Singaporeans Embrace ‘We First’ Ethos to Foster Community Spirit

In a bid to cultivate a more supportive society, Singaporeans are embracing the concept of a “we first” community, as articulated by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his National Day Rally speech on August 17, 2023. This initiative aims to encourage citizens to prioritize communal well-being over individual interests, fostering bonds among diverse groups within the nation.

One grassroots effort exemplifying this spirit is led by Chia Jun Hou, a 45-year-old operations manager who, along with friends, has been buying meals from struggling hawkers and delivering them to nursing homes since 2021. Their group, named Daokachiu—Hokkien for “lend a helping hand”—began as a response to the economic hardships faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The smiles from elderly folks and the thumbs-up from hawkers are what keep us going,” Chia remarked, emphasizing the personal rewards of their community service.

In his rally speech, Wong stressed that to sustain Singapore, citizens must adopt a shared responsibility for one another. He warned that a society focused solely on individual gain risks disintegration. “If everyone only thinks about ‘me’, and puts ‘me’ ahead of ‘we’, then we are finished. Society will fray, and things will fall apart,” he asserted.

Echoing Wong’s sentiments, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted the importance of community support and collective action as foundational to a “we first” society. He emphasized that this ethos should manifest in everyday actions, from offering a seat on public transport to assisting neighbors in need.

While the notion of a “we first” society seems straightforward, interpretations vary widely among Singaporeans. Discussions with sociologists and community leaders reveal that while some view it as a call for greater inclusivity, others see it as a need for stronger safety nets to empower citizens to contribute more freely.

Dr. Leong Chan-Hoong, head of a social cohesion research programme at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, believes that a true “we first” society should ensure equal access to resources for all, promoting cooperation over competition. He cites Scandinavia and Switzerland as models where such egalitarian values are successfully realized.

The call for inclusivity is underscored by young activists like Yulianna Frederika, the founder of Lepak Conversations, who advocates for deeper connections across cultural divides. “We need to move from ‘You’re different, but I can still be friends with you’ to ‘You’re different and that’s why I want to be friends with you’,” she stated.

However, the challenge of defining “we” remains significant. Dr. Chew Yi Wei, a senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, notes that marginalized groups, including single parents and members of the LGBTQ community, often feel overlooked in discussions about societal needs. “Their needs shouldn’t be swept under the carpet,” she said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse voices in the conversation.

The prevailing ethos in Singapore tends to favor individual achievement, which complicates the transition to a collective mindset. Dr. Terence Chong, a sociologist, points out that the meritocratic framework rewards individual success, making it difficult for communal values to take root. “This is important because Singapore faces every conceivable temptation for individualism and self-centeredness to flourish,” he remarked.

Despite these challenges, many believe that the spirit of “we first” is taking shape in various community initiatives. Mr. Kristian-Marc James Paul, co-founder of SG Climate Rally, noted the growing trend of solidarity among different community groups. “One group stands up for another, even if the issue is completely different,” he explained, highlighting a sense of shared humanity.

Community-minded business owners are also making significant strides. Jerome Lim, owner of Ming Fa Fishball Noodles, provides free meals to recipients of the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). “You can already see it in small but meaningful ways,” he stated, referring to the growing culture of generosity among Singaporeans.

The government’s role in fostering this “we first” ethos is crucial. Dr. Chew emphasized that citizens need a reliable safety net to feel secure enough to support others. “The government must first provide the safety net, before citizens can feel secure enough to help others,” she noted, underlining the importance of well-structured social support systems.

As Singapore navigates its dual identity as both a nation and a global city, the potential for individualism to overshadow communal values remains a concern. Dr. Alwyn Lim from the Singapore Management University pointed to the widening divide between conservative and liberal values in society. Yet, despite these structural barriers, grassroots movements continue to emerge.

For example, Nazmul Khan founded 24asia to strengthen ties between local residents and migrant workers. The organization has grown to over 250 volunteers, providing educational and cultural support. “Things have improved a lot, but there is still room for integration,” he remarked.

The momentum for a “we first” society is evident among younger Singaporeans, who are finding innovative ways to contribute. Initiatives like the Signpost Collective, founded by students from Yale-NUS College, aim to uplift informal street sellers while also fostering trust and community engagement.

Community initiatives often encounter bureaucratic hurdles, which can discourage participation. Mr. Ganesh Kumar, who created the “Woodlands Botanical Garden,” expressed frustration over the complexities of organizing community events. “Why do you make it so difficult?” he questioned, reflecting the challenges faced by volunteers.

Despite these obstacles, the drive to create a more interconnected society persists. Mr. Yu, a private-hire driver and single father, offers free rides to those with disabilities, embodying the spirit of giving even in the face of personal challenges. “A ride for me would cost a few bucks of petrol and 20 to 30 minutes of my time,” he explained, emphasizing the larger impact of small gestures.

As Singaporeans respond to the Prime Minister’s call for a “we first” society, the message is clear: every action counts, no matter how small. “Start small, but start,” Ms. Hani Isnin-Racine advises. “You don’t need a big budget, just a big heart.”