Singaporeans Embrace ‘We First’ Mindset to Strengthen Community

Every other Sunday, Mr Chia Jun Hou dedicates his time to helping vulnerable communities in Singapore. Together with friends, he purchases meals from struggling hawkers and delivers them to various nursing homes. This initiative, known as Daokachiu—meaning “lend a helping hand” in Hokkien—began in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic when hawker centres faced significant challenges. “We believe that Singaporeans should contribute in any way we can,” Mr Chia stated. “The smiles from elderly folks and the thumbs-up from hawkers are what keep us going.”

This spirit of community service aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who has called for a “we first” society in his recent speeches. During his National Day Rally on August 17, 2025, Mr Wong emphasized the importance of citizens prioritizing collective well-being over individual interests. He expressed concern that if people only focus on themselves, societal cohesion would deteriorate. “To keep Singapore going, we must be a ‘we first’ society, because if everyone only thinks about ‘me’, society will fray,” he warned.

In a similar vein, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam echoed this sentiment during the opening of Singapore’s 15th parliament on September 5, 2025. He underscored the necessity of community support and shared responsibility, highlighting that a culture of giving and volunteering should become ingrained in everyday life. He suggested that simple acts of kindness, such as offering a seat on public transport, are vital to maintaining social cohesion.

Despite the clarity of the “we first” concept, the interpretation varies among Singaporeans. Conversations with sociologists, civil society leaders, and community organizers reveal differing views on what this societal shift entails. For some, it involves fostering inclusivity, while others see it as a call for stronger social safety nets to empower citizens to give back. There are also voices advocating for a fairer society that mitigates the harsh realities of meritocracy.

Dr Leong Chan-Hoong, head of a social cohesion research program at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, believes that a “we first” society should promote egalitarianism, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities. He pointed to Scandinavian countries as examples of cooperative societies that have successfully embraced this ethos.

The need for inclusivity is echoed by Ms Yulianna Frederika, the founder of Lepak Conversations, who advocates for deeper connections among Singapore’s diverse communities. “What we need is: ‘You’re different and that’s why I want to be friends with you, so I can learn from you and support you,'” she explained.

Dr Chew Yi Wei, a senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, argues for the importance of defining “we” within the context of Singapore’s diverse population. She notes that marginalized groups, including single parents, families of children with special needs, and the LGBTQ community, often feel overlooked. “These small groups are growing, and their needs shouldn’t be swept under the carpet,” she emphasized.

The challenge in achieving a “we first” society lies in Singapore’s prevailing meritocratic culture, which often prioritizes individual achievement over collective welfare. Dr Terence Chong, a sociologist, highlighted that the focus on competition sometimes undermines the spirit of community. “This is important because Singapore faces every conceivable temptation for individualism and self-centredness to flourish,” he noted.

While some Singaporeans are already embodying the “we first” mentality, others feel that the ideal is still a distant goal. For example, Mr Kristian-Marc James Paul, a co-founding member of SG Climate Rally, pointed to initiatives that promote solidarity among diverse groups. He noted that community-driven efforts are gaining momentum, but structural barriers remain.

The government’s role in facilitating this transition is critical. Dr Chew pointed out that a stable safety net is essential for citizens to feel secure enough to help others. “Singapore is different. Our infrastructure and laws are already provided by the state. But ironically, because we are wealthy and generally compliant, we end up with less autonomy,” she explained.

Educational reform is another key aspect in nurturing a “we first” mindset. Dr Chew argued that the current education system, driven by competitive pressures, needs to be overhauled. “If we truly want a ‘we first’ society, the pressure of exams shouldn’t start so early or be so unforgiving,” she said, suggesting that schools should focus more on fostering collaboration and mutual support.

Various grassroots initiatives demonstrate that Singaporeans are indeed ready to embrace this new societal paradigm. Mr Jerome Lim, a third-generation owner of Ming Fa Fishball Noodles, provides free meals to those on the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). He remarked, “You can already see it in small but meaningful ways, like pay-it-forward campaigns in some food and beverage outlets.”

Young Singaporeans are also stepping up. The Signpost Collective, founded by former Yale-NUS College students, engages with informal street sellers, offering support while building trust between them and the community. Their approach tackles stigma while encouraging mutual aid.

Despite these positive developments, challenges persist. Mr Ganesh Kumar, who founded the “Woodlands Botanical Garden,” highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles that often complicate community projects. “Even something as simple as organizing a small performance quickly snowballed into a tangle of applications and approvals,” he said.

Community volunteers, including members of Daokachiu, often face burnout. Mr Chia noted that careful planning is essential to sustain their efforts. “Raymond, our treasurer, often plays the role of the realist… He advocated for a fortnightly schedule to avoid burnout,” he shared.

For those inspired to contribute, Ms Hani Isnin-Racine, co-owner of The $2.50 Shop, encourages starting small. “You don’t need a big budget, just a big heart. Every act counts,” she advised.

Even those with their own struggles, like Mr Wilson Yu, a private-hire driver and father of a child with autism, find ways to give back. Despite financial pressures, he offers discounted rides to people in need, illustrating that the “we first” ethos can thrive even in challenging circumstances.

As Singapore embarks on this journey towards a “we first” society, the collective efforts of individuals and the support of government initiatives will be crucial in fostering a culture of care and mutual support.