Speaking during a dialogue at the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) 2026 Singapore Perspectives conference, Mr Gan was responding to a question about how speeches that evoke a “we first” society may be perceived as referring to Singaporeans, unintentionally excluding foreigners, especially when leaders call on individuals to be involved in integration efforts.
The Nanyang Polytechnic student who asked the question noted that some Singaporeans may also think that if the government calls on foreigners to integrate, this might be seen as the country’s leaders being in favour of “having foreigners over citizens”.
“What can leaders do to promote genuine integration between groups while avoiding a situation where Singaporeans feel that leaders are increasingly accommodating foreigners at the expense of Singaporeans?” he asked.
The idea of a “we first” society was mentioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in the 2025 National Day Rally, where he spoke about collective responsibility as a way to strengthen the bonds between Singaporeans.
On Monday, Mr Gan shared his interpretation of a “we first” society.
“I think ‘we first’ doesn’t mean ‘we first, you later’ … Actually, 'we first' means 'we before I'. CNA
The above paragraphs show two different views of the phrase 'We first' spoken by Lawrence Wong. Lawrence was very clear in saying that it is between Singaporeans. When questioned in public, Gan Kim Yong seemed defensive and pressured to say that it is also about foreigners. We also means foreigners. Why did he take such a stand? Is he afraid that the foreigners will be offended and will run away? This is our country. If Singaporeans are not first, and foreigners also first, why not abolish citizenship altogether, call this a Singapore hotel? Why not abolish NS also?
The Americans are proud of America First, with no fear of offending foreigners. No need to apologise to the foreigners. A country must always put its citizens first, right? Or foreigners have the same right and importance as citizens and we are afraid to offend them? Saying We first, Singaporeans first is only the right thing to do. There is nothing offensive about it. Nothing offensive, nothing to be embarrassed about. If Singaporeans are not the first priority in Singapore, if foreigners share the same status of importance, what is the difference between citizens and foreigners?
Singapore is our country, not the country of foreigners. We must always be first in our own land. We must have privileges as citizens over foreigners. No country in the world would treat Singaporeans the same way as their citizens. Just visit any country and ask to be treated as equals to their citizens. They will kick your ass and throw you out immediately. No country will treat foreigners as equals to their citizens.
What is this We first to include foreigners?
“I think ‘we first’ doesn’t mean ‘we first, you later’ … Actually, 'we first' means 'we before I'.
“The key is, who are we? All of us together is we. The difference is it’s not about me and myself alone, but about us, together collectively.”'
Who is us? We may want to sleep in the same bed with foreigners. But do you think the foreigners will be having the same dream as Singaporeans? Will the foreigners be thinking of himself and his country's interest first, even taking over Singapore? Anyone understands what is a Trojan Horse?
What do you think? Would any Singaporean want to share his home with foreigners, as equals?
8 comments:
I think selling out will continue.
I think it can be interpreted as PAP 1st, Foreigner 2nd and Sillyporean peasants last. It is also a reminder to Sillyporean that Sinkieland cannot survive without foreign worker Today due to the over 40% of our economy being controlled by them. The influx of foreigner 30yrs ago & coupled with papies policy had caused Sinkieland to depend on Foreigner to keep them in power forever. Therefore if sillyporean still don't wakeup, then they can continue to live to please the foreigner in their own land.
Singapore belongs to Singaporeans NOT foreigners.
Singaporeans are so naive, so gullible, thinking it is safe to bring in so many foreigners into their homes and open legs wide wide. Do you know anything about the foreigners that you brought into your homes? You trust him with your homes and the safety of you loved ones to a complete stranger?
Singapore is so lucky. All the foreigners came here with real degrees and qualifications. So few are caught means everything is fine. Real foreign talents with real degrees. Sleep well at night, nothing to worry about. When a Singaporean loses a job to a foreign talent, just believe that he is not losing to one with fake degrees.
How many hundred thousand foreign talents are here? Say 500,000. If 1% is fake, there should be 5,000 cases of fake talents. If 10%, there should be 50,000 fake talents. The real figure should be between 20% to 50%, meaning 100,000 to 250,000. You may choose to disagree. Only a real serious effort to check will expose the cheats. Don't check, then just believe all is fine.
Will Singapore do a serious check to clear the swamp? Better not, the swamp is too widespread and entrenched too deeply. It would be very embarrassing if a CEO is found to use fake degrees. Just pretend there is no fakes or very few fakes and be happy about it.
Singapore leaders, not Singaporeans please.
I think it is a fallacy to say that Singaporeans love to have foreigners taking over their jobs. It is the leaders loving that.
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