Singapore to prioritize ASEAN unity and tech safeguards

In his National Day Rally speech, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong outlined the nation’s strategic priorities, focusing on regional unity and technological safeguards.

Regarding regional diplomacy, Singapore aims to strengthen ASEAN unity and deepen regional integration when it assumes the ASEAN chairmanship on January 1, 2027. PM Wong emphasized that in an increasingly unstable and fractured global environment, Singapore must avoid retreating inwards and instead focus on creating value and maintaining global connections. He noted that Singapore’s strength lies in its role as a trusted hub for global supply chains, finance, and talent, underpinned by the rule of law.

On the technology front, PM Wong announced plans to implement new guardrails for artificial intelligence and social media. To manage the risks of increasingly autonomous AI agents, Singapore will seek to build international coalitions for practical safeguards. Additionally, the government intends to enforce stricter age verification for social media platforms to better protect youth, moving beyond simple self-declaration methods to ensure more robust and reliable checks.