SINGAPORE - Singapore can continue to survive and thrive in this troubled world by sticking to two fundamental factors that have brought the nation to where it is today, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Feb 8.

First, it has to have a strong and competent Government that anticipates challenges, earns people’s trust, and makes good decisions to secure their future.

Second, Singapore has to stay united, understand the world they live in and the challenges they face, and work closely with the Government to make their dreams a reality, he said.

SM Lee, who is MP for Teck Ghee ward in Ang Mo Kio GRC, spoke in English, Malay and Mandarin at a Chinese New Year dinner for 1,200 residents and their guests at Teck Ghee Community Club.

In 2024, Singapore has enjoyed a smooth leadership transition, grew its economy by 4 per cent, with inflation coming down, much uncertainty awaits in the new year, he added.

But much uncertainty awaits in the new year.

Besides tense international geopolitics and unresolved US-China differences, the new US administration has a very different approach to government and the world, SM Lee said. It is defining American interests more narrowly, and takes a more transactional approach to achieve its immediate objectives, he added.

It looks on tariffs favourably as a preferred policy tool and an external source of revenue, as well as way to force other countries to make concessions. It is also withdrawing from multilateral commitments like the World Health Organisation and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“The US is no longer prepared to underwrite the global order, and this makes the international environment far less orderly and predictable,” said SM Lee. “Singapore, like all other countries, must adapt to this new reality, even as we seek to maintain our strong ties and friendship with the US.”

The Government understands the challenges ahead, and has worked out plans to take Singapore forward amidst global uncertainty, just as it has done in the past, he added.

With strong trust and partnership between the Government and Singaporeans for over 60 years, the nation has been able to make consistent progres...