This year, Singapore marks its 60th birthday – six decades of remarkable growth, resilience, and transformation. From a small port city to a thriving global hub, Singapore’s journey is a story of vision, innovation, and unity. What does the future hold for this vibrant nation, and how do the young Singaporeans of today – our future leaders, professionals, and changemakers – envision the next 60 years?
To mark the nation’s special birthday, we asked accountants and aspiring accountants this question: In your personal wish for Singapore’s future, what is the one thing you hope Singapore never loses, and the one thing you hope she gains?
In this article, we have some of the responses from accountants and students.
Also listen to the latest episode of CA Listen: Sparkling Conversations, where the ISCA Global Talent Programme participants share their hopes and dreams for Singapore’s future. Click here for the podcast.
“I wish Singapore gains happiness and never loses stability.”
“I hope Singapore never loses her commitment to racial harmony, which has been the cornerstone of our development as a society.
As we move forward together, I wish for this harmony to grow even stronger, rooted in mutual respect and genuine understanding.”
“I hope Singapore never loses her attractiveness as a global business hub.
I hope she gains even more land spaces for future residential, commercial and living purposes.”
“One thing I hope Singapore never loses is its harmony despite our diversity in race, language and religion.
I also hope Singapore gains a deeper sense of community, where every person feels that he/she belongs, and wants to do his/her best for the country.”
“My wish is that Singapore never loses its resilience and continues to thrive in a sustainable and competitive manner.
I also hope that Singapore gains strong adaptability in the increasingly complex global landscape.”
“One thing I hope Singapore never loses: competitiveness as the top global business hub.
One thing I hope she gains: green-energy independence!”
“As we look towards SG60, my primary wish is that we never lose our modern ‘kampung spirit’, where mutual support forms the resilient bedrock of our society.
Building on this foundation, I hope we gain the audacity for true innovation, empowering our next generation to take the bold risks needed to compete on a global stage.
These two aspirations are intertwined, as a strong community provides the crucial safety net that gives us the confidence to leap forward and achieve our ambitions.”
“After spending nearly two years abroad, I’ve come to appreciate even more the quiet strength of Singapore’s stability and its enduring presence on the world stage. I hope she never loses that.
What I hope she gains is an energy that opens minds, challenges perspectives, and reveals just how much is possible. Or in true Singaporean fashion: ‘Like that also can!’.”
“I hope Singapore never loses its multiracial and cultural society.
I also hope that she becomes even more resilient and flexible in navigating the global uncertainties."
“Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore!
My wish is that Singapore never loses our unique ability to be both agile and bilingual – quick to adapt, yet deeply rooted in our multicultural identity. It’s this combination that has helped us navigate complexity, bridge worlds, and punch above our weight on the global stage.
At the same time, I hope Singapore continues to grow our presence in the tech innovation and creation space – not just as adopters of cutting-edge tools, but as bold creators and shapers of the digital future.”
“As we mark SG60, I hope Singapore never loses the grit, unity, and sense of shared purpose that have defined our journey. From a small island-nation to a thriving global hub, our success has never been guaranteed but is built on the resilience and trust of our people. As a student at SMU, I have seen how this same spirit is passed on in the way we learn, collaborate, and lead. I hope future generations will continue to uphold these values and never take them for granted.
Looking ahead, I hope Singapore advances further in sustainability and becomes an even more compassionate society. While we have made meaningful progress, I believe we can go further. Not just in reducing our environmental footprint, but in embedding sustainability into the way we live, work, and make decisions.
At the same time, I hope we continue to grow in empathy, ensuring that no one is left behind as we pursue progress. Whether it is through supporting vulnerable communities, encouraging mental well-being, or fostering inclusive dialogue, a more compassionate Singapore will be one where success is shared and dignity is upheld for all.
Happy 60th, Singapore! May we continue to grow with purpose, heart and hope.”
“My personal wish for Singapore is to never lose its status as global business hub and continuing be an attractive place for businesses to operate from. Singapore’s reputation as a business-friendly location, coupled with the fact that we have an efficient infrastructure and a strategic location, has been the cornerstone of her success. Having a reputation as a dynamic place to do business and having robust financial services have made Singapore a top destination for companies worldwide – something we cannot take for granted.
Separately, the one thing I hope Singapore will gain is to be an even more inclusive society, leaving no man behind in her pursuit of success!
Lastly, Happy Birthday, Singapore!”
"I hope Singapore will always remain a harmonious and united society, even as we continue to grow in diversity. Our strength lies not in our similarities but in our ability to embrace differences. Be it in race, religion, background, or belief, Singaporeans continue to come together as one people. While we may sometimes disagree on how things should be done, we are ultimately driven by the same vision: to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous nation for all.
As we look ahead to the next 60 years and beyond, my hope is that Singapore becomes a global leader in the ethical and sustainable use of artificial intelligence (AI). With our unique blend of cultures and perspectives, we are well-positioned to understand both the immense potential and complex risks that AI presents. By drawing on our diversity, we can shape responsible safeguards and innovative solutions that not only benefit Singaporeans but contribute meaningfully to the global community.
Happy 60th Birthday, Singapore! Thank you for being a country that I can call home!”
“Something I hope Singapore never loses is the warmth and kindness of her people. Even in our fast-paced city life, there is still room for care, whether it is for one another, for nature, or for the stray animals around us. Across void decks and sunny corridors, community cats are a familiar sight, quietly looked after by neighbours who expect nothing in return. I have always found beauty in this everyday harmony, where humans and animals coexist with mutual respect. It reflects a deeper compassion that runs through our society, and it is something I hope Singapore will always hold on to.
As for what I hope Singapore gains, it is a more connected future, where people have the space to slow down and form meaningful relationships beyond work and routine. In a city known for its drive and efficiency, it is easy to get caught up in systems and schedules. But I hope Singapore grows not only in speed and progress, but also in the way we relate to one another. I hope we create more opportunities for people to pause, gather, and connect, whether in neighbourhood parks, shared public spaces, or simple conversations over kopi. These everyday interactions help relationships grow, spark new ideas, and allow a true sense of belonging to take root!”
© 2024 Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants
