&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49134,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=49131"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49131\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/49134"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=49131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=49131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=49131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}