1 The 5th Singapore-China Social Governance Forum (SGF) was held on 20 April 2026 in Hangzhou, China. The SGF is a strategic platform for political leaders and senior officials from Singapore and China to discuss and exchange views on issues related to social governance.
2 The 5th SGF was co-chaired by Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Political and Legal Affairs Commission (PLAC) Chen Wenqing.
Keynote Address
3 In his keynote address, Minister Ong said that as modern societies become more complex, effective social governance requires an effective combination of governance through “法” (fǎ), or the rule of law, and soft influence through “礼” (lǐ), or virtue and propriety. He highlighted Singapore’s approach of strengthening laws to maintain social order, counter misinformation and safeguard harmony, while investing in education, integration efforts and social support systems to empower citizens, and foster mutual respect and inclusion. On resolving community disputes, Minister Ong shared that this requires not just law and enforcement but also trust and mutual understanding.
Main Theme Speech
4 Building on Minister Ong’s address, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli emphasised the importance of building cohesive societies amid evolving social challenges. He highlighted Singapore’s approach as a multicultural and multireligious society, through fostering shared experiences, strengthening families as the bedrock of society, enhancing social mobility, and encouraging community engagement.
Sub-theme Panel Discussions
5 As part of the sub-theme discussions at the Forum, Minister of State for Manpower and Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash, Ministry of Public Security Vice Minister Ling Zhifeng and Ministry of Justice Vice Minister Hu Weilie discussed governance at the grassroots level. Minister of State Dinesh outlined Singapore's community-centric approach to social governance, highlighting how social infrastructure complemented built infrastructure, and the transformation of grassroots networks to meet today’s changing operating context. This helps build community cohesion and encourage active citizenry. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development Eric Chua moderated the discussion and shared how Singapore has adopted comprehensive policies to maintain social cohesion.
6 Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, Zhejiang Vice Governor and Director of Public Security Department Yang Qingjiu and Supreme People’s Court Judicial Committee Member Liu Guixiang discussed innovations in community dispute resolution. Minister of State Alvin Tan shared Singapore’s approach through the Community Disputes Management Framework, highlighting the need to strike the right balance between community self-help and government interventions.
7 The successful completion of the forum demonstrates the continued dedication of both Singapore and China to promoting social harmony and enhancing bilateral ties. It also underscores Singapore's commitment to developing a resilient and cohesive society.
ISSUED BY
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT