It is undoubtedly challenging for Singaporean youths nowadays to truly understand the significance of Singapore’s 60th National Day (SG60).
On 9 August 2025, SG60 will mark a significant milestone for the city-state. While not an old nation, there is a growing realization amongst Singaporeans that this country is no longer a young nation.
Diplomatic Network (Asia) has previously written about both the early challenges of independence and the role of diplomacy in maintaining national sovereignty.
Many other articles have also been written about uniquely Singaporean sights and sounds, whether it be the Merlion or Singlish.
These are all great symbols of what Singapore has become, a multi-ethnic and relatively affluent society praised as a regional image of modernity. They are the fruits of the labor that the Pioneer Generation has contribute with.
Yet, as the Pioneer Generation observes, what is likely to be the last major national milestone in their lifetime, attention is now turned to what the new generation of Singaporeans will bring to the table to the story of the nation.
The Importance of Youth
On the reverse side of the SGD$100 paper note are the images of young Singaporeans in neat and smart uniforms. The most significant figure is a National Service officer standing in front of the iconic SAFTI tower.
The SGD$100 paper note is a clear projection of what a promising new generation looks like. Singaporean youths today are blessed with multiple opportunities available to them in their late teens and early adult lives.
As the memory of early struggles upon independence fade into history, it is more important than ever for Singapore to continue cultivating the ambitions and skills of the next generation.
Millennial and Gen-Z Singaporeans are still aspiring to improve their lives. In a recent report, the pursuit of financial security and purposeful careers is on the rise. While market trends such as the rise of AI may create uncertainty over career stability, more Singaporeans are graduating with university degrees, and government initiatives such as SkillsFuture are guiding workers along the path of lifelong learning of new knowledge and skills.
The Test of the Next Generation
Recently, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, himself born after 1965, spoke about the challenges Singapore will face in the world of SG60, with an international climate becoming a “more inhospitable environment for small countries like Singapore”.
However, PM Wong raised optimism that the resources at Singapore’s disposal are far greater than ever before in the nation’s history.
Additionally, treasured aspects of Singaporean society, such as multiculturalism, must not be taken for granted, and the new generation of Singaporeans should remain active in maintaining the strong social bonds in Singapore.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo stated in a recent dialogue session that casual racism remains unacceptable in Singapore.
However, Mr. Neo highlighted that rather than implement more rules, Singaporeans should build multicultural dialogue to develop a better understanding of each other.
SG60 provides a time for reflection. Astute Singaporeans would recognize their privilege cannot be taken for granted. These same Singaporeans can however rest at ease knowing the future still looks bright and there is so much to thrive for the next sixty years.
Happy Birthday Singapore!
