For many of us, GE2025 will mark the first time we get to vote—making it a personal milestone in our journey to becoming adult Singaporeans, especially as we graduate from polytechnic or university. It’s not just about showing up at the polls (which we know is mandatory). It’s about making our voices heard, and taking an active part in shaping the future Singapore we want to live in.
Unlike other Singaporean milestones—like National Service, or applying for a BTO—voting is different. It’s one of the few universal experiences we all share as adult Singaporeans, regardless of background. And with GE2025 just around the corner, it’s worth thinking about what kind of future we want to vote for.
What’s at Stake in GE2025
This year’s election isn’t just about who’s in charge—it’s about the kind of policies, values, and leadership we want moving forward. A lot has changed since the last GE in 2020. Globally, we’ve lived through everything from the pandemic and economic volatility, to the rising wave of geopolitical uncertainty—which may feel distant from us here in Singapore, but matters deeply for a small, interconnected country like ours.
Closer to home, we’re all navigating rising living costs, growing pressures around housing, mental health, and even redefining what success looks like in today’s Singapore—not to mention an increasingly challenging job market.
This is where policies like the new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme (which offers temporary financial support to recently unemployed Singaporeans) come in. While this temporary financial support won’t apply to fresh grads or students, it’s an example of how policymaking connects to everyday realities.
And like many initiatives we’re seeing today, it points to bigger questions: How do we support workers? How do we prepare for economic shifts? How do we protect our future? All of which are questions we bring with us to the ballot box this May.
Roundup of the GE2025
At least ten political parties and coalitions have expressed their intention to contest the GE2025. The top three parties in the 2025 Singapore general election each offer distinct strengths.
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), under Lawrence Wong, brings continuity and a refreshed “Forward Singapore” agenda focused on social mobility and long-term resilience. The Workers’ Party (WP) positions itself as a constructive opposition, advocating for affordable living, urban equity, and parliamentary accountability. The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) blends establishment credibility with populist appeal, pushing for tighter immigration controls, cost-of-living relief, and greater transparency.
Smaller parties round out a diverse field. The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) pushes progressive policies like minimum wage and stronger social safety nets, while the People’s Alliance for Reform (PAR)—a new coalition of PV, RP, and DPP—aims to unify fragmented opposition voices. Legacy parties like the Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) and National Solidarity Party (NSP) return with regional and grassroots focuses, while newer groups like Red Dot United (RDU) target policy-savvy younger voters. The Singapore People’s Party (SPP) leans on its long-standing community ties, particularly in areas like Potong Pasir.
Newer estates like Punggol, Sengkang, and Tengah may see more active competition due to their newer, younger demographics, and shifting political landscapes. Mature estates like Bukit Merah, Bishan-Toa Payoh, and Marine Parade are traditionally PAP strongholds, but opposition parties are increasingly trying to make inroads. The presence of multiple parties in these areas may lead to multi-cornered contests, potentially influencing electoral outcomes and the overall composition of Parliament.
In Times of Change
Our generation is stepping into adulthood at a time of rapid change—locally and globally. And the decisions made today will shape the opportunities and challenges we inherit in the coming years. Many of our peers have often felt ambivalent about politics—especially when its impact isn’t immediately visible in our day-to-day lives. But the truth is, this election is one of the rare, universal moments where every adult Singaporean has an equal say.
As new voters in the current sociopolitical environment, we should be concerned about several key issues that directly impact our futures, including:
Cost of Living: One of the top concerns is the rising cost of living—especially housing, healthcare, and education. As we enter the workforce, we may find it increasingly difficult to afford living independently, so priorities could be on affordable housing policies, improved social safety nets, and greater support for young families.
Employment Opportunities: The job market is evolving rapidly with the rise of automation, the gig economy, and digital transformation. We may feel anxious about job security, wages, and opportunities for career advancement. We may want policies that prioritise retraining, upskilling, and creating more diverse and future-proof job opportunities.
Social Issues and Inequality: Issues like inequality are increasingly relevant, especially about the widening gap between the rich and poor, or providing adequate support for marginalised communities. What about policies that promote greater social equity, mental health support, inclusivity, and opportunities for all Singaporeans to thrive, regardless of their background?
Environmental Sustainability: Climate change is a pressing issue too, with many young voters passionate about securing a sustainable future. Concerns can be about the government’s pace in tackling climate change, pollution, and sustainable urban planning.
Our Chance to Shape What’s Ahead
Sure, voting in Singapore is mandatory—but just because you have to show up doesn’t mean it can’t mean something. Our votes can influence policies that affect our daily lives, from education to employment, and social mobility to environmental sustainability.
Having come of age amidst so much uncertainty since the last GE, our generation is nothing, if not realists. While most of us probably understand that no single vote or election can solve an issue, we also recognise that, as young adults, we now have the opportunity to shift conversations and shape a future where we—who have the most to gain or lose—are heard.
We may not all agree on what the future should look like. But we’re finally old enough to have a say in it. So let’s make it count.
