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Parliament, Social & Community

Strengthening our Sense of “We” and Social Cohesion​​

19 September 2025

Learn how the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plan to strengthen social cohesion and keep Singapore safe and secure.

Strengthening our Sense of We and Social Cohesion

Photos by MDDI and Malay Heritage Centre

What Is a “We First” Society?

At the opening of the First Session of the 15th Parliament on 5 September 2025, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam spoke on the need for Singaporeans to come together as one people, through nurturing a “We First” society.

The Government seeks to build a caring, cohesive and engaged nation anchored in the shared values that define us as Singaporeans. We will strengthen our collective identity, nurture mutual respect and zealously safeguard our racial and religious harmony. We will also continue to strengthen our laws, deepen partnerships and harness technologies to protect Singapore and Singaporeans.

The following agencies have outlined key initiatives and focus areas under the theme of “Strengthening our Sense of “We” and Social Cohesion”:

For more details, please refer to the President's Address at the First Session of the 15th Parliament (opens in new tab).

MCCY: Building a Caring and Cohesive Nation

Partnering Singaporeans to expand our common space, realise aspirations, and nurture a “We First” society.

1. Expanding our Common Space

  • Foster intercultural and interfaith understanding and appreciation through partnerships such as Harmony Circles and networks of inter-faith partners. 

  • Bridge communities through Arts & Heritage via initiatives such as Culture Pass, Heritage Activation Nod es, and ArtsEverywhere@CDC.

  • Bring communities together through Sports with accessible, quality sporting facilities and programmes, disability sports initiatives under the refreshed Disability Sports Master Plan, and major events like 2029 SEA Games.

  • Bring youths together to connect and bond with peers from different backgrounds through initiatives such as the refreshed *SCAPE, development of Somerset Belt, and Outward Bound Singapore at Coney Island.

2. Empowering Dreams and Fulfilled Lives 

  • Develop Singaporeans to their fullest potential with scholarships for the arts and sports, a new home for Team Singapore in Kallang, and a strengthened end-to-end athlete development pathway through the integration of High Performance Sport Institute and Singapore Sports School.

  • Engage youths to co-create the SG Youth Plan to help youths navigate adulting with confidence, explore career opportunities and access mentors.

3. Nurturing a “We First” Society

  • Build sustained communities of care through volunteering and giving initiatives such as The Collective for a Stronger Society, SG Cares Volunteer Centres, Youth Corps Singapore, and partnership with Singapore Business Federation to grow corporate volunteerism.

  • Build a democracy of deeds by expanding citizen engagement and partnerships through the Singapore Government Partnerships Office, and equipping community leaders through Community Volunteer Scheme to encourage more to contribute to their local communities.

MHA: Keeping Singapore Safe and Secure

1. Strengthening Laws Against Emerging Threats and Evolving Criminal Tactics 

  • Introduce legislation to better protect vulnerable victims.

  • Address the worsening road safety situation.

  • Further strengthen legislation to deal with evolving tactics in foreign interference, scams, cybercrimes and drugs.

2. Deepening Partnerships with Local Agencies, Communities and International Stakeholders

  • Enhance resilience against terrorism by expanding outreach efforts in schools on youth self-radicalisation and encouraging early reporting. 

  • Strengthen preventive drug education by working with relevant agencies to counter increasingly permissive attitudes worldwide towards drugs. 

  • Support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and ex-offenders through cross-agency collaborations and by leveraging community partnerships and volunteers.

3. Harnessing Technology for the Home Team

  • Leverage Artificial Intelligence to strengthen Home Team capabilities.

  • Improve accessibility for inmates’ family visits through remote means, with secure identity verification.

  • Enhance the tracking and verification of fire safety certificates for SCDF-regulated products through a blockchain. 

Read other key initiatives and focus areas outlined in the President's Address (opens in new tab):