Singapore Together Emerging Stronger Conversations – More sessions to be held from now to Feb 2021

1. Since the Singapore Together Emerging Stronger Conversations (ESC) commenced in June 2020, more than 1,600 Singaporeans and community partners have participated in various ESCs¹. They have given us access to fruitful insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Singapore in a post-COVID-19 world, and offered suggestions on how we can emerge stronger from this crisis. In the spirit of Singapore Together, Singaporeans have also kept the momentum of conversations and partnerships to build a better future going during this period. As we work towards recovering from this pandemic, this spirit will help Singaporeans to chart a new path and emerge stronger from the crisis. 

(i) Singapore Together Emerging Stronger Conversations (ESCs) and Mother Tongue Language ESCs

2. We have undergone a shared experience which will shape the attitudes and worldview of an entire generation. Through the ESCs, we want to draw this out and use these reflections as core elements on which to build an even stronger society.

3. [Update] At least 20 Emerging Stronger Conversations will be organised including sessions in Mother Tongue Languages between June 2020 and February 2021. The Mandarin ESC is held on 24 October 2020. This is in the spirit of Singapore Together; we would like the ESCs to be inclusive and accessible so more Singaporeans who might not be fluent in the English language and across diverse backgrounds, can still participate in the ESCs. (Please see Annex A [PDF, 508 KB] for a snapshot of the participants at the ESC in Mandarin on 24 October 2020.)

4. These Conversations will be conducted digitally by default, until the situation allows for face-to-face gatherings to take place safely. Each Conversation will involve some 40 to 50 participants from diverse backgrounds and hosted by a political office-holder. Over 2 hours of discussion, participants will, in their facilitated breakout groups, share their reflections about the Covid-19 crisis, their hopes for Singapore, and what actions we can take to reach the desired outcome together.

5. These Conversations are open for public sign-up. Those who are interested can still register their interest for one of the forthcoming Conversations taking place, at https://go.gov.sg/ESconversations.  (Please see Annex B [PDF, 508 KB] for the list of public Conversations.)

(ii) Other Platforms

6. The government is committed to engaging widely across different stakeholders and will also invite partners to convene their own Conversations, to enable more to participate, and multiply the potential for action.  Outside of these Conversations, Singaporeans can also share their reflections and aspirations at www.singaporetogether.gov.sg/reflect.

7. Stories and ideas shared by participants of across these channels will be shared on Our SG social platforms and on the Singapore Together website for interested members of the public to catch up on the perspectives of other Singaporeans.

(iii) Emerging Aspirations from the ESC

8. In the first few Conversations, participants shared their experiences and candid thoughts on a wide range of issues including supporting the vulnerable, equipping both younger and mid-career workers with necessary skills and digital tools, and having greater civic participation across all segments of society. Through these Conversations, there was a common thread of aspiring towards a more caring, resilient and cohesive Singapore, and the belief that by working together, and pooling together our experiences, expertise and efforts, we can emerge stronger as a society and country. (Please see Annex C [PDF, 508 KB] for a snapshot of the topics discussed at recent SG Together Emerging Stronger Conversations)

(iv) Singapore Together Action Networks

9. These Conversations are in their early days. More will take place in the coming months. As key issues emerge from the Singapore Together Emerging Stronger Conversations, we will form the Singapore Together Action Networks (“Action Networks”) to work on them and give effect to the aspirations shared by participants.

10. The Action Networks will bring together a diverse group of people from different sectors – Government, community, businesses – to co-create, and co-deliver ideas and solutions. They will be important drivers to mobilise our collective energies and expertise and exemplify the Singapore Together governance approach of working in partnership, towards Singapore’s recovery and future. The number and composition of Networks will be determined by the issues surfaced through the Emerging Stronger Conversations, and the actions needed.

11. [Update] There are currently four Action Networks – UPLIFT, Youth Mental Well-being Network, SG Cares, and most recently, the Beyond Covid-19 Taskforce (Please see Annex D [PDF, 508 KB] for more information on the SG Together Action Networks).  Partnerships between Government and Singaporeans are important to build the society we want to become. During this period, we continue to see partnership efforts; for instance, two citizen workgroups have been convened to look into sustainability topics.

12. We encourage all Singaporeans to play a part in the Singapore Together efforts. We can stay united amidst the challenges ahead and emerge stronger together.

Annexes [PDF, 508 KB] 
A. [New] Snapshot of the participants at the ESC in Mandarin held on 24 October 2020
B. [Update] Singapore Together ESC Public Sessions
C. [Update] Infographics - Snapshot of the topics discussed at recently held SG Together Emerging Stronger Conversations
D. [Update] SG Together Action Networks

For media queries, please contact:

Diana Cheong
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
Email: diana_cheong@mccy.gov.sg

Lee Keng Yin
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
Email: lee_keng_yin@mccy.gov.sg

About Singapore Together

Singapore Together is about the Government working with Singaporeans, and Singaporeans working with one another, to build our future Singapore. The Government will open up more partnership opportunities for Singaporeans to participate. The Government also hopes to support more citizen-led efforts. Whatever our background or interests, we can each step forward to contribute in areas that we care about. By working together, we can turn diversity into strength and transform challenges into opportunities, to build a Singapore that present and future generations of Singaporeans will be proud of. For more information, visit www.singaporetogether.gov.sg.

¹The number includes the ESC surveys conducted earlier between Sep – Oct 2020 on two apps – LifeSG and OneService.