SINGAPORE - A Moment of Reflection and Recommitment

As Singapore gears up to celebrate its 60th anniversary of independence next year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has emphasized that this milestone should serve as a moment of reflection and recommitment to shared national values. Speaking at the People's Association (PA) Community Club Management Committees (CCMC) 60th anniversary dinner on November 4, PM Wong described the upcoming celebration as not merely a festivity, but an essential opportunity for all Singaporeans to unite and contemplate their collective identity and future.

"The SG60 celebrations will not only be about looking back at our past but also about looking forward," Wong stated, reinforcing the theme of "Building Our Singapore Together." This year-long celebration will feature a wide array of events designed to engage Singaporeans from all walks of life, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation as a whole.

Prominent Events and Initiatives

Among the prominent events highlighted for the anniversary are iconic celebrations such as Chingay, Singapore World Water Day, Racial and Religious Harmony Month, and the involvement in Expo 2025 Osaka, as well as the World Aquatics Championships. These activities underscore Singapore's enduring values of multiculturalism, boldness, resilience, and openness, which have been pivotal in the nation’s development.

Mr. Wong, who simultaneously serves as the Minister of Finance, elaborated on the government’s intent to include youth voices in these celebrations. Beginning January, the National Youth Council (NYC) and the People’s Association will facilitate SG60 Youth Engagements, encompassing in-person discussions, roadshows, and digital platforms designed to gather the aspirations and contributions of younger generations.

Project Citizens – The First Million

Furthermore, an initiative titled "Project Citizens – The First Million" will launch in April next year, gathering narratives from Singapore's founding generation. This project, set to be a permanent exhibit at the Founders’ Memorial due to open in 2028, will feature pop-up installations and a main exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore, titled "Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore."

Honoring Community Contributions

In his speech, Wong also honored the contributions of the CCMCs, established in October 1964, which play a crucial role in unifying various communities across Singapore. He noted how these community clubs acted as vital hubs during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating mask distribution, vaccination services, and more.

Looking Ahead: Community Innovation Spaces

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister revealed plans for Community Innovation Spaces to be established at 10 community clubs over the next 12 months. These spaces will serve as collaborative environments for residents, volunteers, and corporate partners to develop innovative solutions for pressing community issues. A Community Innovation Hackathon is also scheduled for the first quarter of next year, encouraging participants to tackle significant challenges with creative ideas.

A United Path Forward

As Singapore approaches this historic anniversary, there is a palpable sense of excitement and purpose among its leaders and citizens alike. With extensive interactions planned across various demographics, the 60th birthday celebration promises not only to honor the past but also to forge a united path toward an even brighter future for Singapore. Will you be part of this groundbreaking journey? Mark your calendars and stay engaged!