National Day Rally 2026: PM Wong to unveil new plans to support families

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered an expansion of family support measures during Singapore's National Day Rally on August 23, 2026. The new plans include increased childcare leave and a significant reduction in preschool fees. Additionally, the income limit for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats will rise for the first time in seven years, from S$14,000 to S$16,000.

First-time families will receive an extra ballot opportunity for each child they have or are expecting to obtain a HDB home. Wong emphasized a broader shift towards supporting families throughout their children's upbringing, rather than focusing solely on childbirth. The Prime Minister also discussed Singapore's approach to navigating a more unstable and dangerous world, highlighting plans to embrace technologies like artificial intelligence while managing associated risks and supporting affected workers.

Robust age checks and safeguards for teenagers using social media were among the proposed measures. Closing his speech with the stories of three Singaporeans who overcame adversity, Wong urged the nation to remain united and persevere together to build a stronger Singapore. He concluded, "If we stay united, keep faith with one another, and hold fast to the values that have brought us this far, I am confident we will rise to every challenge – and we will prevail."