SINGAPORE – Young people in Singapore have indicated that they aspire to make a positive impact and want a society that celebrates non-traditional success, encourages risk-taking and embraces failure.
They also want to volunteer actively and contribute more, both to the community and the nation, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo said, citing findings from a series of surveys and engagements with over 50,000 youth and stakeholders.
Speaking on Sept 6 at the SG Youth Forum held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Mr Neo noted that more than half want to make a positive impact on the community, and about half want more platforms where they can contribute.
“At last month’s National Day Rally, our Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
spoke about building a ‘We First’ society
– a society where Singaporeans look out for each other, and not just self-interest.
“I am proud to say that against a global backdrop of increasing individualism, you tell us that you want to contribute back to the community and to the nation,” said Mr Neo.
The findings, based on more than 200,000 responses, will shape the SG Youth Plan – a five-year plan by youth and for youth to support their aspirations, needs and interests.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Youth Council (NYC), together with their partners, had engaged young people from November 2024 to July 2025 to find out what their aspirations are.
In his speech at the forum, which around 1,300 youth and stakeholders attended, Mr Neo said every generation of Singaporeans have played their part to get the country to where it is today.
Young people will soon have to play their part to overcome their challenges, he said, citing issues like global conflicts, climate change and fragmenting politics and society.
“The good news is that Singapore has never shied away from these challenges,” Mr Neo said. “This has made Singapore exceptional, and whether we remain exceptional depends on all of you.”
In engaging young people, Mr Neo said many had asked: “How would this generation like to be remembered?”
“Our Pioneer and Merdeka generations were remembered for their hard work, sacrifice and toil that built the Singapore that we have today,” he said, adding that youth today are a generation with purpose.
Mr Neo said: “You are pragmatic and are concerned about bread-and-butter issues: careers, finances and housing.
“You would like more career guidance, work exposure and better financial literacy so you can confidently go through transitions in life. But you also place great emphasis on living life with a purpose.”
Mr Neo said the young will chart their own path and redefine what it means to be successful.
They will also take the road less travelled, take ownership of their aspirations, make time for learning opportunities, and seek out new skills and knowledge.
Close to 60 per cent of young people wish for a Singapore that celebrates non-traditional success, encourages risk-taking and embraces failure, the findings showed.
“We will better support you to chart this new path, so you can take the road less travelled, and you can make bold decisions,” Mr Neo said.
As part of this “We First” aspiration, Mr Neo said that NYC had supported more than 150 ground-up projects involving almost 1,400 youth and close to 50 youth teams in tackling issues such as career navigation, inclusivity and sustainability.
Around 1,300 youths and stakeholders attended the SG Youth Forum.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
The findings also showed that young people value connections and relationships, despite growing up in a digital age, with many recognising the importance of family, friends, and communities as sources of support.
Over six in 10 surveyed envision Singapore as a cohesive society, with diverse and inclusive communities where people care for one another and treat each other with kindness and empathy.
“You want Singapore to be a society with strong bonds across generations, a cohesive society which fosters care and welcomes other cultures and nationalities,” Mr Neo said, adding that young people yearn for the “kampung spirit” that earlier generations speak about.
At the event, Mr Neo participated in a panel dialogue, where they discussed topics like the arts scene in Singapore, volunteerism, spaces for youth and how to adopt a “We First” mindset in society.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo (second from left) participating in a panel dialogue at the SG Youth Forum on Sept 6.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Mr Isaac Soh, 18, who attended the forum, said a “We First” society is one that puts others’ needs before individual needs – not just for friends, but for anyone they meet.
“It ties back to empathy, where we have to walk a mile in another person’s shoes,” the second-year Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) student said.
“It doesn’t need grand gestures, it could simply be understanding someone else’s struggles better.”
Mr Soh, who is part of a club in school that encourages open discussions on current affairs, said he hopes youth in Singapore will be able to live freely without judgment.
Ms Zahrah Halil, 21, said the point Mr Neo made during the panel about giving young people a voice stood out to her.
“The youth of this generation like to voice their opinion, and it’s good because these opinions are wise, knowledgeable and necessary for the future,” she said.
Mr Isaac Soh and Ms Zahrah Halil attended the SG Youth Forum on Sept 6.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Ms Zahrah is studying at NP and is also a stage manager at Buds Theatre, a non-profit that nurtures young artistic talent.
The theatre champions change, and for Ms Zahrah, that looks like providing a platform for youth to express themselves freely and share their ideas through art.
Mr Neo said MCCY will continue to support youth in sports and arts, and create more opportunities for youth to share their policy ideas.
But he also called on those in the audience to play a role in shaping society.
“The (SG Youth) Plan is a work-in-progress, and I invite more of you to join us to develop this plan together, and make it a plan for youth, by youth and with youth,” Mr Neo said.
