Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the collective effort of Team Singapore made all the difference, in his first New Year message on Dec 31. - PHOTO: MINISTRY OF DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION/The Straits Times/Asia News Network
SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore's economy grew by 4.0 per cent in 2024, exceeding expectations, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said that with the stronger economy, he expects the country’s real income to rise further.
"Unlike in many developed countries, we are not plagued by unemployment and stagnant wages. Most workers have received wage increases that outpace inflation, making them better off in real terms.
"Over the past decade, median income has risen by 2.2 per cent per annum above inflation,” Wong said in his 2025 New Year message on Tuesday.
In November, the Trade and Industry Ministry (MTI) stated that Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2024 was projected at around 3.5 per cent.
The ministry will release its advance GDP estimates for the fourth quarter and the whole of 2024 on Thursday.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said he would outline the next steps of the Forward Singapore exercise in Budget 2025, which will be tabled in Parliament on Feb 18.
He noted that among other things, the government aimed to sharpen Singapore’s economic competitiveness, create exciting opportunities and good jobs for Singaporeans, and continue to cushion the impact of the cost of living.
"We will provide more targeted help to those who find it harder to cope, especially older people and lower-income groups. But we will not neglect other segments, including the middle-income and middle-aged, who are caring for both elderly parents and young children,” he added.
Wong highlighted that 2025 also marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence.
He said that while this is an occasion to celebrate, the milestone is, in fact, a time for reflection for Singaporeans on their shared values, who they are, and what they stand for.
"Importantly, it is an opportunity to envision how we can shape our future together,” he said. - Bernama
