Forward Singapore campaign: what’s in it for Singaporeans, and for leader-in-waiting Lawrence Wong?

Feedback exercise offers Lawrence Wong, the next prime minister, a timely platform to strengthen his political legitimacy before a general election, analysts note

How Wong’s team tackles contentious issues, willingness to connect with citizens will be key to whether exercise succeeds or fails

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Singaporeans have been encouraged to share their problems, contribute ideas and help shape the city state’s future in the Forward Singapore exercise. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 8:30am, 3 Sep 2022

Two months ago, Singaporeans were introduced to a new national feedback exercise. They were told to share their problems, contribute ideas and help shape the city state’s future.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, leading the campaign, said the ambitious plan – called Forward Singapore – seeks to refresh the country’s social compact and, as the name suggests, chart Singapore’s way forward.

“Let us all strive for a fairer and more equal, a more just and inclusive, and a more generous, big-hearted and greener Singapore,” Wong, the designated next leader, told labour unionists at a closed-door event.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Photo: Reuters

In the weeks that followed, the initiative would be emphatically brought up by top officials in the city state.

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng described it as having “important conversations” to better understand issues and develop “meaningful solutions” for the people.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong referred to it in his annual policy speech in August, saying Wong and his team of rising young leaders aimed to address issues such as affordable housing and a healthy retirement. “The conversation is to build consensus on the kind of Singapore we want to see,” Lee said.

Singaporeans last voted in July 2020 – in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: EPA-EFE

Polls nearing?

While such nationwide, multi-agency exercises are not new – previously spearheaded by soon-to-be successors of the top job – observers suggest it could be the starting point of a political campaign by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the first signs that an election could be called earlier than expected.

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