Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
1 As we draw the 5th Singapore-China Social Governance Forum to a close, I would like to express appreciation to our Chinese hosts for their warm hospitality and for convening this important dialogue. The exchanges we have shared today have been illuminating and inspiring, demonstrating the shared commitment we both share in building harmonious, resilient societies that serve our people.
Reflecting on Our Shared Journey
2 The discussions we have had underscore a fundamental truth: Singapore and China face remarkably similar challenges in social governance. The keynote addresses reminded us that modern societies around the world grapple with new pressures that test the very fabric of social cohesion. Urban living has transformed how we relate to one another, often weakening the traditional bonds that once held communities together. Shrinking family units mean fewer natural support networks, placing greater demands on state and community resources. Meanwhile, technological advancement and social media amplification have the potential to turn minor disagreements into major social fractures in a short time, requiring us to be more vigilant and responsive.
3 The forces of globalisation and migration, whilst bringing tremendous opportunities, also create new tensions as diverse communities learn to live alongside one another. Citizens today expect more responsive governance, insisting that their voices be heard and their concerns addressed promptly and fairly. As we heard in our opening discussions, small incidents and disputes that might once have remained localised can now escalate rapidly, potentially rupturing the social cohesion we have worked so hard to build.
Learning from Each Other’s Approaches
4 What has struck me most profoundly during our discussions is how both Singapore and China recognise that social harmony cannot be taken for granted - it must be actively cultivated through deliberate and sustained effort. Singapore’s approach rests on four interconnected pillars to maintain social stability.
5 First, we believe in establishing the right laws that set clear boundaries for acceptable behaviour whilst protecting the rights and freedoms that define our society. These laws must be fair, consistently applied, and understood by all citizens as necessary guardrails for peaceful coexistence.
6 Second, we invest heavily in building trusted institutions that uphold order and deliver justice. These institutions must command respect not through fear, but through their demonstrated competence, fairness, and integrity. Citizens must believe that when they turn to these institutions for help, they will receive fair treatment regardless of their background or circumstances.
7 Third, we recognise that government alone cannot maintain social harmony. Community engagement is essential, with citizens themselves playing active roles in fostering understanding and resolving conflicts at the grassroots level. This requires nurturing civic-minded individuals who see themselves as stakeholders in their community’s well-being.
8 Fourth, we work continuously to build a shared identity and sense of common purpose that transcends individual differences. This shared identity becomes the foundation upon which mutual understanding and cooperation can flourish.
Building Societies of Opportunity
9 My opening address earlier highlighted another crucial dimension of social governance: ensuring that our societies remain places of opportunity for all citizens. As we acknowledged, inequality will always exist to some degree, as families come from different backgrounds and face different challenges. The key is ensuring that these differences do not become permanent barriers to advancement or sources of resentment that undermine social cohesion.
10 Community disputes are inevitable when people live in close proximity. The question is not whether such disputes will arise, but how effectively we can prevent them from escalating and how fairly we can resolve them when they do occur.
11 Singapore’s approach emphasises upstream measures that address root causes before problems become entrenched. Through initiatives like ComLink+, we work to ensure upward mobility remains possible for all citizens, regardless of their starting point. We invest in fostering shared identity and experiences that help people see beyond their differences to their common humanity and shared aspirations.
12 When conflicts do arise, we have developed a graduated response system. Simpler issues can be resolved by local grassroots leaders who know their communities well and can mediate disputes with sensitivity and local knowledge. For more complex issues, we have established specialised mechanisms like the Community Mediation Centre, the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals, and the new Community Relations Unit. They provide more formal intervention whilst still maintaining the personal touch that makes resolution more likely.
Looking Forward Together
13 As we conclude the 5th SGF, I am struck by the wisdom embedded in both our approaches to social governance. We have learned that effective social governance requires both strong institutions and engaged communities, both clear rules and flexible responses, both respect for diversity and cultivation of unity.
14 The challenges we face will continue to evolve. New technologies will create new opportunities for both connection and division. Demographic changes will reshape our communities in ways we cannot fully predict. Global events will test our resilience and adaptability. But I am confident that by continuing to learn from one another, by sharing our experiences and insights, and by maintaining our commitment to building inclusive, harmonious societies, we can meet these challenges successfully.
15 The partnership between Singapore and China in social governance represents more than just bilateral cooperation. It demonstrates how nations can work together and share their best practices to address the challenge of living peacefully and harmoniously in diverse, complex societies. The insights we have shared here in Hangzhou will undoubtedly inform our future efforts and strengthen our resolve to build better communities for all our people. May the bonds of friendship and cooperation forged here continue to flourish and may our shared commitment to social harmony guide us towards even greater achievements in the years ahead. Thank you.