I’m happy to join all of you to celebrate Young PAP’s 40th birthday. Happy 40th anniversary, and Happy Youth Day, everyone!

For four decades, Young PAP has been the platform where young people in the Party organise, speak up, and drive our Party, and Singapore, forward. In many ways, this spirit has always been part of the PAP’s DNA.

Think back to our founding. When Mr Lee Kuan Yew became PM in 1959, how old was he? He was only 35 years old. Many of his comrades were in their 20s and 30s.

• All of them would have been YP members!
• They were young, they did not all feel they were ready.
• But they stepped forward, they took responsibility, and they worked with their fellow Singaporeans to build our nation.

Today, Young PAP carries on this spirit of service. To all our Party activists, and friends of our Party: thank you for being here, thank you for believing in Singapore, and thank you for making a difference!

All of us know that we are entering a very different world, a changed world. It is marked by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. A world where politics has become more fractured and polarised. Where societies are becoming more divided and inward-looking.

In many places, politics is no longer about helping societies solve problems.

• Instead, we see politicians amplify outrage to win support.
• Engaging in performative politics and point-scoring over solving serious problems.
• So it becomes harder to build consensus.
• Harder to take difficult decisions.
• And harder to make progress. This is so in many places around us.

Singapore is not immune to these pressures. We see some of these tendencies in our own discourse too. But the PAP believes in a different kind of politics. We do not believe the answer is to stoke anger, deepen divides, or give in to cynicism.

That is the politics we want for Singapore. That is the politics that the PAP will always stand for.

To sustain this kind of politics, we need good people who are willing to step forward. I know many young Singaporeans will like to make a difference. Some of you are already active in the Party. Some of you are here today as invited guests and friends of the PAP — because you care and you want to make a difference. And there are many more across Singapore who share the same desire.

I recognise that the PAP is not the only avenue to serve our country. There are many meaningful ways to contribute — be it through NGOs, community groups, or social enterprises. All of these efforts matter. But this is the reality: governing a country well and taking Singapore forward requires political leadership.

• Our success did not happen by chance.
• It happened because generation after generation of capable and committed Singaporeans answered the call to serve.
• They shouldered responsibility, made tough decisions and did the hard work of building trust with their fellow citizens.

I also know some young people are naturally drawn to the underdog. I understand that instinct. We all do. Some of you may look at the PAP and say: the PAP is already a big and established party — it does not need me.

But you are mistaken. The real competition is not within Singapore. The real competition is between Singapore and the rest of the world — we are competing against countries with much larger populations, bigger domestic markets, and far greater resources.

That’s why there’s no autopilot for Singapore’s success. Our past achievements do not guarantee our future success. Every generation must bring with them fresh ideas, new energy and a renewed sense of responsibility to take Singapore forward. The PAP can continue to govern Singapore well, only if every generation renews the Party with good people who are willing to serve.

So if you care deeply about Singapore and our future, if you have ideas about how we can make our country better, then come and join the PAP. Build common cause with us. You do not have to agree with us on every single issue.

• In fact, it is the opposite. We do not want everyone in the PAP to think the same way.
• This diversity is essential for the PAP to keep renewing itself, and continue governing well for the long-term.
• We want people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas to tackle our challenges together and respond to them effectively.

What matters most is that we share the same conviction: to build a better Singapore for all Singaporeans. If you have that conviction in your heart, there will always be a place in the PAP for you.

To all our Party activists here, I say this: help us widen our circle. Reach out to more people, to your friends who care about Singapore. Start conversations with them. Invite them to your branch activities, your community projects, your dialogues. Show them firsthand that here in the PAP, we have a platform where their ideas matter, where people can contribute, and where service to others counts for something. What you do will shape the future of our Party.

Let me say this to all young Singaporeans: there will be days when you feel tired; days when cynicism feels easier than hope; when doing nothing feels easier than doing something. You will hear people say: “nothing will change, don’t bother”, “politics is not worth it”, or “let someone else do the dirty work”.

When that happens, remember: Singapore was built by young men and women who refused to give in to cynicism.

• Many of them were your age when they started.
• They did not feel fully ready.
• But they stepped forward anyway.
• And because they did, generations of Singaporeans have enjoyed opportunities that once seemed impossible.

When you do, you will not be alone — because the PAP will always stand with you. And when you join us and you’re part of this wider movement, you will be part of a team that shares the same commitment for our nation and for our people.

Together, we will build a Singapore that is fairer, stronger, more just, and full of opportunity for every Singaporean.