Speeches
Speech by Minister Josephine Teo at the 10th Singapore-China Forum on Leadership on 18 November 2025
18 November 2025
Plenary Speech by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information & Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group, at the 10th Singapore-China Forum on Leadership on 18 November 2025
“Transformative Leadership in Times of Great Change”
Your Excellency Shi Taifeng
Minister of the CPC Central Committee Organization Department
Your Excellency Huang Jianfa
Executive Vice Minister of the CPC Central Committee Organization Department
Distinguished guests and colleagues
1. Good morning. It is a great privilege to join you for the 10th Singapore-China Forum on Leadership. I would also like to thank Minister Shi Taifeng for his comprehensive explanation of the leadership priorities for China. As it turns out, like Minister Shi, I have worked on the Suzhou Industrial Park project. I was there right from the beginning between 1996 to 1998 when we were developing the first six square kilometres of the Suzhou Industrial Park, so I have very fond memories of my time in China.
2. Over the years, this Forum has become much more than a platform for dialogue. It has evolved into a channel for mutual learning, to strengthen cooperation and deepen trust between our two countries, to create win-win outcomes for our people.
3. This milestone edition offers us the chance to reflect on how leadership can continue to inspire confidence and deliver progress – especially in an era marked by unprecedented change, as Minister Chan has also described earlier.
4. Singapore and China are friends despite our different national conditions. We differ in size, history, and governance models, but we share the same commitment to stability, progress, and the wellbeing of our people. Our two ministers’ descriptions of our common challenges fully reflect this confluence of interests.
5. China’s transformation over the past four decades has been remarkable – lifting hundreds of millions from poverty, building world-class infrastructure, and advancing global frontiers in technology and innovation. Singapore, though much smaller, has walked a parallel path of openness, competitiveness, and inclusion.
6. However, our societies now face the challenges of success – how to sustain growth as our populations age, how to meet the rising social expectations of our people, and how to preserve cohesion amid uncertainty.
7. A clear sign of our common demographic challenge lies in our total fertility rates. In Singapore, the rate has fallen to around 0.97. In China, it is estimated at around 1.0. Both figures are well below the replacement level of 2.1. These reflect deep shifts in society. The younger generation may have higher standards of living but feel less certain about their economic prospects. They also have different aspirations and definitions of success.
8. At the same time, both Singapore and China are experiencing rapid population ageing, with a significant rise in the proportion of elderly citizens in our midst. In Singapore, those aged 65 and above make up more than 15% of our population, while China faces a similar trend, with its elderly population projected to reach over 30% by 2050.
9. A shrinking and ageing population will weigh on productivity, fiscal sustainability, and intergenerational balance.
10. After delivering for our people for decades, the task now is to deliver with them. Both societies must renew the compact between state and citizens, between older and younger generations, and between stability and renewal.
11. Today, I will outline how transformative leadership must evolve to meet these challenges.
I. Singapore and China’s Common Challenges
a) Our first common challenge is to Upgrade the Economy and Sustain Engines of Growth
12. Both Singapore and China are entering a new phase of development. The old engines of growth — labour expansion, capital accumulation, and catch-up industrialisation — have run their course. Productivity, innovation, and higher-value creation must now power our next stage.
13. China’s emphasis on 新质生产力 — new productive forces — parallels Singapore’s focus on deepening digital capabilities and moving up the global value chain. Both of us must ensure growth remains inclusive and sustainable.
14. Economic upgrading is not just about technology or capital – it is ultimately about people. Both countries must reskill workers, rejuvenate enterprises, and keep up confidence that progress will remain within the reach of every citizen.
15. In Singapore, we continue to invest heavily in SkillsFuture – a lifelong learning movement for all our workers to refresh and adapt their skills to remain competitive in the evolving global economy. To help businesses lead digital transformation effectively, our Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s Digital Leaders Programme supports business leaders in drawing up digital roadmaps, building technical capabilities, and deploying technology responsibly.
16. For both Singapore and China, the challenge is to sustain dynamism while preserving trust. We must keep alive the conviction that hard work still matters. As the Chinese proverb reminds us, “富不过三代” — wealth rarely lasts beyond three generations. It is not a warning of decline, but a reminder that every generation must renew its energy, creativity, and purpose to sustain prosperity. 可以这么说，富要过代, 唯勤唯新, 代代奋斗，繁荣永续。
b) Our second common challenge is in Keeping Up Youth Aspirations and Societal Momentum
17. The vitality of our societies depends on how our young people see the future. Across the world, many youths now question whether effort still leads to opportunity and whether working hard matters
18. In China, the phenomena of “躺平” (lying flat) and “内卷” (involution) capture the exhaustion and frustration from relentless competition. In Singapore too, many young people express concerns about the cost of living, the pressure to perform, and the uncertainty of progress. They feel the toll on their mental health.
19. The challenge for leadership is to counter resignation with hope through timely interventions to meet the needs of our youths and channelling their efforts to causes they find meaningful.
20. This is why we adjust our education, housing and economic policies regularly. Singapore’s approach has also evolved from delivering for youth to delivering with youth. Through the SG Youth Plan and the National Youth Council’s leadership programmes, young Singaporeans now co-create solutions on issues such as climate action, inclusivity, and innovation.
21. We have designed multiple platforms for youths to share their views on national priorities and give them space to debate topics on the choices that we should take as a society and how to move forward. These initiatives ensure youth are not passive recipients of policy but active partners in nation-building.
c) Our third common challenge is to Ensure Trusted Leadership
22. In both Singapore and China, the foundation of trusted leadership lies in unwavering moral integrity and a deep commitment to our core values.
23. President Xi Jinping emphasises that “a person cannot succeed without virtues” (人无德不立). He has underscored the essential role of moral character in leadership. It is a value that we also uphold in Singapore.
24. For us, our founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, articulated our nation’s ethos by stating: “This is not a Malay nation; this is not a Chinese nation; this is not an Indian nation. Everyone will have his place, equal: language, culture, religion.” This vision of inclusivity and respect for diversity has been central to the Singaporean identity.
25. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, our common challenge remains. That is – how do we cultivate leaders who not only uphold these values but also inspire trust in an increasingly interconnected world?
26. In Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has reiterated our nation’s multiracial model. It “does not require any community to give up its heritage or traditions,” emphasising that unity is achieved through integration, not assimilation. This means putting into practice the belief that diversity, when managed with trust and respect, strengthens our unity. Our ethos is 求同存异 — to seek unity without an expectation of uniformity.
27. Both our countries recognise that leadership grounded in moral clarity and cultural respect is paramount. By nurturing leaders who embody these principles, we will build a future where trust and unity prevail.
II. Three Pillars of Transformative Leadership
28. Singapore’s governance has evolved steadily toward co-creation and partnership.
29. Through the Singapore-China Leadership Forum, we hope to strengthen Transformative Leadership through three pillars.
a) The first pillar is Cultivating Partnerships for High-Quality Development
30. Singapore and China both prospered by staying open and connected to the world. Our growth was built on the foundation of a rules-based international order and the free flow of trade, investment and ideas.
31. But the world around us is changing. Global growth has slowed, protectionism is rising, and new fault lines in technology and geopolitics are redrawing the map of global interdependence.
32. At home, our societies are also transforming – ageing populations, rapid technological disruption, and shifting aspirations are redefining how our economies create value. In such an environment, the question is no longer just how to grow, but how to sustain high-quality growth – growth that is innovative, sustainable, and inclusive.
33. To meet these challenges, partnership is essential – between nations, between government and industry, and between generations. The Singapore–China story offers strong foundations: from Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-City to the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, each phase of our cooperation has reflected our ability to evolve together.
34. Today, our collaboration is expanding into green and digital domains, data-driven trade, and sustainability innovation. Beyond the bilateral level, both sides are also working closely with ASEAN to build an open, resilient regional economy, underpinned by digital connectivity, low-carbon energy and trusted networks.
35. My colleague SMS Low Yen Ling will elaborate on this sub-theme on how Singapore and China can turn change into opportunity through shared imagination and joint action.
b) The second pillar is Building a Shared Future with Our People
36. Both Singapore and China recognise that governing well requires understanding our people in every possible way. We must have a broad view of the sentiments and trends of our people through open channels such as national surveys and digital feedback platforms, which gather real-time insights from hundreds and thousands of citizens.
37. We must cultivate deep understanding through sustained conversations — such as our Forward Singapore dialogues and Citizens’ Panels — that bring diverse voices together to deliberate on complex policy challenges.
38. And we must nurture closeness in relationships, by walking the ground and engaging citizens in their daily lives. These efforts make space not only for the loudest voices, but also for the quiet concerns often left unheard.
39. Through multiple channels, we distil what truly matters: building opportunity for our youth, assurance for our seniors, and community for all.
40. For our young, the goal is to channel their energy away from “躺平” and toward purposeful contribution — by widening pathways of success, supporting life transitions through initiatives like MentoringSG and KidSTART, and empowering youth participation through Youth Corps Singapore and the upcoming Singapore Youth Plan.
41. For our seniors, programmes such as Healthier SG, Age Well SG, and Community Care Apartments help them stay active, independent, and connected.
42. My colleague SMS Desmond Tan will elaborate on this sub-theme on how Singapore and China can become a We-First society, where government and citizens partner each other, generation by generation, to build a shared, resilient, and inclusive future.
c) The third pillar is Developing Future Oriented Leaders Grounded in Values
43. Sustaining progress ultimately depends on the renewal of leadership. The world today demands leaders who are both capable and principled – able to navigate complexity, harness technology, and yet remain grounded in values that inspire trust.
44. In Singapore’s case, multiculturalism, meritocracy, and social harmony have been foundational to our success. These values are not just abstract ideals — they are practical principles that guide our leaders’ decision-making and foster trust within our society and beyond.
45. Here, allow me to cite a Confucian maxim that resonates with modern governance. It says: “为政以德，譬如北辰，居其所而众星共之” — To govern by virtue is like the North Star: fixed in its place, and the other stars revolve around it. In practice, leaders who govern with integrity and constancy attract confidence and alignment. That is the foundation upon which experimentation and reform can succeed.
46. My colleague SMS Zaqy Mohamad will elaborate on this sub-theme on how Singapore and China can invest in leadership development and upholding integrity as the cornerstone of governance.
III. Closing: A Call to Lead – Together
47. Let me bring my remarks to a close. Transformative leadership is not about grandstanding. Transformative leadership is about steady, principled, and persistent work. It is about building capability, earning and keeping trust, and co creating solutions that leave no one behind.
48. Our societies face similar pressures: ageing populations, declining fertility, youth aspirations, and shifting global tides. But we also share enduring strengths – strong governance, pragmatic adaptability, and a belief in the power of partnership. 我们两国的抱负是：与民同心，不忘初心；携手并进，行稳致远。
49. Let this 10th Forum mark a new chapter where Singapore and China work together for greater progress through Transformative Leadership. 让我们大家实干在手，振兴在心；聚心聚力，功成可期。
50. Thank you very much.
新加坡国数码发展及新闻部长兼主管网络安全事务及智慧国工作团部长杨莉明于2025年11月18日 第十届中国-新加坡领导力论坛的全体会议致辞
“大变局时代下的领导力建设”
尊敬的中共中央组织部部长石泰峰阁下
尊敬的中共中央组织部副部长黄建发阁下
各位嘉宾：
1. 大家早上好！很荣幸能与大家在新加坡相聚，一同出席第十届新加坡—中国领导力论坛。在此，我也要感谢石泰峰部长对中国领导力重点的全面阐述。巧的是，我和石部长一样，也曾参与苏州工业园项目 —— 就在1996至1998年期间，我从项目启动之初就参与了苏州工业园前六平方公里的开发。这段经历在我心中留下了深刻而美好的回忆。
2. 信任为基，合作为舟；共学互鉴，共创双赢。这些年来，新中领导力论坛已从一个单纯的对话平台，发展成让新中两国相互学习、深化合作、增进互信，并为人民共创双赢的重要桥梁。
3. 正如陈振声部长刚才提到，在步入这场论坛的十年里程碑之际，我们应反思：领导者如何在这前所未有的剧变时代中，继续提振人民信心，促进国家发展。
4. 新加坡和中国秉持和而不同的精神，建立了深厚友谊。两国虽在国土面积、历史和治理模式上截然不同，但我们都同样以坚定的信念维护稳定、推动发展和提升人民福祉。
5. 中国四十多年来的发展和转变令人惊叹——成功让数亿人民脱贫，构建世界一流的基础设施，更在科技创新方面领先全球。新加坡面积虽小，却也能以开放、包容的发展理念，维持竞争力。
6. 然而，我们的社会正面临着成功所带来的挑战，包括如何在人口老龄化的同时保持经济增长、如何回应越来越高的社会期望，以及如何在多变的环境中保持国民凝聚力。
7. 低生育率是两国都面对的显著挑战。在新加坡，这个数字已下降至0.97左右。中国的生育率则保持在1.0左右。两者都远低于2.1的人口替代水平，而这反映了社会的深层变化。年轻一代虽享有更高的生活水平，却对经济前景缺乏信心。他们怀有不同的理想抱负，对成功也有不同的定义。
8. 同时，两国人口都在迅速老龄化，年长者占总人口的比例显著上升。在新加坡，65岁及以上人口已超过总人口的15%。中国也面对类似趋势：预计到了2050年，年长人口将超过总人口的30%。
9. 人口萎缩与老龄化将影响国家生产力、财政可持续性，以及代际平衡。
10. 经过数十年的发展，我们今后不仅要为民服务，更要与他们携手合作、共创未来。无论是国家与人民之间，还是年长与年轻一代之间，都极需更新社会契约，在稳定与创新之间找到新的平衡点。
11. 今天，我将探讨变革型领导力该如何与时俱进，克服挑战。
新加坡和中国的共同挑战
我们的第一项共同挑战，是推动经济升级转型，保持增长动力。
12. 新中两国均已步入发展新阶段。过去依靠劳动力增长、资本投入和工业化追赶的传统增长模式，已难以为继。未来，两国须通过提高生产力、促进创新及创造更高价值来推动我们下一阶段的发展。
13. 中国对发展新质生产力的重视，与新加坡深化数码能力以及提升全球价值链地位的策略，有异曲同工之妙。两国也都必须确保经济增长继续具备包容性和可持续性。
14. 经济转型升级不仅仅关乎技术或资本，而是以人为本，“人”才是关键。两国都需要提升员工技能，为企业注入新活力，让人民保持信心，国家的进步将惠及所有人。
15. 面对全球经济转型，新加坡政府持续大力投资“技能创前程计划”，鼓励员工终身学习，不断提升技能，以保持竞争优势。同时，为了帮助企业有效推进数码转型，新加坡资讯通信媒体发展局推行了“数码领袖培育计划”，帮助企业领袖制定数码蓝图，培养技术能力，并负责任地运用科技。
16. 富要过代，唯勤唯新，代代奋斗，繁荣永续 。要如何在保持经济活力的同时，维护社会信任，是新中两国必须面对的一个难题。我们坚信，勤奋努力依然至关重要。“富不过三代”并不是走向没落的警示，而是一种提醒：要确保国家持续繁荣，每一代人就必须明确目标、奋发向上，并不断推陈出新。
我们的第二项共同挑战，是确保年轻人继续怀抱理想，及保持社会前进的动力。
17. 一个社会是否有活力，将取决于年轻人如何看待他们的未来。如今，世界各地的许多青年都在问：努力是否还能换来机会？
18. 在中国，“躺平”和“内卷”等现象反映了激烈竞争所带来的疲惫和挫败感。在新加坡，许多年轻人同样为生活成本、表现压力和前景不明而感到忧虑，心理健康也因此受到影响。
19. 身为领导者，我们的挑战是如何以希望取代失望，通过及时的措施满足年轻人的需求，并引导他们投身有意义的事业。
20. 为此，我们不断调整教育、住房和经济政策。新加坡的做法也从单纯地为年轻人服务，转变为与他们携手合作。通过“新加坡青年计划”和全国青年理事会的领导项目，年轻人现在可以就气候行动、包容性发展和创新等议题共创解决方案。
21. 我们设立了多个平台，让年轻人就国家重点议题发声，并为他们提供辩论空间。这些举措确保他们不是政策的被动接受者，而是国家建设的积极伙伴。
我们的第三项共同挑战，是确保领导者值得人民信赖。
22. 无论是在新加坡还是中国，值得人民信赖的领导者，都是以坚守道德原则与核心价值观为本。
23. 中国国家主席习近平强调：“国无德不兴，人无德不立”。这句话突出了领导人必须拥有的良好品德。
24. 新加坡建国总理李光耀则这样形容我们的国家精神：“这不是马来人的国家，不是华人的国家，也不是印度人的国家，而是属于每个人的家园，不论语言、文化、宗教，一个人人平等的地方。”这种包容和尊重多元文化的精神，是新加坡身份认同的核心要素。
25. 面对21世纪的复杂局势，两国共同的挑战依旧是：如何培养领袖，确保他们在坚守这些价值观的同时，也能够在日益互联的世界中赢得信任？
26. 新加坡总理黄循财重申，我国的多元种族模式“不要求任何族群放弃自己的文化或传统”，并强调团结是通过融合，而不是同化来实现的。这体现了我们求同存异的信念：通过信任和尊重，让多元化成为增强团结的力量。
27. 新中两国都深知，一位好的领导人必须具备道德品格并尊重不同文化。这至关重要。唯有培养具备这些品德的领袖，我们才能共建一个人民互信团结的未来。
变革型领导力的三大支柱
28. 多年来，新加坡的治理模式不断演进，如今更侧重与民携手、共创未来。
29. 通过本届论坛，我们希望以三大支柱加强变革型领导力。
加强变革型领导力的第一大支柱是，打造高质量发展伙伴关系。
30. 开放包容、与世界接轨，成就了新中两国今日的繁荣。以规则为基础的国际秩序，以及贸易、投资和思想的自由流动，则带动了我们的经济增长。
31. 然而，世界正在发生变化。全球增长放缓、保护主义抬头，科技与地缘政治局势正在割裂各国相互依存的纽带，重塑全球格局。
32. 我们的社会同样在发生变化。人口老龄化、科技迅速变革，以及民众期望的转变，都在重新定义经济创造价值的方式。在这样的环境下，问题不再只是如何实现增长，而是如何实现创新的、可持续的、具包容性的高质量增长。
33. 要应对这些挑战，无论是国家之间、政商之间，还是代际之间，都需要通力合作。新中三个政府间合作项目为我们奠定了坚实基础，在每个合作阶段都体现了我们携手发展、与时俱进的能力。
34. 如今，我们的合作范围已拓展到绿色与数码领域，涵盖数据驱动的贸易和可持续发展创新。除了双边合作，我们还与亚细安密切合作，以数码互联互通、低碳能源和可信网络为支撑，构建开放、强韧的区域经济体。
35. 新加坡高级政务部长刘燕玲稍后将阐述，新中两国能如何共同勾勒愿景和采取行动，化挑战为机遇。
加强变革型领导力的第二大支柱是，携手民众共创未来。
36. 新中两国都深知，良政善治的关键在于广察民情、深知民意、贴近民心。
37. 为了广察民情，新加坡运用全国性调查和数码反馈平台等公开渠道，实时征询广大民众的观点和意见。
38. 为了深知民意，我们通过“新加坡携手前进”对话会和公民咨询小组等平台与人民持续交流、汇聚多元观点，一同探讨复杂的政策挑战。
39. 为了贴近民心，我们深耕基层，走进千家万户。这样不仅能回应最强烈的诉求，也能听到被大众忽略的心声。
40. 我们多管齐下，总结出人民最关注的课题：为年轻一代创造机遇，为年长一代提供保障，为全体国人营造归属感。
41. 针对年轻群体，我们的目标是引导他们摆脱“躺平”心态，将精力投入有意义的贡献。我们拓宽成功路径，通过“督导计划”和“幼儿培育辅助计划”等措施，在人生各阶段提供支持。我们也通过新加坡青年志愿团队和即将推出的“新加坡青年计划” ，加大他们的社会参与度。
42. 针对年长群体，我们通过“健康SG”、“乐龄SG”等计划，以及社区关爱组屋等项目，帮助他们保持身心活跃、社交活跃、能够独立自在地生活。
43. 新加坡高级政务部长陈国明稍后将阐述，我们如何构建一个以“我们为先”的社会，探讨政府如何与不同世代的人民共建具有韧性和包容性的社会，共同打造美好未来。
加强变革型领导力的第二大支柱是，培养面向未来，德才兼备的领导者。
44. 持社会进步的关键，在于领导力的传承与更新。这个世界迫切需要德才兼备的领袖：能够应对复杂局势、善用科技，同时坚守价值观，赢取人民信任。
45. 新加坡成功的基础，在于维护多元文化的和谐社会体系，以及奉行任人唯贤的制度。这些价值观不是抽象的理念，而是指引领导人决策，以及在国内外巩固信任的实用原则。
46. 《论语·为政》记录孔子所说：“为政以德，譬如北辰，居其所而众星共之。” 这告诉我们，领导者要诚实守信、恪守原则，才能获得人民的信任和拥戴。唯有如此，我们所推行的实验和改革才能成功。
47. 新加坡高级政务部长扎吉哈稍后将阐述，新中两国如何能在培养领导力和维护诚信方面加大投入，巩固治国根基。
结语：回应时代呼唤，共担领导重任
48. 变革型领导力的真谛，不是夸夸其谈，而是稳扎稳打、坚守原则和坚持不懈的努力。它要求我们提升能力、维持信任、携手创造与民共进退的解决方案，确保无人掉队。
49. 与民同行，不忘初心；携手并进，行稳致远。我们的社会都面对共同的挑战：人口老龄化、生育率下滑、年轻人诉求改变，以及全球局势变化。但我们同时也拥有持久的优势：良好的治理能力、务实的适应能力，以及对于合作力量大的信念。凭借共同的优势来应对共同的挑战，我们才能携手同行，行稳致远。
50. 实干在手，振兴在心；聚心聚力，功成可期。愿新中两国在本届论坛开启辉煌的合作新篇章，以变革型领导力共担风雨、共创繁荣。只要我们戮力同心，勇往直前，美好的未来必然指日可待。
51. 谢谢。