Prime Minister and PAP Secretary-General Lawrence Wong has reaffirmed the party’s symbiotic relationship with NTUC.
Calling the partnership with NTUC and employers the bedrock of tripartism in Singapore, Mr Wong said the system is what powers Singapore’s success.
“It is possible because of the PAP and NTUC’s symbiotic relationship. Ours is a longstanding partnership built on trust – trust forged over decades of shared struggle and shared purpose,” said Mr Wong.
Mr Wong was speaking at the PAP Convention on 9 November 2025, attended by more than 1,800 party activists.
Mr Wong outlined the key priorities of the PAP Government to secure Singapore’s place in the world.
He said: “We have just begun our new term of Government. We will deliver what we had set out to do in our election manifesto.
“We will continue to strengthen our safety nets so that every Singaporean – whatever their background or circumstance – knows that we are in this together, and no one will be left behind.”
Mr Wong also said that Singapore must maintain a competitive and strong economy for Singaporeans to continue having good jobs and better lives.
He added that as the global economy begins to fragment, companies are reconfiguring their supply chains, shifting trade routes and capital flows.
“We must make sure Singapore stays at the centre of these new flows, and is not bypassed by them.”
The Prime Minister also said that new opportunities will emerge, and Singapore must be ready to seize them.
“We must dare to take risks, move quickly and innovate boldly. We must also be willing to experiment and fail, learn and try again. Because this is the only way a small nation can thrive and flourish, and stay exceptional,” he said.
One of the four activists who gave a speech during the convention was National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) Executive Secretary Andy Ang.
He said there is more to do to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between NTUC and PAP.
Mr Ang said that NTUC will continue to anticipate workers’ evolving needs and champion for them.
He also said that NTUC Youth and Young PAP can deepen collaboration.
“Our youths are the next generation of leaders. They play an important role in building on the partnership and in bringing us further.
He added that both youth wings can do more through joint community projects, mentorship programmes and youth-led initiatives that will connect each other and connect with more Singaporeans.
The convention also saw the party honouring the contributions of its activists, with 426 of them recognised for their dedication and service.
The highest award, the Meritorious Service Medal, went to former NTUC Secretary-General and Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say.
Mr Lim was with NTUC for 14 years, first from 1996 to 1999 and later from 2004 to 2015. He was the labour chief from 2007 to 2015.
Mr Lim said: "The end objective is always to ensure that all Singaporeans, not some, not a majority, but all Singaporeans should be able to earn a better living and live a better life.
"And most of all, the two [NTUC and PAP] coming together, they must make sure that we contribute, build trust between the NTUC and the workers, between the Government and the people, so that the development of the progress of Singapore can be sustained into the future."
