Singapore (VNA) - Singapore is refreshing its economic strategy to secure its future in a “very different world” marked by greater contestation, fragmentation and volatility, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said.
In his National Day Message that is broadcast every year on the eve of the nation's birthday (August 9), he said that to stay ahead, the country must remain "exceptional" in its cohesion, resolve and performance, as well as “move faster, adapt quicker and innovate smarter”.
This means embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics, while applying them meaningfully across its economy.
Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said that the Singaporean government needs to enable people, workers and businesses to make full use of these tools, and enhance their competitive advantage. He pledged that the government “will walk this journey” with Singaporeans as it has done for the past six decades.
According to the PM, in addition to addressing immediate challenges, Singapore will also have to proactively anticipate what is on the horizon and preparing to ride the next wave of change. He noted that bigger powers are also “now more willing to use every tool at their disposal – economic, technological and geopolitical – to tilt the playing field in their favour”, making it harder for small states like Singapore to maintain their position.
He stressed that overcoming these challenges hinges on the “Singapore spirit,” which embodies deep solidarity and a shared sense of purpose./.
