PM Lee’s 2019 NDR speech resonates well with Singaporeans; younger citizens rated it over 6.6%

Independent research agency Blackbox Research in its latest survey of 1,002 Singapore citizens and PRs, aged 15 and above, the forthcoming adjustments to retirement age are causing the most concern here in Singapore, after Singaporean prime minister Lee cited the country’s plans during his 2019 National Day Rally.

Most significant themes 

Twenty-five percent of the respondents were most concerned about changes to retirement age rating it as the most important theme this year. Other topics of significance were the worsening economy (23%), as well as CPF changes for older workers (19%).

The long-term plan to respond to climate change issues made a very good impression on respondents, with 21% saying this was the most impressive part of this year’s NDR speech.

Likewise, the plan to develop the Greater Southern Waterfront was rated the second most impressive with 17% rating and proved to be very popular among the youth.

While women were more impressed with the upcoming changes to CPF for older workers (21%), men were considerably less so (14%).

The survey rated PM Lee’s delivery of the speech based on several metrics, such as his presentation and how well it connected with Singaporeans. Based on survey findings, Singaporeans rated the NDR speech 6.1 out of 10 this year.

Younger Singaporeans (15 to 24-year-olds) rated it higher at 6.6, while older Singaporeans (50 years old and above) rated it only 5.9.

The National Day Rally 2019

The National Day Rally is the yearly address delivered by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, citing and expounding on the government’s views of all that were happening in Singapore and around the world, including its priorities and policies addressing today’s challenges and in response to opportunities of the future.

The main English National Day Rally 2019 speech took place on 18 August 2019 at 8.15pm. It was broadcasted ‘live’ on Mediacorp TV channels and radio, as well as online on the Prime Minister’s Office You Tube channel and PM Lee’s Facebook page.

In a ‘trailer’ released 17 August 2019, PM Lee said that on this occasion of Singapore’s Bicentennial year, he will reflect on the country’s journey from Singapore to Singaporeans, US-China relations and how these affect everyone, the economy and how the government is looking after companies and workers, the cost of pre-school and tertiary education and measures to keep both affordable, as well as climate change and how it can impact Singapore. -/TISG