Singapore PM Lawrence Wong’s Vesak Day address was a heartfelt tribute to 60 years of unity and progress. Emphasizing religious harmony, he praised Singaporeans—especially the Buddhist community—for preserving peace in one of the world’s most diverse societies. Wong warned that global tensions are rising, but Singapore must continue to protect its unique social fabric. Watch his inspiring message that has resonated across the world.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Once again, I'm very happy to join all of you this afternoon to celebrate Visak Day.
00:06I don't know what time you slept last night.
00:09I slept very late. In fact, I had very little sleep.
00:14But it's very good to join all of you today for this wonderful celebration.
00:19And I wish all of you happy Visak Day in advance.
00:53But through the determination and grit of our pioneers, we built this nation strong and free.
01:02And today, Singapore is transformed.
01:04We enjoy a much higher standard of living, and we live in one of the most cohesive, peaceful, and united societies in the world.
01:14We are one of the most religiously diverse countries anywhere in the world.
01:19Across Singapore, you can see a temple, a church, and a mosque, sometimes side by side along the same street.
01:28Yet, amidst this diversity, we enjoy deep harmony.
01:34Singaporeans of all faiths can live together, eat together, and celebrate each other's festivals.
01:41We may have different beliefs and practices, but we are happy to share our meals, forge friendships, and grow up together in the same neighborhood.
01:51This kind of harmony is not common at all.
01:57Certainly, it doesn't happen automatically.
02:00You just look around the world, and we know that in so many places, religious and racial tensions are growing,
02:08and the trend is moving towards more division and more extremism.
02:13But here in Singapore, we have something precious, we have harmony in our multi-racial and multi-religious society,
02:21and that's something we must always cherish and protect.
02:26What we have achieved did not happen by chance.
02:30In the early years, we too experienced racial and religious strife.
02:34But we worked hard, we persevered, and with decades of patience, effort, and hard work, especially by our religious leaders,
02:43we built bridges, and we strengthened mutual trust.
02:48And the Singapore Buddhist Federation has played a key role in this.
02:54It sits on the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony.
02:57It is on the IRO Council.
02:59And through these different platforms, our Buddhist leaders have helped to build strong bonds and trust with other religious leaders,
03:08quietly resolving issues when they arise with compassion, with mutual respect, and with understanding.
03:17Harmony is not the work of religious leaders alone.
03:20All Singaporeans also must do their part, reaching across lines of differences,
03:25and making an effort to expand our common space.
03:28And I'm very grateful that all of you in our Buddhist community,
03:33as our largest religious group in Singapore,
03:37you have set the tone for tolerance, inclusion, and respect.
03:44And you have done that not just with words, but with your actions.
03:49So today, I want to thank all of you for your contributions to racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
03:55Thank you very much.
03:58There are so many things that all of you do.
04:04You have Buddhist temples and charities offering vegetarian meals for the public.
04:09Zulin Temple, every Chinese New Year, invites seniors and disadvantaged families from Hongka North to celebrate the New Year.
04:16Buddhist organizations like the SBF and the Singapore Buddhist Lodge offer bursaries for students.
04:23And during the month of Ramadan, when our Muslim friends mark Ramadan, the Buddhist Lodge also donates rice to Balwi Mosque for distribution to families in need.
04:34These are just some of the many examples you do.
04:38You participate actively in the activities of the racial and religious harmony circles across Singapore.
04:44And last year, many temples donated generously to the Harmony in Action fundraising campaign to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
04:55So, once again, thank you for all these acts of kindness and compassion.
05:00Your acts of compassion and generosity reflect the enduring spirit of Buddha's teachings.
05:14The emphasis on kindness, tolerance, selflessness and moral integrity.
05:20And these values apply to Singapore as a whole too.
05:25As we look ahead beyond SG60, it is the compassion that binds us, the tolerance that sustains us, and the moral courage that will carry us forward together as one united people.
05:41So, on this VSAC Day, I hope we can all renew our pledge to continue working hand in hand to build an even more inclusive, gracious and harmonious Singapore.
05:54Thank you very much.
05:56Happy VSAC Day, everyone. Thank you.
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