“Home Is What We Do Together”: Reading SM Lee Hsien Loong’s NUS Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum Q&A 2025
“Home Is What We Do Together”: Reading SM Lee Hsien Loong’s NUS Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum Q&A 2025 (9 Sept 2025)
Author: Zion Zhao Real Estate | 狮家社小赵
Author’s note: This dialogue from Senior Minister Lee is one of a more open and informal, yet informative and also emotional (SM Lee got teary eyed at least twice in this whole dialogue which is quite rare throughout his whole political career). It is a must watch especially if you're a young Singaporean. It feels like a grandfather giving life advices and sharing his views with his grandchildren. Peculiarly, when and I quote, "So every generation something will happen. Have no fear. You did not live through the founding crisis of Singapore, but your challenges will come. COVID was one of them, but it won't be the last. So, when it next comes, please do well. If I'm around, I will cheer you on. If I'm not around, I'll be looking at you." It reminds me of Late Lee Kuan Yew, founding father and first prime minister of Singapore's quote, “Even from my sickbed, even if you are going to lower me into the grave and I feel that something is going wrong, I will get up. Those who believe that after I have left the government as prime minister, I will go into a permanent retirement really should have their heads examined.” —National Day Rally of 1988, two years before Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew stepped down as prime minister.
Senior Minister (SM) Lee Hsien Loong’s wide-ranging Q&A at the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum on 9 September 2025 doubled as a civics seminar: identity through action; growth and fairness, not growth versus fairness; institutions that are exceptional because citizens demand they be; and a clear-eyed small-state foreign policy in a messier world (Prime Minister’s Office [PMO], 2025). Below, I unpack the major themes, test them against evidence, and add context—from the elected presidency’s “second key,” to immigration and integration, bilingualism, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), arts and culture, and the new geopolitics.
1) National identity isn’t a slogan—it’s a practice
SM Lee’s answer to “How do we feel at home?” was deceptively simple: roll up your sleeves. Join beach clean-ups, social care, entrepreneurial circles; act locally, build community, and belonging follows (PMO, 2025). Political science backs this: participation increases social trust and attachment, particularly when efforts are inclusive and visible across class and ethnicity. Singapore’s own SG101 portal captures that ethos by teaching shared fundamentals (rule of law, multiracialism, Total Defence) in accessible, non-partisan terms (SG101, 2023a, 2023b).
Singapore embeds identity in everyday life. Hawker centres are not merely “food courts”; UNESCO recognised them as living cultural spaces that bring diverse groups to the same tables—egalitarian by design, where everyone queues, shares tables, clears trays (UNESCO, 2020; National Heritage Board [NHB], 2024). This matters for cohesion.
Just to share some context. The forum’s account and CNA’s report align on the event and themes (PMO, 2025; Channel NewsAsia [CNA], 2025). SG101 is indeed a government resource that consolidates “how Singapore works,” including foreign policy and social compact content (SG101, 2023a, 2023b). Hawker culture was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020 (UNESCO, 2020).
2) Growth and social equity are complements, not substitutes
“Without growth, redistribution becomes a zero-sum fight,” SM Lee argued; with growth, the pie expands and the state can fund education, healthcare and housing more generously (PMO, 2025). The empirical literature agrees: inclusivegrowth strategies—investing in human capital, fair competition, progressive yet growth-friendly taxation—support both opportunity and resilience (OECD, 2018). IMF work finds that excessive inequality can dampen sustainable growth, while smart redistribution does not systematically harm growth and can even support it when well-designed (Dabla-Norris et al., 2015; Ostry et al., 2014).
Implications. Singapore’s track record—broad access to high-quality schools, public housing, and healthcare co-funded by national reserves accumulated in growth years—illustrates this “both-and” logic. The challenge is dynamic: as the economy matures, productivity-raising diffusion (e.g., digitalisation in SMEs) and targeted social mobility ladders remain essential to keep opportunity broad-based.
3) “Exceptional politics” needs exceptional voters—and guardrails
The Senior Minister tied Singapore’s stability to competent candidates, voters who prize performance over tribalism, and institutions that keep long-termism intact (PMO, 2025). Two datapoints show why this framing resonates internationally:
Integrity: In the 2024 Transparency International index (published Feb 2025), Singapore ranked 3rd least corruptworldwide and top in Asia-Pacific (CNA, 2025).
Capability: The World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators consistently place Singapore at the top end for Government Effectiveness and Regulatory Quality (World Bank, 2024).
The “second key.” Singapore’s elected presidency is designed as a constitutional safeguard—a “second key” over the national reserves and certain key appointments, not a parallel executive (Elections Department, 2017; Istana, n.d.). SM Lee’s contention that the broad contours are “about right,” with room for periodic tuning, is consistent with the official design brief (Elections Department, 2017; Istana, n.d.).
Fact-check. The constitutional role described matches official sources: the President has custodial powers that protect past reserves and key public-sector appointments, while policy is led by the Cabinet (Elections Department, 2017; Istana, n.d.). On integrity rankings, CNA’s report reflects Transparency International’s 2024 results where Singapore placed 3rd (CNA, 2025).
4) Immigration, integration, and the craft of being “Singaporean”
Singapore manages a reality many cities face: it needs foreign talent and workers but also social cohesion. The Singapore Citizenship Journey and National Integration Council’s programmes are designed to induct new citizens and PRs into norms—multiracialism, shared spaces, civic behaviour—beyond paperwork (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth [MCCY], 2022). SM Lee emphasised keeping a balanced ethnic mix and encouraging authentic participation: join neighbourhood events, get to know your neighbours; belonging is lived (PMO, 2025).
Fact-check. The SCJ exists and includes community sharing, learning journeys and e-learning on values and institutions (MCCY, 2022). Integration policy goes beyond ceremonies; it is continuous.
5) Bilingualism: identity, access, advantage
“Who we are” in Singapore has long been mediated through language policy: English as the working language, Mother Tongue Languages as heritage and community anchors. The Ministry of Education’s bilingual policy explicitly pursues cultural identity and practical advantage, and acknowledges the workload trade-offs by continually refining curricula and pedagogy (Ministry of Education [MOE], 2024). SM Lee’s personal case—functional proficiency across English, Mandarin and some Malay—illustrates the “anchoring” claim (PMO, 2025).
Fact-check. MOE documents confirm bilingual policy aims and adjustments (MOE, 2024). The policy line is not nostalgia; it has labour-market and diplomatic payoffs in a region where personal rapport often starts in a shared tongue.
6) Technology, AI and AVs: optimism with seatbelts
Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 sets a 15-year horizon with a whole-of-nation push on compute, talent, and trusted AI (Smart Nation and Digital Government Office [SNDGO], 2023). On roads, Singapore has taken a cautious-leader posture: tightly governed AV pilots in designated districts (one-north, NTU), a sandbox for operators, and incremental scaling (Land Transport Authority [LTA], 2024).
SM Lee noted the public’s moral psychology dilemma: AVs may be safer in aggregate (no drunk driving, no texting), yet any machine-caused fatality feels intolerable (PMO, 2025). The research is still developing: labelling assumptions matter, but modelling studies suggest that even imperfect AVs could reduce total fatalities if they eliminate common human errors (Bonnefon et al., 2022). Real-world data from mature deployments (e.g., Waymo) show meaningful safety gains relative to human baselines in specific use-cases, though generalisation requires care (Waymo, 2023). Regulators thus face a balancing act: enable the safety-in-numbers upside and maintain accountability with transparent logging, certification, and incident review (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], 2017; LTA, 2024).
Fact-check. NAIS 2.0 was launched in Dec 2023 (SNDGO, 2023). AV trials and the regulatory sandbox are documented by LTA (2024). Safety literature supports potential aggregate gains alongside real ethical-legal questions (Bonnefon et al., 2022; NHTSA, 2017; Waymo, 2023).
7) Arts, culture, and the “everyday joy” dividend
Policy attention to culture is not a frill. The SG60 Culture Pass—rolling out this year—intends to lower barriers to attendance and help new audiences discover local arts, complementing structural support for companies and spaces (National Arts Council [NAC], 2025). In the Q&A, SM Lee urged a “big-tent” view—from high art to park concerts—because shared cultural experiences knit society across lines that politics sometimes frays (PMO, 2025).
Fact-check. The Culture Pass is an announced NAC initiative tied to SG60 programming (NAC, 2025).
8) Gender representation: progress, with road left to run
A student asked about women’s representation. The current Parliament has about one-third women MPs—strong by regional standards—and there are three women Cabinet ministers, a historic high for Singapore (Inter-Parliamentary Union [IPU], 2025; AsiaOne, 2025). SM Lee resisted quotas, preferring active talent scouting and societal support (shared caregiving, fair expectations) so more women can thrive in public life (PMO, 2025).
Fact-check. IPU’s database places Singapore’s lower house at roughly 30% women elected; local media confirm three women ministers in Cabinet (IPU, 2025; AsiaOne, 2025).
9) Small-state strategy in a harder world
The question that hovered beneath many others: is the worst over? SM Lee’s answer was pragmatic—the world has shifted and won’t “snap back”. For small states, that means more uncertainty, less frictionless globalisation, and the need for nimble footing and principled friends (PMO, 2025). That stance is orthodox Singaporean foreign policy: uphold international law, deepen ASEAN and multilateral ties, maintain a credible defence, and be prepared to speak plainly to larger powers when interests or principles require it (Ministry of Foreign Affairs [MFA], n.d.; SG101, 2023b; The Straits Times, 2024).
Recent policy signals—such as new laws to ring-fence race-based organisations from foreign influence—show how Singapore hardens social cohesion against exogenous shocks without sacrificing openness (Reuters, 2025).
Fact-check. MFA articulates these core principles publicly; the “not neutral but principled” line is a consistent theme from the foreign minister (MFA, n.d.; The Straits Times, 2024). Parliament passed the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Bill in Feb 2025 to address foreign interference risks (Reuters, 2025).
10) What the Dialogue/Q&A ultimately asked of us
The through-line of the evening was agency. Citizens make institutions exceptional by demanding competence and honesty; identity is deepened by what we build together; technology is an ally if we govern it well; growth is the fuel that lets fairness be more than rhetoric. That last point is not uniquely Singaporean; it’s a hard-won lesson of comparative political economy (OECD, 2018; Dabla-Norris et al., 2015).
To borrow SM Lee’s closing self-portrait, the most Singaporean habit may be refusing to accept that problems are intractable: be the “mystery shopper,” give grounded feedback, then do the work to make things better (PMO, 2025). That is a habit worth exporting—and keeping.
Build Calm, Compounding Wealth in a Restless World — With a Singapore Core
If SM Lee’s message is “home is what we do together,” my job is to turn that into a clear, disciplined plan for your capital and your family. I’m a Singapore-based real-estate advisor with a cross-asset lens (macro, equities, crypto) and deep grounding in Singapore Land & Business Law. I also serve as an SAF Officer Commanding (Captain)—which means I bring the same discipline, integrity, and mission focus to your mandate.
Why engage me now
Cross-asset intelligence → property decisions. I spend hours every day researching macroeconomics, policy, rates, and market micro-structure—and I publish fact-checked essays so you benefit from rigorous thinking, not headlines.
Portfolio construction first. I help you pair higher-volatility assets (equities/crypto) with lower-volatility Singapore property for stable rental “dividend-like” income and measured capital appreciation.
Policy-aware, data-driven. Insights from “Home Is What We Do Together”—growth and equity, rule-of-law safeguards, talent magnetism—translate into education-linked rentals, family relocation housing, and family-office domicile strategies.
End-to-end execution. From ABSD/TDSR considerations and bank coordination to due diligence, valuation, and leasing—I handle the details with legal precision and operational care.
Who I serve
International, China Chinese（中国客户）, Southeast Asia and Singapore clients — UHNW families, institutions, 家办/Family Offices, 留学与陪读家庭（陪读家长）—seeking to invest, immigrate,或为子女留学布局新加坡。
What you get (concise & practical)
30-minute strategy call — clarify goals (residency/schools, yield, diversification, legacy).
Cross-asset Property Blueprint — where Singapore real estate sits in your broader portfolio (target yields, cash-flow buffers, exit paths).
Curated shortlist in the right micro-markets (NUS/Kent Ridge–one-north, City Core, Upper Changi/SUTD, Novena/KTPH) with rent comps, vacancy, MCST health.
Tight execution — offer strategy, financing, conveyancing, completion; then tenancy set-up synced to academic calendars.
Aftercare — leasing, renewals, performance reviews, property management and risk management.
In-text references (APA)
(AsiaOne, 2025)
(Bonnefon et al., 2022)
(Channel NewsAsia, 2025)
(Dabla-Norris et al., 2015)
(Elections Department, 2017)
(Inter-Parliamentary Union, 2025)
(Istana, n.d.)
(Land Transport Authority, 2024)
(Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, 2022)
(Ministry of Education, 2024)
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs, n.d.)
(National Arts Council, 2025)
(National Heritage Board, 2024)
(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2017)
(OECD, 2018)
(Ostry et al., 2014)
(Prime Minister’s Office, 2025)
(Reuters, 2025)
(SG101, 2023a, 2023b)
(Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, 2023)
(The Straits Times, 2024)
(UNESCO, 2020)
(Waymo, 2023)
(World Bank, 2024)
References (APA)
AsiaOne. (2025, August 19). 3 female Cabinet ministers in Singapore: Who are they? https://www.asiaone.com/
Bonnefon, J.-F., Shariff, A., Rahwan, I., et al. (2022). The trolley, the bull bar, and why engineers need ethics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(9), e2105845119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2105845119
Channel NewsAsia. (2025, February 11). Singapore ranked world’s 3rd least corrupt country in 2024: Transparency International. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/
Dabla-Norris, E., Kochhar, K., Suphaphiphat, N., Ricka, F., & Tsounta, E. (2015). Causes and consequences of income inequality: A global perspective (IMF Staff Discussion Note SDN/15/13). International Monetary Fund. https://www.imf.org/
Elections Department. (2017). The Elected Presidency: A new balance (explainer). https://www.eld.gov.sg/
Inter-Parliamentary Union. (2025). Singapore: Women in national parliaments (lower house). https://data.ipu.org/
Istana. (n.d.). Duties and responsibilities of the President. https://www.istana.gov.sg/
Land Transport Authority. (2024). Autonomous vehicle trials and regulatory sandbox. https://www.lta.gov.sg/
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. (2022). Singapore Citizenship Journey. https://www.mccy.gov.sg/
Ministry of Education. (2024). Bilingual policy in schools. https://www.moe.gov.sg/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Singapore’s foreign policy: Fundamentals. https://www.mfa.gov.sg/
National Arts Council. (2025). SG60 Culture Pass—Overview. https://www.nac.gov.sg/
National Heritage Board. (2024). Hawker culture in Singapore. https://www.nhb.gov.sg/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2017). Automated driving systems 2.0: A vision for safety. U.S. Department of Transportation. https://www.nhtsa.gov/
OECD. (2018). Opportunities for all: A framework for policy action on inclusive growth. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://www.oecd.org/
Ostry, J. D., Berg, A., & Tsangarides, C. G. (2014). Redistribution, inequality, and growth (IMF Staff Discussion Note SDN/14/02). International Monetary Fund. https://www.imf.org/
Prime Minister’s Office. (2025, September 9). SM Lee Hsien Loong at the NUS Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum Q&A—Transcript. https://www.pmo.gov.sg/
Reuters. (2025, February 5). Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations. https://www.reuters.com/
SG101. (2023a). Our fundamentals: Foreign policy. https://www.sg101.gov.sg/foreign-policy/ourfundamentals/
SG101. (2023b). Shared identity and civic responsibilities. https://www.sg101.gov.sg/
Smart Nation and Digital Government Office. (2023). National AI Strategy 2.0. Government of Singapore. https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/
The Straits Times. (2024, August 28). We do not take sides; we uphold principles: Vivian on foreign policy. https://www.straitstimes.com/
UNESCO. (2020, December). Hawker culture in Singapore: Community dining and culinary practices in a multicultural urban context (Inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity). https://ich.unesco.org/
Waymo. (2023). Waymo safety performance update: Longitudinal evaluation of automated driving in operations. Waymo LLC. https://waymo.com/
World Bank. (2024). Worldwide Governance Indicators—Government effectiveness (percentile rank). https://databank.worldbank.org/source/worldwide-governance-indicators
Comments
Post a Comment