This forum letter was originally published in The Straits Times on 20 August 2025.

In his National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on Singaporeans to build a “we first” society, one where “we” must precede “me”. It is a vision worth embracing.

At its heart, “we first” recognises that government alone cannot create a caring society. Change spreads through countless small acts, through communities and institutions, and through people who look out for one another.

Civil society groups are part of this ecosystem by providing help on the ground, gathering lived experiences, and shaping policies so they better reflect the realities of Singaporeans.

We see every day how care and courage can transform lives: survivors of sexual violence who choose to make a police report, not only for themselves, but also so the next woman may be spared. We see it in volunteer helpliners who give their time to listen with patience and compassion, guiding callers through difficult options, and in advocates who push for reforms so that laws protect families from harm.

These are the voices of “we first” – people who know the well-being of others is their concern too.

But solidarity requires more than neighbourly goodwill. It also needs systems that guard against inequality and abuse. Survivors of sexual violence need not only support services, but also police officers trained to respond sensitively, and laws that recognise emotional and physical abuse.