Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s maiden speech to the 15th Parliament focused on young Singaporeans, social mobility and a vibrant economy, alongside national solidarity in a challenging global environment. He addressed anxieties about living standards and stratification, set out education reforms to reduce the stakes of single examinations and broaden success beyond grades, called for changes in hiring and promotion across public and private sectors, and urged a “We First” society with stronger community engagement, volunteering and constructive politics.
This article was originally featured in The Straits Times (Print and Online) on 23 September 2025.
Read full article here: MPs underscore need to keep social mobility alive on day 2 of Parliament | The Straits Times
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, speaking in Parliament on 24 September, called for a shift from grades-first meritocracy to broader, skills-based recognition, alongside reforms to reduce exam stakes and encourage fairer hiring. He linked these changes to social mobility, noting inequality has narrowed but warning against complacency, and outlined integrated, family-centred support across agencies to help children from lower-income homes participate consistently in school.
On KidSTART specifically, PM Wong announced an expansion of the programme as part of early-intervention measures, alongside enhancements to ComLink+ to support families who meet conditions such as stable work and preschool enrolment. For families and practitioners, this signals more upstream, practical help — earlier developmental support, steadier attendance, and clearer pathways to preschool — enabling caregivers to make informed choices while services work together to meet each child’s needs.
This article was originally featured in The Straits Times (Print and Online) on 24 September 2025.
Read full article here: ‘We must break this cycle’: PM Wong on reducing emphasis on single exams, grades | The Straits Times
On the second day of the debate on the President’s Address on 23 September, MPs focused on social mobility, inequality and refining meritocracy to create a “we first” society. They raised issues including the cost of living, job security, support for workers, and the need for mindset shifts in parenting and education to prepare children for a changing world shaped by AI and rapid economic shifts.
KidSTART was highlighted by MPs Joan Pereira and Mariam Jaafar as a key programme for supporting children from lower-income families. They called for it to be expanded and for support to follow children throughout their educational journey, with Ms Jaafar emphasising the need for a more integrated system that tracks progress from preschool to secondary school. For families, this reflects recognition that early intervention must be sustained over time, with more seamless and coordinated support helping caregivers make informed decisions and children stay on track.
This article was originally featured in The Straits Times (Print and Online) on 23 September 2025.
Read full article here: MPs underscore need to keep social mobility alive on day 2 of Parliament | The Straits Times
Sokongan diterima keluarga enam beranak
Translated Summary
In a parliamentary discussion on social services, Minister Desmond Lee outlined new efforts to strengthen support for low-income families, with a focus on home ownership, education and job opportunities. He said today’s challenges of inequality and stratification require more than meeting basic needs, stressing the importance of collective action by government, community, volunteers and corporate partners. He also called for structural improvements to policies and systems while noting that trust-building among stakeholders will take time.
KidSTART was highlighted alongside ComLink+ as part of early support for children in lower-income households, particularly those in public rental flats. Mr Lee said the programme focuses on early childhood care, education and nurturing family relationships to reduce social divides. For families, this signals a commitment to improving preschool participation and home environments so that children start on stronger footing, while caregivers are supported in building stable and nurturing family bonds.
This article was originally featured in Berita Harian Online on 25 September 2025, and Berita Harian Print on 26 September 2025.
Read full online article here: Sokongan akan dipertingkat bantu keluarga kurang mampu miliki rumah, raih pendidikan, pekerjaan, Berita Singapura - Beritaharian.sg
‘Pandang ke belakang’ dalam usaha perkukuh mobiliti sosial
Translated Summary
In the recent opening of Parliament, MPs talked about renewed focus on enhancing social mobility, emphasising that opportunities that can lead to a rise in socio-economic status are central to fairness and justice in Singapore. Challenges were noted, including the widening wealth gap and the advantages wealthier families can provide their children.
Programmes such as KidSTART and ComLink+ were highlighted as key initiatives supporting children from lower-income families, providing developmental foundations, mentorship, and family support. MPs stressed the importance of long-term, structured assistance to ensure children can stay on track. For families, this underscores the role of sustained, coordinated support in enabling upward mobility.
The discussion also emphasised shared responsibility, with community initiatives, scholarships, and mentorship programmes complementing government efforts to create an inclusive society where all citizens can thrive.
This article was originally featured in Berita Harian (Print and Online) on 28 September 2025.
Read full article here: ‘Pandang ke belakang’ dalam usaha perkukuh mobiliti sosial, Berita Wacana - Beritaharian.sg
