The National Day Rally (NDR) is Singapore’s most important political speech of the year; a moment where the Prime Minister takes stock of the nation’s progress and sets out the path forward.
This year’s Rally was especially significant, as it was PM Lawrence Wong’s first NDR since taking office. Speaking in Malay, Mandarin and English, PM Wong reflected on Singapore’s journey over the past 60 years while also addressing today’s pressing challenges: from housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures to jobs, ageing, technology and climate change.
Table of contents
- Redevelopment in the north: New housing and waterfront living
- Cross-border connectivity and regional growth
- Rejuvenating land and protecting against climate change
- Cost of living and support measures
- Jobs, skills and economic resilience
- Healthcare and ageing well
- Technology, AI and online safety
- Strengthening the Singapore spirit
- Looking ahead
Redevelopment in the north: New housing and waterfront living
PM Wong announced a series of transformative housing and urban redevelopment projects, particularly in Singapore’s north:
- Kranji: The former Singapore Racecourse site will be redeveloped into a new housing estate with around 14,000 homes. The 130-hectare site is larger than Bidadari new town and will feature a new Sungei Kadut MRT interchange connecting the North-South and Downtown lines, along with neighbourhood amenities.
- Sembawang: The historic shipyard dry dock will be creatively re-used as a community space for sports, concerts and events. Beyond this, the area will see new waterfront housing, dining and shopping concepts, and public spaces along the promenade.
- Woodlands: Near the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, Singapore will develop flexible industrial spaces and around 4,000 new HDB units in a “Housing by the Woods” precinct next to Admiralty Park. More housing sites have also been set aside along the waterfront.
Collectively, these moves will reshape the north into a modern, vibrant regional centre, rich in heritage but reimagined for the future.
Cross-border connectivity and regional growth
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will open by the end of 2026, directly connecting Woodlands North MRT station with Johor Bahru. Passengers will clear both countries’ immigration before departure, cutting waiting times.
The Woodlands Checkpoint will be redeveloped to become five times larger, with more efficient clearances. This will boost the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, bringing jobs, businesses and better cross-border flows.
Rejuvenating land and protecting against climate change
Singapore will continue to rejuvenate land and refresh towns. PM Wong pointed to the URA Draft Master Plan 2025 and emphasised coastal protection projects:
- The Long Island project along the east coast, reclaiming 800 hectares of land.
- The completion of the Pulau Tekong polder project later this year, adding training space while guarding against rising seas.
- Other protection works around Changi Bay and beyond.
“Singapore’s progress will never be left to chance,” PM Wong said. “Every part of Singapore will shine, each with its own character, and a place we can all be proud to call home.”
Cost of living and support measures
PM Wong acknowledged continued concerns over living costs. Government schemes such as CDC and SG60 vouchers have provided families with over S$3,000 in support, but he cautioned these are temporary. The broader aim is to keep Singapore competitive and wages rising.
Jobs, skills and economic resilience
Singapore is facing a more contested world, with US tariffs of 10–30 per cent creating uncertainty. To navigate this, the Economic Resilience Taskforce led by DPM Gan Kim Yong is working on a new economic blueprint.
Other announcements included:
- A new traineeship programme for graduates from ITEs, polytechnics and universities, to help them gain work experience during downturns.
- Enhancements to the SkillsFuture Level Up programme, allowing part-time training claims and expanding course offerings.
- Stronger job-matching initiatives, from career fairs at tertiary institutions to town-level matching led by CDCs.
“Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs and jobs – that’s our number 1 priority,” PM Wong said.
Healthcare and ageing well
By 2026, Singapore will become a “super-aged” society, with over 21 per cent of residents aged 65 or older. To prepare, the government will expand senior housing and care options:
- More Community Care Apartments, combining housing with services for seniors.
- Age Well Neighbourhoods in Toa Payoh and other towns, integrating seniors into communities instead of separate retirement villages.
- Expanded home-based and healthcare services, with hospitals setting up local health posts to bring care closer to residents.
- Preventive care remains a key focus, with over 1.3 million residents already enrolled in Healthier SG.
Technology, AI and online safety
PM Wong stressed that Singapore must keep up with frontier technologies. AI, in particular, was highlighted as a game-changer, with examples from Q&M Dental and the civil service. SMEs will also be supported to adopt AI for productivity and competitiveness.
For young people, he acknowledged both opportunities and risks. The government is studying international moves to restrict teen access to social media and pledged stiffer penalties against vaping, which will now be treated as a drug issue.
Strengthening the Singapore spirit
Throughout the Rally, PM Wong returned to the theme of unity. He urged Singaporeans to embrace a “we-first society”, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Madam Florence Yuen and stories of neighbours helping one another during crises.
“What matters just as much – and even more – is the collective will of our people,” he said. “That’s the Singapore spirit that binds us together and propels us forward.”
Looking ahead
From housing to healthcare, jobs to climate resilience, PM Wong’s first Rally laid out a vision of a united, forward-looking Singapore. With bold redevelopment plans, stronger social support, and an emphasis on community spirit, the message was clear: Singapore’s best days still lie ahead.
For 99.co readers, the most immediate takeaways are the housing developments in Kranji, Sembawang and Woodlands, which promise more affordable homes, better connectivity and vibrant waterfront living. These plans will shape the housing market in the coming days — and we’ll be bringing you deep dives into what they mean for buyers, sellers and investors.
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