LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD<\/p>\n
Longer-term challenges, such as an ageing population<\/a> and securing clean energy supply, must also be confronted, said Mr Wong.<\/p>\n Like many advanced economies, Singapore\u2019s population is rapidly ageing while its birth rates are declining, said the prime minister.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will continue to support young Singaporeans who want to marry, settle down and have children, by addressing their concerns \u2013 from housing to childcare and education,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will create an environment where families can grow and thrive, and society remains vibrant and forward-looking.\u201d<\/p>\n This includes staying open and welcoming those who “embrace” the Singapore way of life<\/a> as fellow citizens, said Mr Wong.<\/p>\n \u201cTogether, these efforts will help strengthen our shared values and identity, and maintain a strong and cohesive Singaporean core.\u201d<\/p>\n Longer lifespans will also have far-reaching implications for healthcare, work and retirement, and these issues are being studied holistically, said Mr Wong.<\/p>\n A Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment<\/a> is reviewing strategies for seniors to work meaningfully in age-friendly workplaces, while efforts to strengthen retirement adequacy continue, especially for lower- and middle-income workers who need more support, he said.<\/p>\n Mr Wong said that Singapore will also secure a reliable supply of clean energy to power the energy-intensive industries of the future, including AI.<\/p>\n One strategy is to import green energy, and work towards the longer-term goal of an ASEAN Power Grid<\/a>, he said.<\/p>\n Singapore is also pursuing its own clean solutions, with possible options such as low-carbon hydrogen and nuclear energy<\/a>, said Mr Wong.<\/p>\n \u201cIn our early years of nation-building, water was an existential threat. Through hard work and ingenuity, we created NEWater. Now, clean energy is our new frontier and next major challenge. Just as we did with water, we must turn this vulnerability into a source of strength,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Mr Wong said the challenges ahead are complex and will require Singaporeans to be bold, creative and open to new solutions.<\/p>\n